Kaspersky: Oil And Gas Industry Sector Experiences Increased OT Cyber Attacks

JAKARTA - ICS CERT Kaspersky revealed an analysis of the evolving global and regional Cybersecurity (OT) trends related to certain industries, the second half of 2023 (H2 2023).

Kaspersky's analysis shows a decline in the percentage of Operational Technology, or OT computers being attacked, from 34.0 percent in the first half to 31.9 percent in the second half of 2023.

Of the number of attacks, the spread through the internet became the main source of cyber risks to OT computers, which amounted to 18.1 percent, followed by client emails of 4.0 percent and removable media of 1.9 percent.

Another worrying finding is the global 1.4-fold increase in miners that can be executed is blocked in the industrial control system for Windows in Semester 2 of 2023 compared to Semester 1 of 2023.

This highlights the development of tactics used by attackers, and is increasingly exploiting vulnerability and utilizing industry control system infrastructure for financial gain.

Focusing on certain industries, do not forget, this report identifies that building automation was the most targeted sector during the second half of last year.

The oil and gas (oil and gas) sector shows a fluctuating trend, experiencing a slight increase in attacks in the second half of 2023 after experiencing a decline.

"Although the general exposure to OT Global infrastructure to cyber threats decreased in the second half of 2023, industrial companies must continue to strengthen their defenses and remain ahead of the growing threat," said Evgeny Goncharov, head of ICS CERT Kaspersky.

Goncharov also hopes that reports that include details on specific threats regionally, countries and industries capable of reaching the OT system, can help organizations adjust their cybersecurity strategies.