Cybersecurity

For decades, computer security has focused almost exclusively on implementing processes and technologies to protect data from theft, loss or corruption. That may no longer represent the greatest threat, however. According to a recent Claroty survey, nearly three-quarters of IT security professionals say cyberattacks on critical infrastructure represent a far larger threat than data breaches.

In January, law enforcement agencies from seven nations combined to take down DarkMarket, one of the world’s largest dark web marketplaces. Authorities say the site facilitated about $160 million in sales of stolen logins, passwords, social media credentials and other personal information.

Now that people have proven they can work productively from home, many organizations plan to maintain a hybrid work environment in which employees can split time between home and the office. Doing so will require a strong emphasis on security — not only by corporate entities, but by workers themselves.

On May 7, 2021, the Colonial Pipeline was shut down due to a ransomware attack. It was the largest cyberattack on oil infrastructure in U.S. history, prompting an emergency declaration by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for 17 states and Washington, D.C.