Holding the Line against Cyber Threats

9 years ago

Aspen Institute, Intel Security Critical Infrastructure Survey Shows 86% of Respondents Want More Public-Private Cooperation; Of Those who Experienced Cyberattacks, 59% Reported Physical Damage

According to a latest survey Holding the Line Against Cyber Threats: Critical Infrastructure Readiness Survey, conducted by The Aspen Institute and Intel Security, IT executives within critical infrastructure organizations see a need for public-private threat intelligence sharing partnerships (86% of respondents) to keep pace with escalating cybersecurity threats. A majority (76%) of survey respondents also indicated they believe a national defense force should respond when a cyber attack damages a critical infastructure company within national borders. Additionally, although most respondents agree that threats to their organizations are on the rise, they maintain a high degree of confidence in existing security.

The survey, reveals that the critical infrastructure providers surveyed are pleased with the results of their efforts to improve cybersecurity over the last three years, but at the same time many (72%) said that the threat level of attacks was escalating. Almost half of all respondents (48%) believe it is likely that a cyberattack on critical infrastructure, with the potential to result in the loss of human life, could happen within the next three years.

“With new breaches announced regularly, the current security reality is that organizations are struggling for answers. It’s time for public and private intrests to join together to enhance cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection,” said Hamed Diab, MENA Regional Director, Intel Security.

“This data raises new and vital questions about how public and private interests can best join forces to mitigate and defend against cyberattacks,” said Clark Kent Ervin, Director, Homeland Security Program, Aspen Institute. “This issue must be addressed by policymakers and corporate leaders alike.”