"Ransomware 'Likely' to Target Transportation OT Systems, Warns EU Cyber Agency"

According to a new report from the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), ransomware attacks are the most pressing cyber threat faced by the transportation sector. This is the first time the agency has analyzed threats to the aviation, maritime, railway, and road sectors. ENISA emphasizes that while most ransomware attacks have so far targeted Information Technology (IT) systems such as databases, ransomware groups are likely to target and disrupt Operational Technology (OT) systems in the near future, potentially causing victims even greater harm. OT systems commonly monitor or control mechanical operations, making them important to the safety of airports, ports, rail traffic, and other parts of the transportation industry. ENISA stated that it has not received "reliable information" on a cyberattack harming the safety of transportation, but that the risk of cyberattacks on OT systems is increasing as a result of digital transformation's integration of traditionally segmented IT and OT systems. In addition, the organization stated that the supposed urgency of the transportation sector "to pay ransom to avoid any critical business and social impact" could be encouraging further attacks. While the bulk of transportation sector attacks in 2022 were motivated by financial gain, the maritime industry proved to be of particular interest to state-sponsored groups. This article continues to discuss key points made by ENISA's report on the transport threat landscape. 

The Record reports "Ransomware 'Likely' to Target Transportation OT Systems, Warns EU Cyber Agency"