"Removable media, particularly USB devices, continue to pose a significant risk within high-security settings. Despite advancements in network defence, USB drives are a well-documented attack vector, capable of bypassing other protective measures and introducing malware into sensitive infrastructures. As of 2024, research indicates that over 30 per cent of known malware outbreaks in industrial and critical environments originate from USB transfers. This threat has persisted, notably impacting defence sites, manufacturing facilities, and energy providers across Europe."
"In 2022, a major manufacturing plant in Europe suffered a week-long shutdown after a contractor's infected USB drive impacted their programmable logic controllers (PLCs). The downtime resulted from a cascade of system failures, leading to losses exceeding £1.5 million. While this incident occurred overseas, it mirrors potential outcomes for UK critical infrastructure providers, emphasising the urgent requirement for effective USB threat management."
"A report published in June 2024 by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) highlights an increase in targeted attacks using removable media. Organisations have seen a 28 per cent annual rise in incidents attributed to USB drives since 2021 ( ). Notably, attacks have grown more sophisticated, often exploiting supply chain vulnerabilities or targeting air-gapped networks."
Removable USB media remain a major security risk across IT and OT environments, able to bypass endpoint protections and introduce malware into sensitive systems. Over 30% of known malware outbreaks in industrial and critical environments originate from USB transfers, with a 28% annual rise in incidents since 2021. Attacks have become more sophisticated, exploiting supply chains and targeting air-gapped networks. Real-world impacts include week-long shutdowns and multimillion-pound losses when PLCs are infected. Defence, manufacturing and energy sectors are particularly affected. Many sectors now require dedicated removable media policies and stronger physical and digital controls.
Read at London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com
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