Critical infrastructure struggles with AI and quantum threats

"Critical infrastructure organizations are facing a new wave of cyber risks. Although the number of data breaches is declining, AI and quantum technology are creating unknown threats that surpass traditional defense mechanisms. This is according to research by Thales. Telecom companies, utilities, transport organizations, and energy companies are confronted with a rapidly evolving threat landscape. 73% of professionals in critical infrastructure cite the rapidly evolving AI ecosystem as their most significant security challenge."

"The survey of 513 professionals worldwide reveals a striking paradox: while the number of reported data breaches fell dramatically from 37 percent in 2021 to just 15 percent last year, new technologies are simultaneously creating unprecedented vulnerabilities. The progress in reducing data breaches is partly due to the wider use of multi-factor authentication (MFA). Three-quarters of organizations now use MFA for more than 40 percent of their employees, although this is still nine percentage points behind the global average."

"Nearly three-quarters have already purchased specific security tools for generative AI. Nevertheless, concerns remain high. Model integrity is a concern for 64 percent of respondents, while 53 percent doubt the reliability of external data sources. The pace of AI development itself is seen as the most significant risk-much higher than in other sectors. "AI-powered attacks are becoming easier to execute and more effective," warns Todd Moore, VP of Data Security Products at Thales."

A survey of 513 critical infrastructure professionals worldwide found reported data breaches dropped from 37% in 2021 to 15% last year, while AI and quantum technologies are creating unprecedented vulnerabilities. Three-quarters of organizations now use multi-factor authentication for more than 40% of employees, though this remains nine percentage points below the global average. Adoption of advanced AI systems is accelerating, with nearly three-quarters purchasing security tools for generative AI, yet 64% express concern about model integrity and 53% doubt external data reliability. Seventy-three percent identify the rapidly evolving AI ecosystem as their top security challenge. Quantum computing is identified as an emerging threat to encryption.

Read at Techzine Global