In today’s interconnected world, cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility – whether you are an individual, a business, or part of critical infrastructure.
Celebrated every October, Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a global movement that underscores the importance of protecting IT systems and data. This movement calls on all of us to step up, learn new skills, and adopt smarter practices to safeguard our data, devices, and networks from ever-evolving cyberthreats.
The Role of OPSWAT Academy
OPSWAT Academy plays a crucial role in promoting cybersecurity awareness by offering comprehensive and current online and live training programs designed for general and Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) cybersecurity.
Through hands-on learning experiences, certification courses, and partnerships with educational institutions and industry leaders, OPSWAT Academy equips individuals and organizations with the knowledge and skills necessary to defend against emerging cyberthreats.
Our initiatives, such as the $10 Million Scholarship Program, further drive the global mission to close the cybersecurity skills gap and raise awareness of the importance of safeguarding vital sectors.
As we dive into this year's Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we've reached out to top cybersecurity experts to gather their insights on the key question: “What strategies do you think are most effective in raising awareness about the importance of cybersecurity within critical infrastructure sectors?”
Titus G. Gooding
Sr., M.Sc. Software Engineer – Instructor, University of Liberia
Raising Cybersecurity awareness in both critical/non-critical infrastructure requires a multi-layered approach that involves both technical and human. The most effective strategies are raising cybersecurity awareness and tailored training programs for each sector. The training programs should include real-world cases, such as simulated cyber-attacks. This will help the user/employee understand the potential risk and advance practical responses.
Another focus is fostering a culture of cybersecurity, every person regardless of status is encouraged to prioritize security in their work. Constant communication and engagement are vital, making sure that cybersecurity policies and procedures are understood and accepted. There should also be collaboration between public and private entities to help share intelligence about threats and resources to create a resilient defense against infrastructure.
Using advanced technology such as threat detection will further enhance cyber awareness to provide immediate responses to potential risks and vulnerabilities.
In this light, ongoing training and awareness, fostering cyberculture, collaboration, and making use of advanced tools will create a comprehensive approach to achieving great results in the fight to protect our cyberspace.
Enes Haračić
Director of Results Consulting d.o.o.
Targeting all employees with simple and effective campaigns and courses is an efficient way to achieve a security culture in the critical infrastructure sector. Additionally, it is crucial to include and get the direct, hands-on support of managers and decision-makers in all internal awareness-raising campaigns.
The campaigns should be regular and continuous, focusing on real business issues and offering the path to appropriate solutions and measures to be taken. Case studies in different regions and industries are very valuable tools for understanding the threat landscape. Product demos help IT/OT technicians and engineers to see hands-on use and determine the values appropriate solutions in their own organizations and environments.
Eric Knapp
CTO, OT, Product Management, OPSWAT
I’ve been in this OT security industry from the very beginning, and I’ve seen a lot of people – including me – try to raise awareness and fail. The only thing that really works consistently is education. The industry is very suspicious of vendors in general, but when it comes to OT you’re dealing with engineers and operators with scientific minds. Telling them they need to do something won’t work but showing them why they need to do something will get their attention. And once they understand the need, they will seek out more knowledge and they will share that knowledge.
This is why Blackhat started having a session or two about industrial security several years ago, and why there’s an entire track of sessions on it today. There’s a lot of special domain knowledge on both the cybersecurity and the OT side, so there’s a lot to learn and the thirst for knowledge is great.
The only thing that really works consistently is education.
Melvin Inertia Soclo
Associate Dean, ICT College, UMU, Liberia
The important strategies I believe are most effective in raising cybersecurity awareness within critical infrastructure sectors that are of paramount importance in safeguarding critical infrastructure sectors, particularly in developing nations like Liberia concerning Information Technology, Energy, Telecommunications, Healthcare & Public health, Financial, Transportation, Defense and Government services, which are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats due to the growing complexity of cyberattacks and the often-limited resources available for cybersecurity in these environments are:
Electronic media: Most people in Liberia listen to the radio daily for information. Cybersecurity awareness using radio stations through public relations, sponsorships, and integrated communication is relevant.
Social media campaign: Many young people use social media platforms regularly for information, therefore providing important content for cybersecurity awareness will enable more people to understand cybersecurity.
On-campus cybersecurity awareness: Create programs on both rural and urban campuses to inform students about the importance of learning, training, and building skills in cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity concerts: Host concerts among young people from all walks of life, inviting parents and professionals to explain the importance of cybersecurity through songs, dramas, and application contests.
Steven Anderegg
CTO at Confideo IT Consulting AG
Security awareness within critical infrastructure is very important. Social engineering and phishing emails are a big risk and attack the weakest point of an employee. To prevent such attacks, employees need to be trained to raise their awareness. In-person workshops with experienced security awareness trainers
Showing live what can happen with social engineering and how it works
How hackers attack by email
Implement permanent ongoing training like foxhunt, hornet security, etc. This helps enormously to train the employees during their daily work.
These are accompanying steps beside an infrastructure that protects from attacks.
Nikhil Mahadeshwar
Founder at Cyber Secured India
Conducting both online and offline sessions in collaboration with industry experts is an effective strategy. Additionally, creating a manual that includes a checklist of key points to avoid cyberattacks can provide a practical, easy-to-follow resource for raising awareness and ensuring cybersecurity best practices within critical infrastructure sectors.
Ankit Bishnoi
Manager [DF & IR] Technical Hitachi Systems India
Raising cybersecurity awareness within critical infrastructure sectors requires a multi-faceted approach.
Tailored Training Programs: Develop sector-specific training that addresses unique threats and vulnerabilities. Realistic scenarios and hands-on exercises can enhance engagement and preparedness.
Regular Drills and Simulations: Conduct frequent drills and tabletop exercises to simulate cyber-attacks. This helps staff understand their roles in response plans and identify areas for improvement.
Leadership Involvement: Ensure that top management actively supports and participates in cybersecurity initiatives. Their commitment reinforces the importance of security practices throughout the organization.
Clear Communication: Use clear, jargon-free language to communicate risks and best practices. Regular updates through newsletters, bulletins, or briefings can keep cybersecurity top-of-mind.
Promote a Security Culture: Encourage a culture where security is everyone’s responsibility. Recognize and reward employees who demonstrate good security practices.
Collaborative Partnerships: Engage with industry groups and government agencies to share threat intelligence and best practices. Collaboration can provide valuable insights and enhance overall sector resilience.
Itay Glick
VP, Products, OPSWAT
After an overview session presenting possible threats to the organization, the main value would come from active practice on simulated attacks and response training. This can be something simple like a phishing email, where you track which users of the organization were able to avoid it, and also more breach attack simulation/pentesting that actively looks for holes. It is also very important to see how the organization operates the incident like it was a real event.
...the main value would come from active practice on simulated attacks and response training.
The Takeaway Message
Continuous training and collaboration are essential to strengthening cybersecurity across all infrastructure sectors. Combining technical training, human-centered strategies, and regular drills fosters a security culture that can adapt to emerging threats. Involving leadership and utilizing real-world simulations are key strategies for deeply integrating cybersecurity practices into organizational routines, thereby enhancing resilience.
OPSWAT Academy’s training programs are crucial in advancing these strategies, providing specialized knowledge in critical infrastructure protection. By participating in these programs, individuals and organizations can develop essential skills to counteract cyberthreats effectively.
We invite readers to explore the offerings at OPSWAT Academy to elevate their cybersecurity capabilities and contribute to safeguarding our digital and physical infrastructures.
