Global Economic Trends Heighten Cyber Risk According to New Security Report

Impact of Global Economic Policies on Cyber-Physical Security

In today's highly interconnected world, the implications of global economic policies and geopolitical tensions extend far beyond traditional financial markets. A groundbreaking report released by Claroty, a leader in cyber-physical systems (CPS) security, highlights how nearly half (49%) of cybersecurity professionals perceive increased risks to CPS environments due to these very tensions. This significant statistic stems from a comprehensive survey conducted among 1,100 experts spanning various sectors, including infosecurity, operational technology, and biomedical engineering.

The report, titled "The Global State of CPS Security 2025: Navigating Risk in an Uncertain Economic Landscape," presents a thorough examination of the challenges posed by economic volatility. It uncovers alarming insights, such as the fact that 45% of respondents express concerns about managing risks to vital CPS assets effectively. The wave of destruction caused by shifting economic circumstances has spread beyond just operational areas, compelling organizations to reevaluate their entire supply chain geography.

This reflection leads to the key statistic that 67% of professionals are reassessing their supply chains to bolster protection against vulnerabilities stemming from economic and geopolitical upheavals. The vulnerabilities associated with third-party remote access have escalated due to these supply chain changes. Alarmingly, data from the report shows that 46% of surveyed organizations experienced breaches within the past year as a direct consequence of third-party access, with 54% detecting security weaknesses in vendor contracts post-incident.

The ripple effects of such incidents have prompted 73% of organizations to reconsider their third-party remote access strategies, marking a substantial shift in how CPS operations are managed. The growing complexity and exposure of CPS environments have not gone unnoticed, with regulatory changes also surfacing as a point of concern. Different regions across the globe are grappling with the tension between deregulation and increasing regulatory demands. While 70% of participants indicated their adherence to established cybersecurity frameworks, a staggering 76% foresee emerging regulations necessitating fundamental changes to their existing strategies, which could severely disrupt operational efficiencies.

Sean Tufts, Claroty’s Field Chief Technology Officer, articulates this concern: "Attackers often see times of instability as opportunities to strike. Distracted defenders are ineffective defenders. This combined with the impact of critical infrastructure on economic stability, national security, and public safety makes it a particularly attractive target." According to Tufts, the findings indicate that navigating this uncertain environment is becoming increasingly challenging for security teams.

In response to the growing complexity of risk landscapes, the survey also underscores the importance of adopting impact-centric strategies for risk reduction. Among the top methods highlighted are regular security audits, embraced by 49% of participants, and enhancements in processes to regulate change approvals. Implementing these measures can substantially improve compliance efforts and uncover vulnerabilities, especially in scenarios where third-party vendor interactions create blind spots.

Fostering a culture of proactive risk management is essential for organizations looking to avert future crises. In a seemingly chaotic world, the report serves as a clarion call, urging organizations to enhance their cybersecurity frameworks, particularly concerning their CPS environments and the intricate web of third-party access.

To explore the full implications and findings of the research, you can download the comprehensive report, "The Global State of CPS Security 2025: Navigating Risk in an Uncertain Economic Landscape," and join the upcoming webinar where experts will delve deeper into effectively securing critical assets.

The evolving landscape calls for higher vigilance and a shift towards more resilient strategies in safeguarding against cyber threats. As we brace for the impacts of economic changes, the lessons learned and strategies established today will fortify organizations for challenges encountered tomorrow.