With the new year comes new threats to critical infrastructure — threats that are more complex than ever. Facilities that are essential for national security, public safety, and economic stability are being targeted more frequently by more sophisticated attacks, and that requires more advanced security solutions. The consequences of not addressing these dangers adequately can be severe.
Cyber-physical systems security strategies that marry digital and physical solutions are key to responding to these challenges. Integrated security systems can better protect against evolving threats, being more adaptive and responsive to both physical and cyber security issues. Compliance requirements are also evolving, with standards like the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) becoming a critical part of protection by the end of 2025. Facilities must focus on closing and locking their doors every day, securing their digital and physical perimeters.
What emerging threats are coming in the new year? Learn what’s on the horizon in cyber and physical security and what comprehensive solution may be best for protecting critical infrastructure from these looming risks.
Emerging Cyber Threats in 2025
Cyberattacks are escalating, rising by more than 30% since 2022, according to Security Magazine. There are now around 13 attacks against critical infrastructure each second.
Security teams are seeing an increase in:
- Ransomware attacks. Attackers design malware to disrupt essential services like power grids and water treatment systems. These strikes can cause significant financial damage and even threaten the well-being of the population.
- AI-powered phishing. Artificial intelligence is increasingly important in securing critical infrastructure, but cybercriminals are also using the technology, though maliciously. They use AI to create highly personalized and adaptive phishing campaigns that are harder to detect and more likely to reel in unsuspecting victims. These attacks now include text messages, phone calls, and even AI-generated voice requests, making them harder to identify as phishing attacks.
- Exploitation of 5G networks. In 2025, there will be around 1.2 billion connections to 5G networks. The rapid expansion of the network will also result in growing vulnerabilities of connected devices, which could create entry points for cyber attacks.
What You Should Do
Facilities should ensure their digital systems and internet-connected devices are ready for these threats and that personnel are trained to spot and respond to them accordingly. Advanced firewalls and daily system maintenance are essential for protecting networks from increasingly bold cybercriminals.
Physical Security Threats to Critical Infrastructure
Cyber threats might dominate the headlines, but that doesn’t make the physical security around critical infrastructure less important. Unauthorized access to facilities still poses a major risk, as physical breaches can lead to the theft of sensitive information, equipment sabotage, or disruption of operations. Facilities must ensure their digital and physical security systems are seamlessly integrated, eliminating any gaps that bad actors could exploit.
Electrical substations and community water supplies are prime examples of critical infrastructure with weak physical defenses. They often only have minimal physical barriers like fences, which provide insufficient protection. About seven years ago, one notable physical attack in California involved deliberate sabotage of a major substation—an incident believed to be a test run from something larger. If just nine of the country’s major substations are taken offline, it could cause coast-to-coast nationwide blackouts. It’s a bleak reminder of the need for impenetrable defenses for these essential facilities.
Humans are often the weakest link in security infrastructure: Insider threats and simple human error often pose the most significant risk. Employees and contractors with access privileges may intentionally or unintentionally aid in attacks. Insiders can bypass security measures designed to protect sensitive areas, often through neglect but also through malice or coercion. Training personnel about these threats needs to be a top priority in 2025.
What You Should Do
Facilities will want to educate their teams about the importance of adhering to security protocols and what to do if they encounter suspicious activity. Regular training sessions should focus on recognizing insider threats and responding to potential breaches quickly following security protocols.
What’s Coming to the Cyber-Physical Domain
Cyber-physical systems security will focus on the rise of smart devices and the Internet of Things (IoT), using devices that combine the digital and physical realms to secure critical infrastructure. Some of these devices include perimeter sensors, AI-enabled video surveillance, and sophisticated access control systems.
IoT is excellent for automation and improving security. However, it also comes with risks. IoT devices must comply with strict federal security guidelines. Otherwise, they may be vulnerable to attacks. For example, a single compromised perimeter sensor could disrupt essential services across an entire region.
What You Should Do
Facilities will need to make securing these devices a top priority in the new year, ensuring they are up to date with software patches and integrated with the larger security system to leave no room for vulnerabilities.
Prepare Your Cyber-Physical Systems Security Now
Government facilities will need to create integrated cyber-physical systems security to guard against emerging threats in 2025. Regular risk assessments and system updates are more critical than ever, and employees will need training on recognizing phishing attempts, safeguarding physical access credentials, and securing internet-connected devices.
Ariel Secure Technologies is vigilant against threats, employing vigorous firewalls and maintaining systems on a daily basis. We work closely with government contractors to ensure compliance with CMMC standards, providing solutions that protect both data and physical assets. Our expertise can help ensure every system works seamlessly and adapts to evolving risks faced by critical infrastructure.
Ariel is a leading provider of integrated cyber-physical security solutions for high-security government facilities. Our deep understanding of evolving threats and commitment to innovation allow us to use cutting-edge technologies like AI and machine learning to deliver robust and adaptable security systems. Ariel’s expertise extends across all facets of security, from access control and video surveillance to intrusion detection and cybersecurity. As a LenelS2 Federal Government Value-Added Reseller, we prioritize customer satisfaction and foster strong partnerships to empower government agencies to enhance their security posture, ensure operational continuity, and maintain a safe and secure environment for their personnel and assets.
Is your facility prepared to mitigate these risks? Through our rigorous assessments and reliable solutions, Ariel Secure Technologies can ensure your facility is fully protected.
Safeguard critical assets in 2025 and beyond by contacting us today.
