- Ransomware is costing UK businesses thousands. Medium to large businesses face data breach losses of over £3.5 million*, and RaaS is making attacks easier and more frequent.
- Outdated OT systems are a hacker’s entry point. Unpatched systems are responsible for 60% of OT breaches, which expose critical infrastructure to threats.
- OT cyberattacks don’t just cost money—they risk lives. Breaches can shut down operations and threaten human safety.
Cybersecurity threats are on the rise, becoming more complex and widespread, which is putting a lot of pressure on UK businesses—especially those in industrial and operational technology (OT) sectors. With cyberattacks becoming more frequent, sophisticated, and expensive, overlooking the security of OT systems is simply not an option anymore.
Recent findings from insurance broker Howden show that UK businesses have suffered around £44 billion in losses over the last five years due to cyberattacks. The most common threats continue to be email compromises and data theft. For medium and large organizations, the average cost of a data breach has now reached £3.58 million, as highlighted in the IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024.
One particularly concerning trend is the emergence of Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS), which allows cybercriminals to launch ransomware attacks without needing any technical skills. Coupled with AI-driven malware, this has made attacks more flexible and harder to spot. In fact, ransomware impacted 34% of businesses in 2023, and that number jumped to 42% in 2024.
After consulting with 97% of its industrial clients—including those in manufacturing, food and beverage, and life sciences—IDS-INDATA has pinpointed the seven most pressing OT security challenges that organizations need to tackle to prevent costly and potentially disastrous incidents. These challenges, ranked by urgency by Ryan Cooke, Chief Information Security Officer at IDS-INDATA, are reshaping the landscape of OT threats.
- Ransomware Attacks Are Evolving Faster Than Your Defenses
Cybercriminals are stepping up their game at a shocking speed. With Ransomware as a Service (RaaS), these attacks have become more accessible and effective than ever. Now, attackers are leveraging AI-driven malware to slip past traditional detection systems, which makes it even more crucial for businesses to invest in proactive cybersecurity measures.
IDS-INDATA recommends that organizations keep their systems up to date, limit their exposure to the internet, and adopt advanced threat detection methods to spot and neutralize attacks before they escalate.
- Unpatched OT Systems Are Open Invitations to Attackers
Outdated and unpatched systems remain a significant threat. Recent statistics show that a staggering 60% of operational technology (OT) breaches are tied to known vulnerabilities that have been left unaddressed—some for years on end.
When patching isn’t an option due to system limitations, organizations need to implement compensating controls. Conducting regular system audits is vital to identify and close security gaps before they can be exploited.
- Lack of Visibility Over OT Assets Can Lead to Disaster
You can’t protect what you can’t see. Blind spots in your network infrastructure give attackers the chance to sneak in unnoticed. Often, unidentified assets are left unpatched and may even be connected to the internet.
To tackle this issue, organizations should use asset discovery tools to create a real-time inventory of all connected devices and keep an eye out for any unusual activity.
- The Surge in Connected Devices Increases Attack Surface
The rapid rise of IoT and smart devices in industrial networks has significantly widened the attack surface. Each new device can introduce fresh vulnerabilities.
A strong OT security framework should focus on safeguarding high-risk devices and enforce strict security protocols right from the moment these devices are integrated into the network.
- OT Cyber Incidents Can Disrupt Critical Infrastructure and Endanger Lives
When it comes to the fallout from OT cyberattacks, it’s not just about the money. These attacks can bring production lines to a standstill, disrupt essential services, and in the worst-case scenarios, even threaten lives.
That’s why having a solid incident response plan is crucial. It should go beyond just protecting data; it needs to focus on operational resilience and ensuring the safety of your team.
- Failure to Comply with Evolving Regulations Is Costly
With new regulations like NIS 2, ISA/IEC 62443, and the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) tightening the screws, businesses are facing a growing burden to comply. Ignoring these regulations can lead to hefty fines running into millions and long-lasting damage to your reputation.
Regular compliance audits are key to making sure your systems meet the latest standards, helping you steer clear of unnecessary legal and financial troubles.
- Without a Cybersecurity-Aware Workforce, Technology Alone Won’t Suffice
Let’s face it: human error is still one of the biggest culprits behind cybersecurity breaches. Issues like misconfigured systems and lack of monitoring often arise from a shortage of cybersecurity know-how.
According to IBM’s research, companies that struggle to fill security roles end up paying an average of £1.39 million more when breaches occur. That’s why investing in cybersecurity training is essential for cultivating a workforce that’s both resilient and security-savvy.
Proactive Action is Essential
Ryan Cooke, Chief Information Security Officer at IDS-INDATA, sums it up well:
“The threat landscape facing OT environments is evolving at an unprecedented pace. At a minimum, organizations must confront these seven critical challenges head-on. By doing so, they can significantly reduce the risk of cyber incidents, protect vital infrastructure, ensure compliance, and avoid costly disruption.”
If you want to dive deeper into how to protect industrial environments from cyber threats, check out IDS-INDATA’s website or reach out to one of their experts for some guidance.
