Listen to the full episode.
What this episode examines
In the realm of Operational Technology (OT), cyberattacks are not just IT problems; they are events with physical consequences, financial disasters, and threats to human safety. In this episode, we dive into how digital transformation and IT/OT convergence have expanded the attack surface, exposing critical infrastructure to unprecedented threats.
We will explore devastating real-world cases that have shaped the history of industrial cybersecurity, including:
◦The attack on the Oldsmar water treatment plant (2021), where an attacker exploited remote access to attempt a dangerous increase in sodium hydroxide levels in the public water supply.
◦The ransomware attack on the Colonial Pipeline (2021), which forced a complete shutdown of physical pipeline operations supplying fuel to the US East Coast.
◦The Ukrainian power grid blackouts (2015 and 2016) caused by the BlackEnergy3 and Industroyer malware—the latter being the first malware specifically designed to attack power grids.
◦The sabotage of a German steel mill (2014), where attackers prevented the proper shutdown of a blast furnace, resulting in massive damage.
Read the technical analysis
The companion Analysis develops the sourced technical argument, trust boundary and operational decision in a durable written reference.
Related analysisOldsmar Is a Warning About Standing Remote AuthorityRead analysis →