Cybercriminals are currently targeting in particular control systems (ICS) and specifically the energy industry and mechanical engineering. According to Kaspersky’s statistics for the second half of 2017, more than a third of the equipment studied in mechanical engineering and also over one third of industrial computers in the energy sector were the target of cyberattacks.

Digitized power grids are among the most advanced and widest networked systems, which explains the particular vulnerability. Despite intensive efforts on the part of the industry there is a clear need for improvement here. “There are still many loopholes open for cyber attackers,” said Evgeny Goncharov, Kaspersky’s Head of Critical Infrastructure Defense Department. However, sectors such as food, education, and health care are significantly less affected by attacks.

In addition, Kaspersky noted an increased crypto-malware infestation in industrial computers. Externals try to use the capacities of the computers to mine cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. The most common Trojans, however, belong to the categories spyware, ransomware, and backdoors. The Forum Industrial Security at the Hannover Messe 2018 (Hall 6, booth D02) addresses current threats, risk scenarios, and remedy strategies. 60 IT expert talks will present specific solutions and best practice examples for users and product developers of mechanical and plant engineering as well as industrial automation who want to expand their knowledge and protect industrial products against attacks from the network. The forum will be hosted by Thomas Jannot , publisher of the MittelstandsWiki .