Nozomi Networks released its latest Nozomi Networks Labs OT & IoT Security Report, finding that wireless networks are regrettably woefully unprotected as threat actors are continuing to permeate into critical infrastructure.
In the second half of 2024, for example, critical infrastructure organisations in the US witnessed the highest number of attacks, with manufacturing being highest risk.
Analysis of more than 500,000 wireless networks worldwide discovered only 6% are adequately protected against wireless deauthentication attacks. This means most wireless networks remain highly exposed.
In healthcare, vulnerabilities in wireless networks could lead to unauthorised access to patient data, or interference with critical systems. In industrial environments, these attacks could disrupt automated processes, stop production lines, or create safety hazards.
In the second half of 2025 almost half (48.4%) of cyber threats occurred in the impact phase of the cyber kill chain. This was true across manufacturing, transportation, energy, utilities, and water/wastewater.
Researchers also discovered, among 619 newly published vulnerabilities in the second half of 2024, 71% are classified as critical. Additionally, 20 vulnerabilities have high Exploit Prediction Scoring System (EPSS) scores, indicating a high likelihood of future exploitation. Furthermore, four vulnerabilities have already been observed being actively exploited in the wild (KEV). These findings point to an urgent need for organisations to promptly address and mitigate the most critical and dangerous vulnerabilities.
“Cyberattacks on the world’s critical infrastructure are on the rise,” said Chris Grove, Director of Cybersecurity Strategy, Nozomi Networks. “The systems we design and defend must not only withstand a barrage of threats in today’s multipolar world but also balance the need to operate safely at scale, where human lives are at stake. By understanding these evolving threats and leveraging actionable insights, we can defend our critical infrastructure systems to ensure resilience, safety and operational continuity in an increasingly uncertain world.”
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