The Register: Ransomware scum have put a target on the no man’s land between IT and operations

May 14, 2025

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Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2025/05/14/ransomware_targets_middle_systems_sans/
Source: The Register
Title: Ransomware scum have put a target on the no man’s land between IT and operations

Feedly Summary: Defenses are weaker, and victims are more likely to pay, SANS warns
Criminals who attempt to damage critical infrastructure are increasingly targeting the systems that sit between IT and operational tech.…

AI Summary and Description: Yes

Summary: The text highlights the growing vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the increased likelihood of victims succumbing to ransom demands, as warned by SANS. This is particularly relevant for security professionals concerned with the protection of IT and operational technology (OT) systems.

Detailed Description: The warning from SANS indicates a concerning trend in cybersecurity, especially regarding critical infrastructure defenses. Key points include:

– **Growing Threat Landscape**: There is an increasing number of attacks aimed at critical infrastructure, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures around IT and OT systems.
– **Target Identification**: Criminals are increasingly focusing on systems bridging IT and OT, which may potentially expose weaknesses that can be exploited.
– **Victim Behavior**: The report suggests that as defenses weaken, the likelihood of victims paying ransoms rises, indicating a shift in response strategies towards such attacks.
– **Operational Technology Vulnerabilities**: The integration of IT and OT systems creates unique vulnerabilities that need specialized defenses.
– **Recommendations for Security Professionals**: The insights serve as a call to action for organizations to reevaluate their cybersecurity strategies, invest in robust defenses, and consider the implications of weaker defenses on their operational resilience.

For security and compliance professionals, this text emphasizes the urgency of adopting stronger security frameworks, integrating IT and OT security mechanisms, and potentially considering compliance aspects related to critical infrastructure security standards.

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