Enhancing Cybersecurity in Energy IT Infrastructure Through a Layered Defense Approach to Major Malware Threats

This study examines the cybersecurity vulnerabilities of energy IT infrastructure in the context of rapid digital transformation and network expansion. While these advancements have improved efficiency, they have also increased susceptibility to cyber threats, particularly from malware such as Indus...

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Main Authors: Dojin Ryu, Seunghuk Lee, Sumi Yang, Jaeyeong Jeong, Yongjoon Lee, Dongkyoo Shin
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-11-01
Series:Applied Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/22/10342
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author Dojin Ryu
Seunghuk Lee
Sumi Yang
Jaeyeong Jeong
Yongjoon Lee
Dongkyoo Shin
author_facet Dojin Ryu
Seunghuk Lee
Sumi Yang
Jaeyeong Jeong
Yongjoon Lee
Dongkyoo Shin
author_sort Dojin Ryu
collection DOAJ
description This study examines the cybersecurity vulnerabilities of energy IT infrastructure in the context of rapid digital transformation and network expansion. While these advancements have improved efficiency, they have also increased susceptibility to cyber threats, particularly from malware such as Industroyer, Triton, NotPetya, and BlackEnergy3. By analyzing these malware threats, this research identifies key weaknesses in energy systems and highlights the need for enhanced anomaly detection, network segmentation, and system integrity checks. To address these vulnerabilities, this study proposes a layered security architecture in which each layer—physical, control, network, application, and security—provides independent protection while integrating into a unified defense strategy. This research emphasizes the necessity of combining technical-, organizational-, and policy-based responses to bolster cybersecurity across all levels of energy infrastructure. Key recommendations include immediate vulnerability patching, improved international cooperation, stronger legal frameworks, enhanced cybersecurity education, and the establishment of a unified command structure. This study provides practical insights and strategies for strengthening the cybersecurity of energy systems through a comprehensive, integrated approach.
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spelling doaj-art-e038b23f8d82466db12eb551b7aaa3bd2024-11-26T17:48:23ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172024-11-0114221034210.3390/app142210342Enhancing Cybersecurity in Energy IT Infrastructure Through a Layered Defense Approach to Major Malware ThreatsDojin Ryu0Seunghuk Lee1Sumi Yang2Jaeyeong Jeong3Yongjoon Lee4Dongkyoo Shin5Department of Hacking & Security, Far East University, Chungbuk 27601, Republic of KoreaDepartment of Hacking & Security, Far East University, Chungbuk 27601, Republic of KoreaDepartment of Green Energy Engineering, Far East University, Chungbuk 27739, Republic of KoreaDepartment of Computer Engineering, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of KoreaDepartment of Hacking & Security, Far East University, Chungbuk 27601, Republic of KoreaDepartment of Computer Engineering, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of KoreaThis study examines the cybersecurity vulnerabilities of energy IT infrastructure in the context of rapid digital transformation and network expansion. While these advancements have improved efficiency, they have also increased susceptibility to cyber threats, particularly from malware such as Industroyer, Triton, NotPetya, and BlackEnergy3. By analyzing these malware threats, this research identifies key weaknesses in energy systems and highlights the need for enhanced anomaly detection, network segmentation, and system integrity checks. To address these vulnerabilities, this study proposes a layered security architecture in which each layer—physical, control, network, application, and security—provides independent protection while integrating into a unified defense strategy. This research emphasizes the necessity of combining technical-, organizational-, and policy-based responses to bolster cybersecurity across all levels of energy infrastructure. Key recommendations include immediate vulnerability patching, improved international cooperation, stronger legal frameworks, enhanced cybersecurity education, and the establishment of a unified command structure. This study provides practical insights and strategies for strengthening the cybersecurity of energy systems through a comprehensive, integrated approach.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/22/10342energy infrastructurecybersecurity vulnerabilitiesmalware analysiscyberattack mitigationstrategic response measures
spellingShingle Dojin Ryu
Seunghuk Lee
Sumi Yang
Jaeyeong Jeong
Yongjoon Lee
Dongkyoo Shin
Enhancing Cybersecurity in Energy IT Infrastructure Through a Layered Defense Approach to Major Malware Threats
Applied Sciences
energy infrastructure
cybersecurity vulnerabilities
malware analysis
cyberattack mitigation
strategic response measures
title Enhancing Cybersecurity in Energy IT Infrastructure Through a Layered Defense Approach to Major Malware Threats
title_full Enhancing Cybersecurity in Energy IT Infrastructure Through a Layered Defense Approach to Major Malware Threats
title_fullStr Enhancing Cybersecurity in Energy IT Infrastructure Through a Layered Defense Approach to Major Malware Threats
title_full_unstemmed Enhancing Cybersecurity in Energy IT Infrastructure Through a Layered Defense Approach to Major Malware Threats
title_short Enhancing Cybersecurity in Energy IT Infrastructure Through a Layered Defense Approach to Major Malware Threats
title_sort enhancing cybersecurity in energy it infrastructure through a layered defense approach to major malware threats
topic energy infrastructure
cybersecurity vulnerabilities
malware analysis
cyberattack mitigation
strategic response measures
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/22/10342
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