2019 ICS Cyber Security Conference | USA

An underground “hidden market” where illegal activity is difficult to trace lurks beneath the Internet – the public layer where we jump on wi-fi networks, search the web, perform credit card transactions and enter personal information without a second thought. Called the Darknet, this little-known portion of the Internet is home for “hackers for hire” and is a hotbed of activity for those looking to monetize stolen information and privileged system access.

An emerging area on the Darknet are forums where cyber criminals sell access to supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and industrial control systems (ICSs). Imagine if cyber criminals gained access to the control systems for nuclear power plants, chemical plants, oil and gas facilities, hospitals, electrical and power generation stations, water/wastewater plants, food and beverage or pharmaceutical facilities. The results could be disastrous.

Is your control system vulnerable? Learn what the Darknet is and understand its role in potentially allowing intruders to access your control system. The fight against those who would steal the keys to your ICS and sell them on the Darknet starts with cybersecurity awareness. Keep cybersecurity top of mind and get cyber ready to educate your workforce and closely manage consultants and vendors.