HONEYWELL CYBERSECURITY RESEARCH REVEALS 52% OF CYBER THREATS TARGETED AT REMOVABLE MEDIA

Rhea-AI Summary

The 2022 Honeywell Industrial Cybersecurity USB Threat Report highlights a significant increase in cybersecurity threats targeting industrial systems, with 52% of threats utilizing removable media, up from 32% in 2021. The report, marking its fourth year, indicates that 81% of malware can disrupt industrial control systems and that Trojans account for 76% of detected malware. As hackers exploit USB devices to breach systems, Honeywell emphasizes the need for robust security measures, including its Secure Media Exchange (SMX) technology for enhanced threat detection and compliance.

Positive

• 52% of cyber threats now target removable media, indicating growing awareness and focus on USB security.
• Honeywell's Secure Media Exchange technology enhances threat detection and compliance for critical infrastructure.

Negative

• The increasing reliance on USB devices represents a growing risk for industrial control systems.
• Despite existing measures, 81% of malware still poses a significant disruption threat to industrial operations.

2022 Honeywell Industrial Cybersecurity USB Threat Report finds industrial control systems are increasingly in the sights of cyber attackers

ATLANTA, Aug. 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a report released today by Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON), the threat of USB-borne malware continues to be a serious concern. Data from the 2022 Honeywell Industrial Cybersecurity USB Threat Report indicates that 52% of threats were specifically designed to utilize removable media, up from 32% the previous year and more than double the 19% reported in the 2020 study, clearly indicating that the threats designed to use removable media have reached a dangerously high level.

Now in its fourth year, the Honeywell Industrial Cybersecurity USB Threat Report shows a clear trend: cybersecurity threats continue to be more prominent and more potent. According to the report, threats designed to establish remote access capabilities remained steady at 51%, while the number of threats designed specifically to target industrial control systems increased slightly year over year, up from 30% to 32%. At the same time, the malware was more capable of causing a disruption to industrial control systems, climbing to 81% compared to 79% the previous year.

The current report was based on aggregated cybersecurity threat data from hundreds of industrial facilities globally during a 12-month period. Along with USB attacks, the research highlights that Trojans remain a top concern because of their potential to cause severe disruption to industrial infrastructure, comprising 76% of the malware detected.

"This year's report indicates that adversaries are deliberately leveraging removable media as an initial attack vector to establish remote connectivity, exfiltrate data, and establish command and control," said Jeff Zindel, vice president and general manager, Honeywell Connected Enterprise Cybersecurity. "It's now painfully clear that USB removable media are being used to penetrate industrial/OT environments, and that organizations must adopt formal programs to defend against this type of threat to avoid costly disruptions."

For the fourth year in a row, the threats attempting to enter industrial/OT environments have continued to increase in sophistication and frequency with USB-borne malware clearly being leveraged as part of larger cyberattack campaigns. Hackers are taking advantage of USB removable media to circumvent network defenses and bypass the air gaps upon which many of these facilities depend upon for protection. Continued diligence is necessary to defend against the growing USB threat and strong USB security controls are highly recommended.

Honeywell's Secure Media Exchange (SMX) is designed to provide advanced threat detection for critical infrastructure by monitoring, better protecting and logging use of removable media throughout industrial facilities. The Honeywell Forge Cybersecurity Suite is designed to monitor for vulnerabilities such as open ports and the presence of USB security controls to strengthen endpoint and network security, while also providing better cybersecurity compliance.

Read the full report here and visit www.becybersecure.com for more information on Honeywell products and services that can help improve cybersecurity.

About Honeywell:

Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 technology company that delivers industry-specific solutions that include aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings and industry; and performance materials globally. Our technologies help aircraft, buildings, manufacturing plants, supply chains, and workers become more connected to make our world smarter, safer, and more sustainable. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom.

Media  
Kevin Rainey    
(602) 245-7319                          
Kevin.Rainey@honeywell.com

 

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SOURCE Honeywell

FAQ

What does the 2022 Honeywell Industrial Cybersecurity USB Threat Report indicate?

The report reveals that 52% of cybersecurity threats target removable media, a significant increase from previous years.

How many threats targeted industrial control systems according to Honeywell's report?

The report indicates that threats aimed at industrial control systems increased from 30% to 32%.

What percentage of malware can disrupt industrial control systems?

According to the report, 81% of detected malware has the capability to disrupt industrial control systems.

What technology does Honeywell offer for cybersecurity?

Honeywell offers Secure Media Exchange (SMX) to monitor and protect against threats related to removable media.

What cybersecurity trend did Honeywell identify in their 2022 report?

Honeywell identified an increasing sophistication and frequency of threats targeting industrial/OT environments, especially through USB malware.