REZILIENȚA INFRASTRUCTURILOR CRITICE ÎN CONTEXTUL INSECURITĂȚII CIBERNETICE PROVOCATE DE AMENINȚĂRILE DE TIP HIBRID*

Abstract

Critical infrastructure resilience in the context of cyber insecurity caused by hybrid threats Abstract: Nowadays, as state and non-state actors have developed new hybrid methods to promote their interests, the concept of critical infrastructure protection has gained new value from a resilience perspective, and today, most security incidents occur in cyberspace. This article examines the interconnection between the concepts of “hybrid warfare - critical infrastructures - cyberattacks”. Therefore, we begin with the assumption that cyberspace is the most susceptible environment to vulnerabilities and potential attacks, subsequently impacting vital services for populations numbering in the millions. Accordingly, our research endeavors to address the following question: Within the realm of hybrid threats, can minor vulnerabilities in cyberspace generate strategic-level effects on critical infrastructures? To accomplish this, we have used the analytical tool Connected Papers to identify scientific papers that explore the correlation between “hybrid war - critical infrastructures - cyber-attacks”. Subsequently, we expanded our analysis to encompass articles focused on studying either two or even a single concept among those mentioned. The results of our analysis demonstrate that vulnerabilities exploited within a Wi-Fi network or an industrial control panel of a critical infrastructure in cyberspace can have far-reaching consequences that may impact the vital services required by the population, resulting in a temporary disruption. Such an attack, originating from minimal efforts in terms of time, personnel, and financial resources, can lead to substantial property damage.