Critical Infrastructure Under Cyberattack

Critical infrastructure is no longer isolated. As IT, OT, and IoT converge, the systems that power energy, transportation, healthcare, and smart cities have become interconnected and increasingly exposed. In today’s landscape, cyber threats are not limited to data breaches; they can disrupt physical operations, economies, and even human safety. With nation-states and cybercriminals leveraging advanced technologies such as AI and automation, cybersecurity has become a critical pillar of operational resilience and national security.

This book provides a comprehensive journey into the modern digital battlefield. It begins with the fundamentals of OT, IoT, and critical industries, then explores real-world threats, including ransomware, supply chain attacks, and nation-state cyber operations. Readers will gain insights into how cyber is used alongside traditional warfare, the role of emerging technologies like AI, and the evolving tactics of adversaries. The book further introduces practical frameworks, Zero Trust principles, and modern security strategies to help organizations secure converged IT/OT environments, manage risk, and build resilience in complex industrial ecosystems.

By the end of this book, readers will have a clear understanding of the risks facing critical infrastructure and the strategies required to defend it. They will be equipped with practical knowledge to bridge IT and OT security, strengthen cyber resilience, and implement effective controls, enabling them to protect mission-critical systems with confidence in an increasingly complex threat landscape.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
● Understanding of OT, IoT, and critical infrastructure.
● Detailed cybersecurity concepts and framework.
● Understanding the adversaries.
● Cybersecurity concerns with showcase and detailed cyberattacks.
● Integration of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and quantum.
● Outlining a new approach towards cybersecurity for critical infrastructure.

WHO THIS BOOK IS FOR
This book is for board members, CISOs, and OT operations teams needing to secure industrial assets. Architects, engineering teams, and risk professionals will benefit from the technical frameworks, while cybersecurity students and business owners gain essential knowledge of modern digital battlefields.

1. Operational Technology and Internet of Things
2. Critical Industries in the Crosshairs
3. Cybersecurity Frameworks
4. Understanding the Adversaries
5. The Unseen Battle
6. AI and Emerging Technologies as a Cyber Weapon
7. Cyber Warfare
8. Nation-States and Offensive Cybersecurity Operations
9. Cloud Integration in OT/ICS Environment
10. Rethinking Cybersecurity
11. Securing the Resilient Future

● Doron Harel is an accomplished cybersecurity executive with more than two decades of expertise spanning operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT). Throughout his career, Doron has served in pivotal leadership positions, including chief information security officer (CISO), field chief technology officer (CTO), and CISO advisor. As the leader of the OT security practice at Kyndryl, he oversees enterprise- wide security initiatives and collaborates with Tier 1 mission-critical organizations globally. His experience covers a diverse range of industries, defense, energy, utilities, transportation, healthcare, banking, and more, each requiring tailored security strategies and solutions.

Doron is recognized for his ability to align cybersecurity strategies with business goals, emphasizing regulatory compliance for critical infrastructure and the integration of industry standards such as NIST, ISO, and IEC 62443. He is an active mentor, industry thought leader, and frequent speaker at conferences and cyber events, contributing to the advancement of cybersecurity practices worldwide.

Combining technical leadership with strategic business acumen, Doron has developed a holistic approach to addressing cybersecurity challenges across organizations through effective stakeholder collaboration. His expertise lies in translating complex security issues into actionable strategies, fostering executive alignment and driving meaningful outcomes.

A visionary in innovation and emerging technologies, Doron is passionate about integrating artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and quantum technology into security solutions. Trusted by executives and stakeholders alike, he leverages deep technical knowledge and strategic insight to strengthen organizational resilience, optimize performance, and implement future-ready security measures.

Doron’s pursuit of technological advancement has led him to pioneer the integration of quantum computing, AI, and other cutting-edge technologies for OT security. His innovative work includes the development of the digital security shield and edge AI for OT, setting new standards for resilience and performance in the cybersecurity landscape.

● Abbas Kudrati is a seasoned cybersecurity leader, strategic advisor, and globally recognized thought leader in identity security. He currently serves as the regional chief identity security and AI advisor at Silverfort, where he focuses on advancing identity-centric security strategies across complex enterprise environments. Prior to this, Abbas held the role of chief cybersecurity advisor for Microsoft Asia, guiding organizations across the region on security transformation, resilience, and emerging threat landscapes.

With decades of experience spanning multiple industries and geographies, Abbas has built a reputation for bridging the gap between business strategy and deep technical execution. His expertise spans identity security, identity and access management (IAM), identity threat detection and response (ITDR), Zero Trust Architecture, cloud security, and governance, risk, and compliance (GRC). He has worked extensively with enterprises and critical infrastructure organizations to strengthen their security posture and protect their most valuable digital and operational assets.

A significant part of Abbas’s work has focused on operational technology (OT) security and the protection of industrial control systems (ICS), including SCADA and distributed control environments. He has advised organizations across sectors such as energy, utilities, transportation, and manufacturing on securing converged IT/OT environments, addressing risks introduced by digital transformation, and implementing practical security controls aligned with frameworks such as IEC 62443. His experience includes helping organizations design secure OT architectures, establish monitoring and incident response capabilities, and mitigate risks associated with legacy systems, remote access, and third-party integrations— areas that increasingly define the modern threat landscape.

Abbas is also a trusted advisor to a range of startups and institutions. He provides strategic and technical guidance to innovative companies such as SquareX, Aona.ai, and PriviEzi, and serves on advisory boards for organizations including EC-Council Asia, HITRUST Asia, and Vinnies Victoria. In addition, he actively contributes to the broader cybersecurity ecosystem through mentorship, industry collaboration, and his involvement with ISACA chapters and academic institutions.

A passionate educator and mentor, Abbas serves as a professor of practice at La Trobe University, where he helps shape the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. He is also a Fellow of the Australian Information Security Association (AISA), reflecting his ongoing commitment to advancing the profession and supporting the global security community.