Biden vows to protect oil, gas and water infrastructure

Cyberattacks up 50% globally as hackers target critical networks

20210510N Cushing hub

Crude oil storage tanks are seen at the Cushing petroleum hub in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. A cyberattack has brought renewed attention to the vulnerability of American energy infrastructure. © Reuters

AKINOBU IWASAWA and ALEX FANG, Nikkei staff writers

TOKYO/NEW YORK -- The weekend cyberattack on a major U.S. pipeline system served as a grim minder of the threat facing infrastructure that forms the backbone of the economy as incidents occur with increasing frequency.

Cyberattacks on key infrastructure -- including energy networks, factories and water supply systems -- rose 50% across the world from the prior year in 2020, according to IBM. In a growing number of cases, state actors are suspected to be involved.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.