Lantzville-based cybersecurity company aDolus Technology has collaborated with Microsoft on this year’s Digital Defence Report. The report, which is highly regarded by governments and industry professionals, provides updates on current and evolving cybersecurity threats. aDolus, specializing in the security of industrial control systems, contributed its research on threats to operational technology and the ‘internet of things’. They were the only company Microsoft collaborated with on the report, signifying the importance of their expertise in the field.
Microsoft provided aDolus with a vast amount of data on popular products critical to industrial control systems worldwide. Using artificial intelligence routines, aDolus analyzed the data to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in control units. Surprisingly, they found that 40% of mission-control systems were running operating systems that were 10 years old, indicating a lack of patching and updates in the industry. The report revealed that 57% of devices with legacy firmware are vulnerable to common cybersecurity threats. This highlights the urgent need for comprehensive patch management systems in operational technology.
The collaboration between aDolus Technology and Microsoft has shed light on the concerning state of industrial control systems cybersecurity. With the increasing danger of cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure, it is crucial for companies and governments to prioritize the protection of control systems. The findings from the collaboration emphasize the significance of maintaining up-to-date operating systems and implementing robust patch management systems. For more information on global cybersecurity and the specific findings of the collaboration, please refer to the Microsoft Digital Defence Report 2023.
