Critical National Infrastructure Faces Rising Cybersecurity Threats Amid Budget Constraints
Industrial organizations responsible for critical national infrastructure, such as energy, transport, water, and manufacturing, are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks. These organizations are tasked with protecting complex operations from a growing array of cyber threats, including ransomware, which has seen a 64% increase in attacks year-over-year. The Dragos 2026 OT/ICS Cybersecurity Report highlights that 119 ransomware groups targeted industrial organizations in 2025, impacting 3,300 organizations. Manufacturing is particularly affected, accounting for over two-thirds of all victims. Attackers exploit predictable weaknesses like exposed remote access tools and unpatched systems, leading to operational disruptions and financial losses. Budget constraints are forcing some organizations to cut back on security measures, increasing their vulnerability. 
