National Policies for Protecting Critical Infrastructure to Drive Billions in Cyber Security Spending

Cyber security for critical infrastructures has become an issue of primary importance to nation states. Policy is playing an increasingly important role alongside the deployment of technical measures. The cornerstone of implementing a viable digital society relies heavily on the concept of ensuring trust in the underlying infrastructure. Energy, telecoms, healthcare, and transport systems and other critical sectors are making use of Internet connectivity and next generation technologies to boost productivity and improve efficiency. Protecting these networks from cyber threats requires a national approach.

Governments have a duty to ensure the digital security of critical infrastructures. This requires accompanying technical efforts with policies in order to implement a coherent cyber security strategy across all sectors. From national defense through to water management, all connected networks require strategic planning and organization to achieve an acceptable level of cyber security. Currently, few nation states are prepared to counter a full-scale cyber-attack on their critical infrastructure. And there is no doubt that online threat agents are growing in number and in skill.

“Nation states need to focus on elaborating cyber security strategies as their critical sectors go online. Research and development of policies, regulation, cooperative schemes, public-private partnerships, guidelines, and best practices are all important elements in developing a robust strategy that can minimize cyber risks and strengthen infrastructures,” says Michela Menting, senior analyst with ABI Research.

ABI Research estimates the cyber security spending by nation states, non-governmental organizations, technical bodies, and private sector operators for critical infrastructure totaled $41.76 billion globally in 2012. Increased spending over the next five years will be driven by a growing number of policies and procedures in education, training, R&D, awareness programs, standardization work, and cooperation among other projects. This report “Cyber Security Policy in Critical Infrastructure” will take a look at various national and sector-specific strategies currently being implemented notably in North America and Europe.

These findings are part of ABI Research’s Cyber Security Research Service.

ABI Research provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of trends in global connectivity and other emerging technologies. From offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI Research’s worldwide team of experts advises thousands of decision makers through 70+ research and advisory services. Est. 1990. For more information visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.