Network equipment like routers and network storage devices is old and insecure, posing a growing threat to organizations. As generative AI platforms make vulnerabilities easier to find, tech company Cisco is launching a campaign to raise awareness about the issue and promote improvements.
The US and UK are among the countries with the highest risk from outdated technology in critical infrastructure, according to research by WPI Strategy. However, Japan has shown lower risks due to consistent upgrades and strong digital resilience efforts.
Breaches often involve known vulnerabilities that could be avoided through patching or upgrading end-of-life technology. Experts say the status quo comes at a hidden cost, but it’s not being accounted for. To address this, Cisco aims to make the issue more prominent and encourage spending on new network equipment.
While AI tools can’t devise layered attacks yet, they’re making vulnerabilities easier to find and exploit. Attackers with little technical expertise are getting a leg up, while highly skilled hackers benefit from streamlined attack processes. Cisco is urging companies to take action against aging infrastructure, which it says needs to be prioritized.
Source: https://www.wired.com/story/cisco-aging-technical-infrastructure