May 5 - EV's greater impact on security

Weekly Rundown

Happy Monday! Let’s recap some great highlights from last week and prime ourselves for the week ahead. 5 Min Read

Table of Contents

WHAT’S NEW

London Drugs - Cyber Attack

What does it mean:
London Drugs recently faced a significant cybersecurity incident, resulting in the closure of 80 of its stores across Western Canada. This attack is part of a rising trend targeting retail chains and healthcare suppliers.

Details:
Upon detecting the breach, London Drugs acted swiftly by enhancing their network security, consulting with cybersecurity experts, and conducting a thorough investigation. The attack exploited advanced digital tools, increasing its scale and impact, which disrupted normal business operations and compromised customer service.

Why It Matters:
The cybersecurity breach at London Drugs highlights the critical need for robust digital defenses in the retail sector. As businesses increasingly rely on digital platforms, the potential damage from cyberattacks grows, impacting not only company operations but also customer trust and safety. Strengthening cybersecurity measures is essential to protect against sophisticated threats in today's digital age.

SECURITY ENVIRONTMENT

Electric Vehicles change our barrier protection.

What does it mean:
As electric vehicles (EVs) become more prevalent, their impact on roadside safety measures is under scrutiny. The University of Nebraska’s Midwest Roadside Safety Facility (MwRSF) is investigating whether current barriers are effective against the heavier, differently designed EVs.

Details:
The MwRSF study explores how EVs interact with existing roadside safety features compared to traditional vehicles. Given the increased mass and different impact dynamics of EVs, “an EV crashing into a roadside barrier could have 20 percent to 50 percent more impact energy”, which means there's a possibility that current safety infrastructures may need modification to maintain protective effectiveness.

Why It Matters:
Enhancing barrier design to accommodate EVs is crucial for future road safety. With the shift towards electric mobility, ensuring that roadside safety measures evolve accordingly is vital to prevent increases in traffic-related injuries and fatalities. This research paves the way for developing robust safety standards that account for the changing vehicle landscape.

THE AI SPACE

Perimeter Intrusion Detection AI + Hardware

What does it mean:
Railway perimeter security is critical in preventing unauthorized access and ensuring the safety of rail infrastructure. Effective detection systems are essential for mitigating risks associated with intrusions.

Details:
Huawei's Advanced Perimeter Intrusion Detection System utilizes cutting-edge technologies to enhance railway security. The system combines video, RADAR, sensors and intelligent analytics to detect and respond to potential intrusions effectively, providing real-time alerts and data to security personnel.

Why It Matters:
Implementing robust perimeter security systems is crucial for protecting railway assets, ensuring passenger safety, and maintaining uninterrupted service. Advanced detection systems like Huawei's help prevent potential security breaches and reduce the risk of vandalism and terrorism.

LEADERSHIP CORNER

Cyber Security for small businesses

What does it mean:
Cybersecurity poses a significant challenge for small businesses, which often lack the robust security measures of larger corporations. This vulnerability makes them attractive targets for cyberattacks.

Details:
Employee Training: Conduct regular training sessions to educate employees about security best practices, strong passwords and phishing scams.

Up-to-date Security Measures: Regularly update software and systems to patch vulnerabilities, and use strong, multi-factor authentication to protect access to sensitive data, and secure your networks.

Why It Matters:
For small businesses, a cyberattack can be devastating, leading to financial loss, compromised customer data, and damaged reputation. Implementing effective cybersecurity measures is crucial to protect business continuity and maintain customer trust. Building a strong defense against cyber threats is not just a technical necessity but a strategic investment in a business's long-term viability.

Links
Current news from around the industry

  • Risk From A ‘Dirty Stream’ Attack? (Link)

  • Driver dies after crashing into a security barrier (Link)

  • Security Threat looms over T20 World Cup (Link)