Leave the World Behind is a recently released Netflix movie, starring Julia Roberts, which is getting considerable media and viewer attention. It is a fictional story of Amanda Sanford, who arranges a weekend vacation with her family – filmed in Old Westbury, Long Island. The family experiences a major power blackout, leading to a series of apocalyptic events related to a major widespread cyberattack, likely occurring across the U.S. and globally. It raises the question – is such a scenario plausible — or, is it just unrealistic fiction?
SMB Cybercrime
A takeaway for SMB owners – is a major cybercrime event against a small company plausible – or, are such events mostly reserved for larger companies with greater assets and sensitive data? Industry reports released this year indicate that 61% of SMBs were hit by a successful cyberattack in the past year. Small businesses remain a prime target for cyber-criminals. Consequently, with the proliferation of advanced cyberattack techniques, SMBS must recognize the reality of the risks … and the necessity to invest in appropriate training, preventative technology, and security-related processes.
It appears the family in Leave the World Behind experienced an Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) attack. An Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) attack refers to the intentional release of a burst of electromagnetic radiation. This burst can disrupt or damage electronic devices and systems, potentially causing widespread damage to communication, infrastructure, and other critical systems that rely on electronic components.
Unlike cyberattacks that target power grid computer systems, EMPs impact a wider range of systems, This includes things such as car engines, cell phones, transformers, and backup power generator systems.
Origins of EMP:
The concept of EMP was first observed during high-altitude nuclear tests conducted by the United States and the Soviet Union in the early 1960s. These tests demonstrated the potential for EMP effects on a large scale.
Since then, interest in EMP has grown due to concerns about the vulnerability of modern societies to electronic disruptions. While the use of EMP as a military weapon is a topic of debate, the potential for natural or man-made EMP events to impact critical infrastructure has led to increased attention to protective measures.
Preventative Measures:
Protecting against EMP events involves a combination of hardening critical infrastructure, designing resilient systems, and developing emergency response plans. Some preventative measures include:
Faraday Cages: These are enclosures made of conductive materials that can shield electronic devices from electromagnetic radiation. A Faraday cage can be used to protect critical equipment and systems.
Shielding and Hardening: Designing electronic systems with built-in protection against EMP can involve using shielding materials and surge protectors. Hardening measures may include reinforcing critical infrastructure to withstand the effects of electromagnetic pulses.
Backup Systems: Redundancy and backup systems can help mitigate the impact of an EMP event. This involves having alternative means of communication, power, and critical functions that can be activated in case primary systems are compromised.
Education and Planning: Training and educating personnel about EMP threats and implementing emergency response plans can help organizations minimize the impact of an EMP event.
Government and International Cooperation: Governments and international organizations can play a role in developing standards, regulations, and cooperative efforts to address the potential threat of EMP events.
Electricity Grid Attacks
Hackers taking down the U.S. electricity grid may sound like they only occur in movies. However, the Department of Homeland Security published details on how Russia has infiltrated U.S. critical infrastructure.
In 1Q 2023, attacks and threats against the grid doubled from 1Q 2023, based on incidents that utilities reported to the Energy Department.
Although there are possible doomsday scenarios, security experts generally indicate there is little imminent risk that hackers will cause a widespread blackout. However, various cybersecurity risk scenarios should be appreciated by SMBs, including the implementation of advanced protections.
Principles of EMP Prevention Apply to SMB Cybersecurity Protection
It’s important to note that EMP preparedness is a complex and evolving field, and ongoing research and development are essential to staying ahead of potential threats. Similarly, SMBs are subject to ever-changing and more advanced cybercrime methods – which mandate preventive measures – including items such as education (training), planning, data backup, and various layers of security associated with computer systems, data, and networks.
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