Special Issue on Cybersecurity Risk Assessment and Mitigation Strategies for Digital Infrastructures

Risks related to digital infrastructures are identified, assessed, and prioritized as part of the cybersecurity risk assessment process. Determining potential risks and vulnerabilities that could impact an organization's information systems is a critical procedure. Because of the always changing threat landscape, cybersecurity risk evaluation necessitates a dynamic methodology, in contrast to traditional risk assessments. identifying and classifying network resources, hardware, software, and data as essential digital assets. being aware of potential internal and external risks, such as ransomware, malware, and insider attacks. locating software vulnerabilities, configuration errors, or security control holes that an attacker could exploit. calculating the possible loss or harm that a successful cyberattack might cause. Prioritising mitigation actions is aided by classifying hazards according to their likelihood and potential impact.

In addition to helping organisations identify their most vulnerable areas, effective risk assessment also helps them allocate resources wisely, minimise potential disruptions, and stay in compliance with cybersecurity frameworks and laws like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and others. Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) are targeted, long-lasting cyberattacks where the attacker gains access to a company's network and gradually extracts confidential data without being noticed. ransomware Attacks that encrypt important data and demand a ransom to unlock it are becoming more frequent. These assaults, which can destroy entire systems, are frequently very focused. Exploits that exploit flaws in software or hardware that have not yet been discovered before patches are available are known as zero-day exploits. Organisations now have a deadline on their hands when it comes to finding and fixing vulnerabilities. Attackers are increasingly focusing on third-party vendors as weak links in the supply chain, taking advantage of security flaws to breach larger systems as a result of organisations' reliance on them. IoT Vulnerabilities: The increasing use of IoT devices has increased an organisation's attack surface. These gadgets frequently have shoddy security features and serve as gateways for online crimes. Implementing mitigation methods is crucial to lessening the possible impact of cyberattacks.

A strong method for defending digital infrastructures from sophisticated attacks is to use a multi-layered security strategy. Employers need to embrace the least privilege (PoLP) principle, which limits user access to what is essential for them to execute their jobs. Role-based access control (RBAC) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) are two more ways to improve access control. Frequent updates and patching: Preventing zero-day exploits and other vulnerabilities requires diligently updating and patching systems, software, and applications. Patch management systems that are automated can lower the possibility of human error while enhancing security in general. It is imperative for modern enterprises to implement cybersecurity risk assessment and mitigation methods for their digital infrastructures in order to safeguard them against the constantly emerging and expanding dangers in cyberspace. The threat landscape will keep changing as digital infrastructures get more intricate and linked. Research, case studies, and reviews that examine innovative frameworks and methods for safeguarding digital infrastructures in this quickly evolving context are invited for this Cybersecurity Risk Assessment and Mitigation Strategies for Digital Infrastructures. A variety of fields and viewpoints are encouraged to contribute, including but not limited to: Cybersecurity Risk Assessment and Mitigation Strategies for Digital Infrastructures.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

- Analysis of cybersecurity risks in the infrastructures of smart cities.

- Effects, weaknesses, and mitigating techniques for vital infrastructure that is cybersecured.

- Improving Automated Infrastructure Management for Cybersecurity.

- A framework for enhancing cybersecurity for vital infrastructure.

- Evaluating the cyber risk associated with important infrastructure.

- Embracing the Unexpected for Risk Management in Digital Infrastructures.

- Risk management for cyber security in the SCADA critical infrastructure system.

- A strategy for cyber-physical risk assessment for transportation infrastructure enabled by the Internet of Things.

- A framework for enhancing cybersecurity for vital infrastructure.

- A thorough methodology for managing cyber security risks and forecasting risks for safeguarding vital infrastructure.

- Resilience of vital infrastructure through cybersecurity skills.

- A multicriteria decision-making framework for managing and assessing cybersecurity risks.

- A sensible methodology for managing cyber risk across multiple sectors.