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During the last decade, critical infrastructure organizations (those whose operations are vital to sustaining citizens’ lives or national security) have undergone two major transformations: first, the introduction of digital technologies and systems to enable more efficient operations, and second, an exponential rise in their overall risk profile as an attack target for cyber criminals.

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a pivotal opportunity for critical infrastructure organizations to build out their cyber security operations due to the massive need to enable and safeguard remote access to their facilities and devices, especially during national lockdown or when operating with a reduced staff, and ensure no significant operational downtime occurs.

Moreover, the pandemic has proven challenging for cyber security vendors seeking to sell to critical infrastructure organizations as their sales processes typically rely on on-site demonstrations and because customers’ already tight budgets have become even tighter as government funding sources were either diverted to public health measures or halted until the pandemic has passed.