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Original Research

EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES TOWARDS PREVENTING CYBERATTACK ON PUBLIC CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS: A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

Dr. IRUKA CHIJINDU ANUGWO

Vol 20, No 12 ( 2025 )   |  DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17918961   |   Author Affiliation: Senior Lecturer, Department of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa   |   Licensing: CC 4.0   |   Pg no: 139-148   |   Published on: 13-12-2025

Abstract

Effective strategies for preventing cyberattacks on public critical infrastructure assets are essential to maintaining national security, public safety, and economic stability globally. As societies increasingly rely on digital networks and systems for essential services such as energy, water, transportation, and healthcare, the vulnerability of these infrastructures to cyber threats has become a pressing concern. Notable incidents, including ransomware attacks and state-sponsored cyber espionage, have highlighted the potential for widespread disruption, prompting governments and organizations worldwide to prioritize cybersecurity initiatives aimed at safeguarding critical assets. The landscape of cyberattacks is diverse, ranging from phishing schemes to sophisticated ransomware and denial-of-service attacks, which can incapacitate essential services and compromise sensitive data. Thus, such threats necessitate a multifaceted approach to cybersecurity that includes not only robust technological defences but also strategic planning, risk management, and international collaboration. Thus, study initially conducted selection and screening of 67 literature review sources on the subject matter and only 30 were finally included, evaluated and analysed. Through critical evaluation and interpretation of current and relevant industry, business, and institutional, and academic literature resources via various databases, case studies, and government catalogue. The key findings indicated that prominent strategies include implementing regular backups, enhancing endpoint security, and fostering partnerships between public and private sectors to share threat intelligence and best practices. In addition to these preventive measures, the adoption of comprehensive legislative frameworks is critical for establishing accountability and clarifying obligations among nations regarding the protection of critical infrastructure. The study further revealed that challenges persist, including limited resources, decentralized governance, and evolving threat complexities that hinder effective cybersecurity implementations across sectors. The concluded that these challenges can be addressed by leveraging on a global perspective, whereby nations can enhance their resilience against cyber threats and secure the critical infrastructure that underpins modern society. Overall, this study recommended that the importance of effective strategies for preventing cyberattacks on public critical infrastructure cannot be overstated, as the consequences of such attacks extend beyond individual organizations to impact the safety and stability of entire nations. As the cyber threat landscape continues to evolve, ongoing commitment to innovation and collaboration remains a vital strategic effort in ensuring the integrity and reliability of these essential and critical public infrastructure systems are insulted against cyberattack.


Keywords

Cyberattack, Effective Strategies, Global Perspectives, Public Critical Infrastructure