Local digital technology group Ansys has warned of the growing risk of digital and electronic attacks in both the public and private sectors, as demonstrated by many high-profile hacks in recent years, which could have ‘catastrophic’ consequences.
“Digital and electronic attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and pose a real and significant threat to national security and businesses of all sizes,” said Ansys subsidiary Parsec Managing Director, Petrus Pelser. “These attacks can take many forms, and both businesses and government agencies need to be prepared for any eventuality.”
Pelser emphasised that cyber and digital technologies are converging, and that this is significantly amplifying the level of risk in both the public and private sectors. As demonstrated by many high-profile hacks in recent years, the use of computer technology to disrupt the strategic activities of state or the economy could be catastrophic.
“Wherever there is innovation, there are new challenges to solve,” said Pelser. “The Internet of Things (IoT) or Industry 4.0 has brought with it the benefits of smart factories and connected systems, but it has also brought with it a new level of risk, similar in nature to the rapid convergence of cyber and digital warfare capabilities seen in the military field.”
“Governments have long recognised the need for a new form of defence against a new form of attack,” said Pelser, “and business is becoming equally aware of the magnitude of the risk posed by potential cyber-attacks.
“Ansys draws on its years of experience in the defence sector to produce state-of-the-art digital technology solutions for the rapidly evolving digital age.”
Ansys specialises in designing and producing technology products and systems designed with defence-level security requirements in mind. These have been used in the aerospace, defence and electronic warfare environments, these are now in demand in the business sector, especially by large enterprises that are vulnerable to cyber-attacks, Pelser said.
