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Global Accelerated Learning • Est. 1999
Glossary Term Cyber-Physical Attack

Training Camp • Cybersecurity Glossary

What is Cyber-Physical Attack?

A cyber-physical attack crosses from the digital realm into the physical world, manipulating control systems to cause real-world damage or disruption.

Glossary > OT, ICS & IoT Security > Cyber-Physical Attack

Understanding Cyber-Physical Attack

A cyber-physical attack is a cyberattack that crosses from the digital domain into the physical world, manipulating computer-controlled systems to cause real-world consequences such as equipment damage, process disruption, or physical harm. Targets are cyber-physical systems (CPS) that integrate computation, networking, and physical processes, including industrial control systems, power grids, water treatment plants, and medical devices. Notable examples include the Stuxnet worm, which damaged uranium centrifuges, and attacks on electric utilities that caused power outages. Defending against them requires securing both IT and operational technology (OT) environments.

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