Hybrid Cyber-Physical Threats: Emerging Tactics and Defense Strategies

SHILPI MONDAL| DATE: AUGUST 15, 2025

Hybrid cyber-physical threats represent a convergence of cyber and physical attack vectors targeting critical infrastructure and systems. These sophisticated assaults exploit the interconnectedness of modern technologies, aiming to disrupt, damage, or control essential services. Understanding the emerging tactics of such hybrid threats and developing robust defense strategies is crucial to safeguarding national security and public safety.​

Emerging Tactics in Hybrid Cyber-Physical Threats

Adversaries employ a combination of cyber intrusions and physical sabotage to exploit vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure:​

Coordinated Cyber-Physical Attacks: 

Attackers synchronize cyber exploits with physical actions to maximize disruption. For instance, compromising industrial control systems (ICS) can lead to physical damage in utilities like water or electricity.

Exploitation of IoT Devices: 

The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices introduces numerous entry points for attackers. Vulnerable IoT devices can serve as gateways to more secure networks, facilitating broader attacks. ​

Supply Chain Compromise:

Infiltrating the supply chain allows adversaries to implant malicious components or software, leading to both cyber and physical consequences once deployed in critical systems.​

Case Study: Russia's Hybrid Warfare Tactics

Russia has been identified as a prominent actor employing hybrid warfare strategies:​

Integration of Cyber and Physical Operations: 

The Russian military's Unit 29155, known for physical sabotage and assassinations, has developed cyber capabilities, conducting data-destroying malware attacks and fake hacktivist operations.

Targeting Critical Infrastructure: 

Russian operatives have been implicated in cyberattacks against Ukraine's power grid, leading to widespread outages and demonstrating the potential of hybrid threats. ​

Defense Strategies Against Hybrid Threats

To counter these integrated threats, a multifaceted defense approach is essential:

Enhanced Intelligence Sharing: 

Collaborative efforts among nations and organizations facilitate the timely exchange of threat information, enabling proactive defense measures. NATO's initiative to boost intelligence sharing aims to counter Russian and Chinese sabotage acts. ​

Robust Cybersecurity Measures: 

Implementing advanced intrusion detection systems (IDS) that monitor both network traffic and physical process data can identify anomalies indicative of hybrid attacks. Integrating physical process data improves detection and classification of various attack types. ​

Moving Target Defense (MTD): 

Altering system configurations dynamically increases complexity for attackers. For example, varying transmission line reactance in power grids can invalidate an attacker's knowledge, enhancing detection capabilities. ​

Comprehensive Risk Assessment: 

Employing model-based risk assessments that consider both cyber and physical components helps identify vulnerabilities and potential attack vectors, guiding the development of targeted defense mechanisms. ​

Public Awareness and Training: 

Educating personnel and the public about hybrid threats fosters a culture of vigilance. Training programs can enhance the ability to recognize and respond to potential attacks promptly.​

Policy and Regulatory Measures: 

Governments should establish policies that mandate security standards for critical infrastructure, ensuring compliance and readiness against hybrid threats.​

Conclusion

The merging of cyber and physical attack vectors necessitates an integrated defense strategy that encompasses technological, organizational, and policy measures. By understanding the evolving tactics of adversaries and implementing comprehensive defense mechanisms, societies can better protect critical infrastructure from the multifaceted challenges posed by hybrid cyber-physical threats.

Citations:

1. The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies. (2025, February 7). New Technologies, Changing Strategies: Five Trends in the Hybrid Threat Landscape - HCSS. HCSS. https://hcss.nl/report/new-technologies-changing-strategies-trends-hybrid-threat-landscape/

2. Hybrid attacks on critical infrastructure. (n.d.). CIDOB. https://www.cidob.org/en/publications/hybrid-attacks-critical-infrastructure

3. Cecco, L. (2024, November 21). What is hybrid warfare, which some fear Russia will use after Ukraine’s strike? The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/nov/19/hybrid-warfare-russia-ukraine

4. Greenberg, A. (2024, September 5). Russia’s most notorious special forces unit now has its own cyber warfare team. WIRED. https://www.wired.com/story/russia-gru-unit-29155-hacker-team/

5. Tantawy, A., Abdelwahed, S., Erradi, A., & Shaban, K. (2020). Model-based risk assessment for cyber physical systems security. Computers & Security, 96, 101864. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cose.2020.101864

Image Citations:

1. A new method to help policymakers defend democracy against hybrid threats. (2023, April 20). The Joint Research Centre: EU Science Hub. https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/jrc-news-and-updates/new-method-help-policymakers-defend-democracy-against-hybrid-threats-2023-04-20_en

2. EasyDMARC. (2025, April 29). 7 Common Internet of Things (IoT) Attacks that Compromise Security. EasyDMARC. https://easydmarc.com/blog/7-common-internet-of-things-iot-attacks-that-compromise-security/