Cybersecurity

Cyberattacks on critical infrastructure could cause detrimental damage, expert says

Grobman: Need strong partnership between govt. & private industries
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Grobman: Need strong partnership between govt. & private industries

When it comes to combating cyberattacks on the nation's vital infrastructure, President-elect Donald Trump's administration should make sure it has a strong partnership with the private industry, Intel Security Group's chief technology officer, Steve Grobman, told CNBC Wednesday.

That's because about three-quarters of the digital infrastructure is run by private companies, he explained.

"There is critical technology that runs the critical infrastructure in many places and if any of those capabilities are successfully targeted, it could cause detrimental damage," Grobman said in an interview with CNBC's "Closing Bell."

Earlier this week, Trump released a video updating his transition team's progress and addressed the issue.

"On national security, I will ask the Department of Defense and the Chairman of the Joints Chief of Staff to develop a comprehensive plan to protect America's vital infrastructure from cyberattacks and all other form of attacks," he said.

Grobman said that comprehensive plan should look across all industries.

"We have to worry about it all, regardless of whether or not a successful attack occurs on the power grid or against dams or our hospital networks. Any of those scenarios could be detrimental."