Definition ∞ A cyber-physical threat targets systems that integrate computational and physical components, aiming to cause real-world damage or disruption. These threats bridge the digital and physical realms, potentially affecting critical infrastructure, industrial control systems, or autonomous vehicles. Successful attacks can lead to operational failures, safety hazards, or significant economic losses. Such incidents underscore the growing convergence of digital security and physical safety.
Context ∞ The discussion surrounding cyber-physical threats is increasingly prominent in news related to national security, industrial cybersecurity, and the resilience of critical infrastructure. A key debate involves developing comprehensive security strategies that address both software vulnerabilities and physical system interactions. Future developments will focus on creating more resilient control systems, advanced threat detection for industrial environments, and international collaboration to counter these high-impact attacks.