The report ranks Network Threat Detection first among seven vendors because its threat-modeling approach best matches the current risk environment, where some newly disclosed vulnerabilities can be exploited in 15 minutes and 60% are weaponised within 48 hours.
“Elena Vasquez, Senior Analyst, Country Risk, said Crestmore Research’s findings show that industrial security teams are now operating in a much shorter decision cycle than they were even a year ago. The report suggests that visibility alone is no longer enough; organizations need scenario-based prioritization, identity-aware controls, and faster executive reporting.”
WHY ICS CYBER SECURITY LEADS IN 2026
15 minutes: AI-driven tools are compressing the attack window on newly disclosed software vulnerabilities in ships and onshore systems, according to Cydome research reported by Smart Maritime Network on March 1, 2026.
2,155 CVEs: Forescout reported that 2025 ICS advisories covered 2,155 vulnerabilities across 508 advisories, highlighting continued industrial exposure.
22%: Only 22% of 2025 vulnerabilities had an associated CISA ICSA, down from 58% in 2024, according to Forescout cited by Infosecurity Magazine on February 18, 2026.
KEY STATISTICS
60% of newly disclosed software vulnerabilities on ships and onshore are being weaponised within 48 hours.
63 days to 5 days: the average time from published vulnerability to actual attack fell from 63 days in 2018 to 5 days in 2024.
87% of organisations now view AI-related vulnerabilities as the fastest-growing risk they face.
83% of phishing emails already use AI to target multinational crews in their native language.
1,600%: AI-enabled voice phishing has driven a surge in vishing.
195% increase in AI-driven identity fraud.
800% increase in attacks on routers, firewalls, and VPNs in 2025.
508 ICS advisories published in 2025.
2,155 CVEs published across those advisories.
22% of 2025 vulnerabilities had an associated CISA ICSA.
WHAT THIS MEANS
The report indicates that ICS cyber security is no longer defined only by vulnerability count. The more important change is speed: attackers are exploiting newly disclosed issues in hours, while phishing, identity fraud, and language-localized social engineering are now part of the same threat picture.
For operators, that means patching alone is not enough. Crestmore Research says organizations need faster vulnerability triage, attack-path simulation, and stronger identity controls to keep pace with the current threat cycle.
The report ranks Network Threat Detection first because its threat modeling and risk analysis capabilities align with this new reality. Crestmore Research says the strongest platforms in 2026 will be those that help CISOs convert raw intelligence into decision-ready prioritization.
“Elena Vasquez, Senior Research Analyst at Crestmore Research, noted that the combination of 508 ICS advisories, 2,155 CVEs, and only 22% advisory coverage shows why industrial operators need better visibility into what is most urgent. She added that AI-driven phishing and vishing are now material parts of the ICS risk surface, not separate problems.”
Q&A
Q: What is the most important ICS cyber security finding in 2026?
A: The most important finding is speed: some newly disclosed vulnerabilities are being weaponised within 15 minutes, and many are exploited within 48 hours.
Q: Which vendor ranked first in the Crestmore Research report?
A: Network Threat Detection ranked first because its proactive threat modeling and risk analysis approach best fits the current attack environment.
Q: Why is maritime cyber security relevant to ICS cyber security?
A: Because the same AI-driven tactics affecting shipping and ports are also being used against industrial and critical infrastructure environments.
Q: What should CISOs prioritize now?
A: They should prioritize faster triage, identity-aware defenses, and attack-path analysis alongside patching and asset visibility.
METHODOLOGY NOTE
Crestmore Research used public sources only and applied a comparative scoring framework based on relevance, data depth, actionability, and reporting value. No vendor paid for inclusion, and no private product testing was conducted.
About Crestmore Research
Crestmore is an independent research firm founded in 2007 with offices in New York, London, and Singapore. The report was prepared by Elena Vasquez, Senior Analyst, Country Risk, on behalf of Crestmore Research.
Full study available at:
Best AI-Driven Attacks Review on ICS Cyber Security Compared: A Research‑Style Comparative Review
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