The emergence of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) can transform and improve industrial domain processes. This is achieved by IIoT’s ability to collect and process vast amounts of data using technology such as sensors. IIoT capabilities can improve the manufacturing processes of these sectors and contribute to the improved functioning of critical information infrastructure. In addition, current trends - such as the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) - use IIoT to realise specific goals. While the emergence of IIoT systems does introduce many benefits, such as improved efficiency and sustainability, it can also introduce security concerns. These security concerns pose a significant threat to the industrial domain, including critical information infrastructures. The resulting threats emphasise the need to implement solutions to secure IIoT systems. The paper aims to discuss the emergence of IIoT and its cyber security issues within the context of critical information infrastructure. The research paper follows a theoretical research methodology to provide an improved understanding of the emergence of IIoT and its cyber security issues in critical information infrastructure. The paper contains an exhaustive discussion of what is IIoT. A discussion on where IIoT fits within the context of critical information infrastructure and its impact on 4IR is also highlighted in the paper. Due to the many vulnerabilities that IIoT systems can contain, the paper also discusses security concerns surrounding the emergence of IIoT. The security concerns make IIoT systems attractive targets for cyberattacks. Therefore, different approaches that can be applied to secure IIoT systems is also provided. Since IIoT capabilities can impact the critical information infrastructure of businesses and nations, the authors’ stance on how IIoT systems could transform the current understanding of critical information infrastructure is also discussed.

The growth and capabilities of cyberspace have brought about many advantages to societies. Individuals and businesses have used cyberspace for easier communication, but nation-states also utilise it to improve the functioning of their critical infrastructure. Critical infrastructures provide vital services such as the health, safety and security needed for the efficient functioning of societies. However, vulnerabilities in cyberspace have made cyberattacks such as cyberwarfare possible. Cyberwarfare is an international concern due to the negative impact it can have on critical infrastructure. This paper aims to discuss cyberwarfare and the potential effects that it can have on critical infrastructure. This paper follows a theoretical research methodology to provide an understanding of cyberwarfare. In addition, the paper provides a better understanding of the impact that cyberwarfare can have on critical infrastructure. The paper contains an exhaustive definition of cyberwarfare. Since cyberwarfare is a type of cyberattack, it is similar but not the same as other cyberattacks such as cybercrime and cyberterrorism. Therefore, to gain a clear understanding of cyberwarfare, the paper discusses cyberwarfare, cybercrime, and cyberterrorism. The paper also discusses some of the most significant cyberwarfare incidents. Since the effects can be devastating, critical infrastructure must be protected from cyberwarfare. A survey of techniques for protecting critical infrastructure from cyberwarfare is presented. The identified incidents highlight the effects that cyberwarfare can cause. Hence, the possible effects that cyberwarfare can cause on critical infrastructure is discussed. Due to the negative effects of cyberwarfare, nations need to be prepared to protect their critical infrastructure from cyberwarfare. Therefore, the paper also discusses the authors’ stance on South Africa preparedness to defend themselves in the event of cyberwarfare.