Abstract
In recent years, the mining industry has undergone significant digital transformation, increasingly relying on software assets to enhance operational efficiency. However, this shift has introduced new cybersecurity risks, making it essential to evaluate the potential impact these risks could have on mining operations. This minor dissertation identifies and assesses the cybersecurity risks associated with mining software assets, focusing on the likelihood of exploitation and the potential impact of cyberattacks on operational integrity. This minor-dissertation is guided by three key objectives. Objective 1 reviews the current state of cybersecurity across industries, identifying the most common vulnerabilities and cyberattacks affecting general software systems. Objective 2 defines the architecture of mining software systems, exploring the interactions between different software assets to determine areas of vulnerability. Objective 3 conducts a risk analysis to assess the severity of cybersecurity risks specific to mining software assets, using a risk analysis framework that evaluates the likelihood and impact of exploitation. The methodology follows the Research Onion Model, using an inductive approach to move from specific observations of software vulnerabilities to broader insights into cybersecurity risks. Archival research and document analysis are combined to enable a detailed examination of industry data. A qualitative methodology, grounded in a risk analysis framework, is used to identify and evaluate common cybersecurity risks in mining software assets. As the industry continues its digital transformation, the need for stronger cybersecurity measures becomes increasingly clear. This minor dissertation emphasizes the importance of tailored strategies to address the specific risks in mining software assets, offering valuable insights for improving cybersecurity in the mining sector and other industries facing similar challenges. Additionally, it highlights the crucial role cybersecurity plays in the mining industry’s digital transformation.