As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, projections estimate that by 2035 there will be over 35 billion connected IoT devices. This expanding connectivity, while enabling real-time control and automation, also broadens the attack surface for cyber incidents. When these connections form part of safety-critical or real-time systems, the consequences of cyberattacks can escalate into functional safety incidents, posing risks to human life, environment, and infrastructure.

Notably, attack vectors are no longer confined to networks alone. Sensors, once passive measurement tools, are now intelligent and valuable assets that can also serve as cyber-physical entry points. In this lecture, we will:

• Define the fundamental concepts of safety and cybersecurity within the context of safety-critical environments,
• Explore the convergence of these domains through practical coding examples,
• Analyze real-world cyber incidents that have compromised safety systems,
• Highlight the emerging need for integrated cyber-physical risk mitigation strategies.

This presentation aims to bridge the knowledge gap between functional safety and cybersecurity, providing insights into how these two traditionally separate domains must now be co-engineered in an era dominated by interconnected, intelligent systems.