Industrial Control Systems Security

 

In this new issue of our Techsafe security awareness blog, we’ll be exploring the threats which industrial control systems (ICS) face, the risks, as well as best security practices. Although these systems introduce a more streamlined and efficient industrial process, they are also vulnerable to cyberattacks, which can bring about serious bad consequences to businesses, and even economies. When it comes to modern industrial operations, from manufacturing machineries, to power grids, and transportation systems, industrial control systems (ICS) remain the vital support; even more so, with the added advantage of the industrial internet of things (IIOT) - interconnection consisting of devices, sensors, etc. that work together to collect and analyze the data from industrial operations and can also give insights that can be integrated for more optimized industrial processes.

‘At an automated factory, an alarm blares and workers rush to investigate. They soon discover that the robotic arms on the assembly line are malfunctioning, assembling products incorrectly and causing damage. The IT security team is called in to investigate and quickly discovers that the factory’s ICS network has been compromised. Hackers have gained access to the system and have been manipulating the controls, leading to the defective products and potential financial losses for the company. The aftereffect of the incident was mildly severe, with shareholders outraged. The CEO, desperate to contain the damage, calls an emergency meeting with the board of directors to discuss next steps. They decide to launch a comprehensive security audit and upgrade the company’s IT infrastructure to prevent future breaches. Meanwhile, the hackers responsible for the attack remain at large, proving that cybersecurity threats are a constant and evolving danger in the modern age.’

Cyber threats that target ICS networks

ICS networks have various potential threats, and in this section, we’ll be discussing some of them which are:

• Remote exploitation: This involves a technique that helps hackers gain access into a network’s internal system through a remote connection. These hackers exploit vulnerabilities in ICS systems from remote locations, which allows them to steal data, manipulate machinery, and disrupt industrial operations if they wish.

• Malware and ransomware: Malware refers to any malicious software designed by hackers to steal and damage data and systems; while ransomware is a malicious software designed with the sole aim of demanding ransom from its victim by denying access to his or her important/sensitive data. These systems can enter ICS networks, causing systems to malfunction or holding important data for ransom.

• Insider threats: The weakest and strongest link of security will always be ‘people’. Contractors and employees with access to ICS networks pose a risk if they hold malicious intent or are not properly trained on cybersecurity practices.

Consequences associated with ICS security breaches

The various threats that potentially target ICS networks, comes with various consequences, from production loss to reputational damage. Just like in the case of our opening story, due to the cyber-attacks, the stipulated amount of goods to be produced for a day was made impossible not to mention the defective products. There was no guarantee that a defective product wasn’t already shipped to a customer before the alarm came off and, in such cases, it’ll in turn lead to reputational damage as said customer will no longer trust the integrity of the company and might also lead other potential customers as well. The manipulation of the machinery could also lead of safety hazard, due to incoordination hence the need to understand the potential threats and also put in place certain security protocols.

Security practices for ICS networks

To ensure security of ICS networks, certain practices should be adhered to. In this section, we’ll be discussing some basic practices.

• In order to address some existing vulnerabilities, it is recommended to regularly update the ICS software and firmware.

• Having adequate network security measures such as firewalls, access control protocols, and intrusion detection systems, also go a long way in ICS networks.

• It is advised to also conduct regular security audits such as penetration testing in order to identify any unknown and existing weakness in the network.

• Have incident response plans on standby in case of a cyberattack so as to minimize damage and restore operations quickly.

• Ensure employees and contractors are given regular cybersecurity awareness trainings to help in facilitating more awareness and easier security implementation.

Security threats to industrial control systems will always remain a thing of concern to businesses and the society. Understanding these threats, their consequences and best practices, businesses can take a step further in ensuring security. Here at Techsafe Cybersecurity Awareness blog, we’re giving weekly basic and essential tips to ensure personal and organizational security; and until next time, remain digitally safe!