Month: October 2023

SoftLabs

In today’s digital age, businesses are becoming more reliant on technology to maintain their daily operations. Operational technology (OT) is a critical component that helps to automate and manage industrial processes. However, with the increasing use of technology, businesses are vulnerable to cyber-attacks, which can lead to significant losses in revenue and reputation. Therefore, it is essential to understand the importance of OT in safeguarding digital assets and the role it plays in cybersecurity.

Introduction to Operational Technology (OT)

Operational technology (OT) refers to the hardware and software used to monitor and control physical processes in industries such as manufacturing, energy, and transportation. It includes systems such as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), and Distributed Control Systems (DCS). These systems work together to ensure smooth and efficient industrial operations.

OT systems differ from traditional IT systems in several ways. Firstly, they operate in real-time, meaning that any delay or interruption could have severe consequences. Secondly, OT systems are designed to last for many years, with little change to their configuration. This makes them vulnerable to cyber-attacks as older systems may have security flaws that have not been addressed. Lastly, OT systems are often connected to the internet, making them accessible to hackers worldwide.

Understanding the Importance of Cybersecurity in the OT Environment

In modern factories and industrial premises, infrastructures of IT and OT are increasingly being integrated as the air gap that previously kept OT systems nearly shielded from cyberattacks is gone. As a result, the attack surfaces of industrial organizations have greatly expanded. Add to this, the increased deployment of Industrial-Internet-of-Things (IIoT) devices. With OT’s new susceptibility to the IT threat landscape and the high value of targeting production environments that increase an organization’s motivation to pay a ransom, it is clear why protecting OT has become vital.

SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) is a critical component in OT cybersecurity. SCADA systems are responsible for monitoring and controlling industrial processes, making them a prime target for cyber-attacks.

SCADA systems are often connected to the internet, making them vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Therefore, it is essential to secure SCADA systems to prevent unauthorized access and potential cyber-attacks.

Case Studies: Real-World Examples of OT Cybersecurity Breaches

Florida Water Treatment Plant Case

In early 2021, a hacker was able to access a Florida water treatment plant monitor software that can adjust the level of sodium hydroxide (lye) in water via remote access. 

The attacker attempted to adjust the lye level up to 11,100 ppm which potentially could have severely impacted the health of 15,000 citizens living in the area. Luckily, an employee noticed the suspicious remote access when the bad actor was operating the mouse on the screen to adjust the lye setting. He quickly changed the systems back to the normal settings and informed the management about disabling all remote access.

Triton/Trisis Case

A malware attack that targeted a Saudi Arabian petrochemical plant

In December 2017, newly discovered malware was launched against a petrochemical plant in Saudi Arabia. The malware itself was notable in that it was specifically designed to manipulate safety systems in critical infrastructures. The malware, called TRITON or TRISIS, was the first to deliberately target systems that functioned to prevent life-threatening accidents and serious physical damage.

How to Safeguard Critical Infrastructure

Preventing Industrial Control System (ICS) attacks requires layered and tailored security. An organization should cover the basics of securing its own specific OT environment, and conduct proper surveys, updates, and maintenance. It is essential to have best practices in place. Proper security strategies also have to be implemented as part of daily operations. Some best practices are below:

1. Apply network segmentation using the Purdue Model for Control Hierarchy. 
2. Assess ICS systems to thoroughly identify the different kinds and levels of risk, and then install the corresponding safeguards.
3. Get network and device security solutions specifically for ICS and SCADA.
4. Implement the basic steps of asset inventory tracking & segmentation. Employ more advanced micro-segmentation and virtual patching solutions to protect devices against known vulnerabilities.
5. Collaborate across IT, OT, and production teams to adequately assess cyber and production risks, specifically ransomware incidents, and inform the CISO to ensure proper awareness, prioritization, budget, and personnel allocations.
6. Develop a vendor and OT cybersecurity platform strategy. Many new security solutions are being introduced, yet the personnel gap widens. Also, as your security posture matures, seek to engage with vendors with a wide portfolio of solutions that can provide the basic solutions of asset inventory and segmentation to more advanced solutions such as an OT SOC or the ability to support a joint IT/OT SOC.

Reference : Blog written by our Presales Solution Engineer – Sid Sen –https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/unveiling-hidden-threats-exploring-role-operational-technology-sen%3FtrackingId=eD9GdnQ32EHQFUSLRPHT%252Fw%253D%253D/?trackingId=eD9GdnQ32EHQFUSLRPHT%2Fw%3D%3D