(Newswire.net — October 7, 2022) — Vital infrastructure such as the electrical grids are controlled by ICS networks. Failure of such infrastructures could have disastrous consequences. Asset owners must address these OT security problems immediately.
They must therefore weigh the danger and potential harm of malware and high-quality attacks on ICS facilities.
Cybercriminals also attack devices by concentrating on the numerous OT protocols that are already in use. The TCP/IP model has become the industry standard for IT systems. OT systems use a variety of protocols, many of which are unique to certain activities, sectors, or regions.
What are Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT)?
Information technology is the management and delivery of info utilizing voice, data, and video. It includes hardware, software, services, and supporting infrastructure.
Technology that is primarily used to manage physical operations is known as operational technology (OT). Computing, networking, and storage technologies make up OT, just like IT. However, OT utilizes similar technologies for a distinct function. It processes or transmits data about the control of physical assets.
What is IT/OT Convergence?
The fusion of operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) systems is known as IT/OT convergence. Utilizing this connectivity to increase the value these systems provide is the aim of IT/OT convergence.
IT/OT convergence helps to make decisions in real time, reducing unscheduled downtime. It also helps to deploy staff and equipment most effectively in reaction to changes and issues. Aside from removing unnecessary hardware and software, IT and OT system alignment can help lower capital and operational costs.
7 IT/OT Cybersecurity Concerns in ICS
1. OT Network Intrusion
The proliferation of more recent IP-connected devices in OT networks exposes them to attacks from the internet. And it plays a significant role in the rising tide of cyber threats that target OT systems.
Remote desktop protocol (RDP), which is used for remote access, is so open to attacks. Adversaries frequently utilize it to access the corporate network and compromise OT devices.
2. Malware Infiltration
Removable media like external hardware and USB flash drives are often utilized at homes, workplaces, and ICS networks.
Executable files and programs with dangerous code can pose a concern by infecting computers with malware. There are several instances of malware harming industries’ finances, operations, and reputations.
Once operating in the ICS network, an infected computer might swiftly infect systems and components with malicious code. It can easily infect other systems when accessing office networks or infrastructure.
To combat malware infiltration, OT security solutions offer user access management tools. They also offer policy enforcement, endpoint security controls, and encryption capabilities. This will help to prevent malware infections from inflicting significant damage.
Intrusion detection systems (IDS) also help to automatically identify malicious attempts. The Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) and anomaly detection functions of the IDS technology are all performed by a sensor.
3. Human Error
Working in an ICS setting, employees can increase security issues. Unauthorized or improperly configured devices and software can compromise systems. Malware can (unintentionally) be installed by employees through emails. It can also be installed by plugging USB devices into their laptops.
An OT cybersecurity guide can help employees comply with security practices. OT cybersecurity guides are a set of guidelines and best practices created to lessen and stop the exploitation of ICS.
Organizations should establish guidelines for important ICS network processes. These include security and configuration management standards. They should also have rules governing the participation of security specialists.
Organize training programs to raise understanding of cyber security issues. Have security awareness campaigns regarding the use of portable devices like USB flash drives.
The sheer number of next-generation firewalls that must be updated is another challenge for IT personnel. The installation of an untrusted update by an employee on a security component could result in the loss of data.
4. Lack of Segmentation in OT Systems
Network segmentation improves performance by reducing congestion. In a segmented network, there are fewer hosts per subnet, which reduces local traffic and the “noise” in broadcast traffic.
In a network connected to the internet and segmented incorrectly, OT systems are vulnerable to attack. This is because a firewall fails to detect or prohibit the malicious activity.
5. DDOS Attacks
Distributed denial of service is known as DDoS. DDOS occurs when a hacker targets an organization’s online activities using resources from numerous, distant places.
DDoS assaults often concentrate on producing attacks that interfere with network services and equipment’s normal operations. Examples of such network devices are routers and switches.
DDoS assaults that target internet connections of the central network may be launched by hacktivists. They can also be carried out by purchasers of rentable botnets. When targeted, interfaces of particular OT components can crash. For instance, processing logic can stop working.
Attackers looking to undermine OT systems can launch DoS assaults against weak, unpatched systems. This can occur due to invalid sources and weak access rules.
6. Compromising Cloud Components
As a part of OT security solutions, security-specific components should be periodically provided. The ICS industry is also seeing growth for these solutions. For example, remote access client systems are placed in the cloud by remote maintenance solution providers.
Solutions that are located in the cloud offer redundancy, scalability, and pay-per-use pricing. While these components are linked to local production, asset owners have little control over their security.
Due to DDoS assaults, connectivity between local production and outsourced (cloud) components may be disrupted. This poses a threat to OT cloud security.
7. Default Configuration
Default configurations are the preset options or settings provided by businesses. Most people find that using the default setting is more comfortable.
Attackers find it simple to identify and hack OT systems. This is due to default or basic passwords and baseline configurations seen in out-of-the-box systems.
Conclusion
OT and cybersecurity leaders are confronting new issues as industrial systems continue to develop. Organizations have to carefully choose the security practices they use due to the complexity of IT/OT convergence.
Those who manage and maintain critical infrastructure must stay current on the latest security trends. Assets related to IT/OT convergence must be adequately protected. This is because they are high-value cyber-physical assets.