The growing threat of cyber attacks on industrial control systems (ICS) has become a major concern for companies worldwide. As the number of ICS-CERT advisories continues to rise, it is clear that OT attacks are becoming smarter, bolder, and more frequent. In fact, recent reports indicate that 94% of IT security incidents in critical industries have also impacted the OT environment. This integration of IT and OT has created a pressing need for effective defense strategies to protect expensive machines and ensure uninterrupted production.
One of the challenges in dealing with OT attacks is the evolving nature of the threat landscape. Threat actors are constantly advancing their strategies to exploit vulnerabilities in OT environments. For example, state-sponsored actors have been known to intercept shipments of brand-new OT assets and infect them with malware. When these infected devices are brought into production, they compromise the entire OT network. To prevent such incidents, it is crucial for the industry to understand the OT threat vectors and implement preventative measures.
Two common attack vectors that are frequently exploited by cybercriminals include “bleed-over attacks” and “insider threats.” In a bleed-over attack, ransomware or other malware enters the IT network and then spreads to the OT network, causing production to come to a halt. On the other hand, an insider threat occurs when an employee or a third-party vendor unknowingly attaches an infected laptop or thumb drive to an OT device, infecting the entire network. These attack vectors highlight the importance of implementing effective measures to prevent unauthorized access and the spread of malware within OT networks.
The consequences of an OT attack can be severe, particularly for industrial operators and plant managers who cannot afford any downtime. Once an OT environment is compromised, machines can be destroyed, programming can be changed, and the behavior of technicians can be manipulated. This puts production at risk and, more importantly, jeopardizes human safety.
To address the challenges posed by OT attacks, it is crucial to utilize OT-native cyber defenses. Traditional cybersecurity solutions that focus solely on software are inadequate for protecting the physical world of automated factories and infrastructure operations. OT networks require a multi-pronged defense strategy that goes beyond visibility and provides tools for both prevention and response.
One approach is to inspect every new OT asset or vendor device before it enters the network. This can be done using portable USB scanning devices that quickly ensure the safety of these assets. Additionally, endpoints in OT environments should be protected with antivirus (AV) software designed specifically for OT. Unlike traditional IT solutions, OT AV software can support legacy operating systems and unpatched devices without causing system latency.
Furthermore, supplementing the IT firewall with OT network defenses can provide additional protection for OT assets. Deploying physical appliances on the OT network can detect and block any malicious activity without interfering with production. These network defenses are essential for maintaining the availability and integrity of OT systems.
In conclusion, taking a proactive approach to OT security is crucial in today’s threat landscape. With the increasing vulnerability of OT environments, a defense-in-depth strategy that combines visibility and protection is necessary. By implementing OT-native cyber defenses and utilizing tools such as portable scanning devices, AV software, and OT network defenses, organizations can safeguard their OT networks and ensure uninterrupted production. It is essential to recognize that preventing an issue in the first place is far more valuable than simply identifying and responding to incidents after they occur.
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