The SANS Institute has recently released a new strategy guide in response to the alarming increase in ransomware attacks targeting industrial control systems (ICS) in 2023. According to the press release, this essential guide, titled “ICS Is the Business: Why Securing ICS/OT Environments Is Business-Critical in 2024,” is authored by Dean Parsons, CEO of ICS Defense Force and a SANS Certified Instructor.
This comprehensive strategy guide aims to provide organizations with critical steps to safeguard their operations and ensure public safety in the face of growing cyber threats. With cyber-attacks becoming more frequent and sophisticated, it is crucial for businesses to take proactive measures to protect the vital systems that support our society.
Key insights from the strategy guide include an in-depth analysis of the growing threat landscape surrounding ICS/OT environments. The guide emphasizes the need for organizations to recognize that their ICS infrastructure is integral to their business operations and must be secured accordingly.
Furthermore, the guide highlights the dangers of high-impact, low-frequency (HILF) attacks that have the potential to cause catastrophic consequences, such as power outages and environmental disasters. Parsons stresses the importance of implementing five critical controls outlined by SANS to defend ICS/OT environments effectively. These controls are not only technical recommendations but also essential business imperatives that support operational continuity and safety.
Additionally, the guide discusses the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing ICS security while cautioning against over-reliance on AI at the expense of human expertise. Parsons emphasizes that while AI can be a powerful tool, it cannot replace the specialized knowledge and decision-making capabilities of trained ICS/OT professionals.
In conclusion, Parsons emphasizes the urgency of the situation, stating that organizations responsible for protecting critical infrastructure must not be complacent. The steps outlined in the guide are essential for ensuring the continued safe and reliable operation of industrial systems. The SANS Institute urges all organizations with ICS/OT environments to download the strategy guide and implement the recommended security controls promptly.
To access the full strategy guide, interested parties can visit https://www.sans.org/mlp/ics-business-guide-2024/. Protecting critical infrastructure is not just a technical challenge but a business-critical imperative that demands immediate attention and action.