What are the main components of industrial cybersecurity?

Given the wide range of different ICS and OT solutions available today, the exact measures and practices used for industrial cybersecurity will vary from one organization to the next. However, industrial cybersecurity can broadly be broken down into three main components:

1. Network security: Network security revolves around the protection of internal networks and communications between systems. This typically involves the implementation of solutions such as firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) platforms to prevent unauthorized access.

2. Cloud security: Cloud security focuses on the protection of cloud-hosted services and data. Security teams typically implement technologies like data encryption, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and access controls to protect cloud assets.

3. Physical security: Physical security concentrates on restricting access to critical technological infrastructure to prevent tampering with cyber defense measures. This typically involves the use of biometric access control solutions as well as surveillance and monitoring.

   
   

What are common risks in industrial cybersecurity?

The scope of industrial cybersecurity is significant, and as such, there is a wide range of potential threats that could potentially pose a threat. The following are some of the most common risks to industrial cybersecurity:

• Outdated security features (e.g., with legacy systems/OT devices) 

• Supply chain attacks (e.g., via compromised third-party software)

• Malware and ransomware attacks

• Phishing and social engineering attacks

• Security misconfigurations due to human error

• Denial of Service (DoS) attacks

• Insider threats

  
  

What are best practices for industrial cybersecurity?

To ensure that essential ICS and OT assets are not susceptible to compromise, companies should engage in best practices to maintain maximum protection. The following are some essential best practices for industrial cybersecurity:

• Employee awareness training: Companies should raise awareness of cyber threats among employees and educate them on how to mitigate them. This can prevent issues stemming from human error, insider threats, and social engineering tactics.

• Network segmentation: Segmenting networks can allow a company to establish protected partitions to separate its essential ICS and OT environments from its main IT network. This insulates these technologies against cyber risk by preventing lateral movement in the event of an attack on the main network.

• Patch management: Critical systems should be updated regularly to the most recent version available. This will provide the latest security fixes to prevent the exploitation of identified security vulnerabilities.

• Incident response planning: Organizations should engage in comprehensive incident response planning as part of their approach to industrial cybersecurity. Response plans should outline the protocols and procedures to follow in the event of an attack, including backup and recovery measures and objectives, so as to minimize the potential impact on critical systems and operations.

• Security auditing: At industrial organizations, security should conduct regular audits of all security measures. This will enable the identification of weaknesses in their defenses, such as misconfigurations, outdated security features, and software vulnerabilities, so that they can be promptly remediated for better protection.