In today’s rapidly advancing digital landscape, integrating smart technologies has revolutionized manufacturing, paving the way for increased efficiency, flexibility, and productivity.
However, with these advancements come new challenges, particularly in safeguarding industrial control systems (ICS) from cyber threats.
As manufacturing facilities become more interconnected and reliant on digital infrastructure, the potential for cyberattacks targeting critical operational systems becomes a pressing concern. Here are some key ways to improve security while balancing operational reliability and efficiency.
Understanding the Risks:
Cyber threats targeting ICS pose significant risks to manufacturing operations, including:
- Disruption of Production: Cyberattacks can disrupt production processes, leading to downtime, delays, and financial losses.
- Equipment Damage: Malicious actors can manipulate control systems to cause physical damage to machinery, posing safety risks and costly repairs.
- Data Breaches: Breaching ICS can expose sensitive operational data, trade secrets, and intellectual property, compromising competitive advantage and reputation.
- Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Interconnected supply chains can serve as entry points for cyber intrusions, affecting multiple stakeholders and partners.
Addressing these risks requires a proactive approach to cybersecurity, encompassing robust defense mechanisms, continuous monitoring, and employee awareness.
7 Strategies to Effectively Defend Industrial Control Systems
Securing smart manufacturing begins with implementing a multi-layered defense strategy to safeguard critical assets and mitigate potential threats. Key elements of this strategy include:
Implement Application Allowlisting
Implementing Application Whitelisting (AWL) can identify and thwart the execution of malware that malicious actors have uploaded. Certain systems, such as database servers and Human-Machine Interface (HMI) computers, possess a static character that makes them well-suited for implementing AWL. It is recommended that operators collaborate with their providers to establish a baseline and calibrate AWL installations.
Ensure Proper Configuration / Patch Management
Malicious actors target systems that have not been patched. If control systems could benefit from a configuration/patch management solution that prioritized the secure import and installation of reliable fixes, they could keep themselves safer.
To determine which problems need fixing, such a program will first conduct a precise baseline assessment and inventory of assets. For “PC-architecture” devices used by HMIs, database servers, and engineering workstations, patching and configuration management will be given priority. With compromised laptops serving as a significant vector for infection, modern attackers possess formidable cyber capabilities that they use against these management settings.
In an ideal world, this program would supply vendors with laptops acknowledged as top-notch business desktops while limiting access to the control network from external devices. According to the program, updates should be tested on a test system with malware detection capabilities before installing them on real machines.
Reduce Your Attack Surface Area
Implement the practice of isolating ICS networks from untrusted networks, namely the Internet. Deactivate any ports that are not currently in use. It is recommended to turn off all services. Real-time access to external networks should only be allowed if a business need or control function is clearly defined.
Optical separation is sometimes called a “data diode” when one-way communication can accomplish a task. If a two-way connection is needed, a single accessible port via a restricted network path is used.
Build a Defendable Environment
Implementing logical enclaves within networks and restricting the communication pathways between hosts can effectively mitigate the consequences of perimeter intrusions. Enclaving may impede adversaries’ ability to escalate access while the system’s regular communications operate. Enclaving provides containment, which significantly reduces the cost of incident cleanup.
Data transmission using certified portable media rather than a network connection is advised, especially in less secure zones.
Optical separation methods should be explored when conditions call for real-time data transfer. Data replication may continue without risk to the control system.
Manage Authentication
Legit credentials, especially those associated with highly privileged accounts, are progressively emerging as a significant focal point for attackers. To minimize their impact compared to when they take advantage of weaknesses or carry out malicious software, attackers may corrupt these login credentials and impersonate authentic users. Utilize two-factor authentication wherever possible.
Restrict users’ access to the tools they need to do their task. If you must have passwords, create secure policies that value length above complexity. Ensure all account credentials, including non-interactive and system accounts, are unique, and update them at least once every ninety days.
Maintain distinct credentials in their trust repositories for the corporate and control network zones. Keep the Active Directory, RSA ACE, and other trust repositories of your control and corporate networks distinct.
Implement Secure Remote Access
Certain attackers possess the ability to remotely access control systems, decipher complex entry points, and even create “hidden back doors” intentionally set up by administrators. Because of their inherent dangers, you should turn off modems and similar access points.
Cut off any further access. Instead of the “read-only” access imposed by program settings or permissions, utilize data diodes to impose “monitoring-only” access whenever possible. Permanent connections from vendors to the control network should not be enabled remotely.
All remote access must be time-limited, operator-controlled, and follow a procedure similar to “lock out, tag out.” To avoid discrimination, all vendors and employees must use the same remote access pathways. Avoid systems where the two tokens are readily stolen since they are similar, and use two-factor authentication if you can.
Monitor and Respond
Securing a network against modern threats requires continual awareness of any signals of hostile penetration and the prompt deployment of a predefined countermeasure. Consider keeping a watch on projects in these five key areas:
- Monitor ICS boundary IP traffic
- Check control network IP traffic
- Use host-based tools
- Use a login analysis (time and location)
- Monitor account/user management
Have a plan of action for when hostile behavior is discovered. Disabling impacted user accounts, isolating problematic computers, stopping all Internet connections, conducting a sufficiently focused virus search, and instantly changing all passwords are possible components of such a strategy. The definition of escalation triggers and actions, such as incident response, investigations, and public relations initiatives, may also be included in such a strategy.
Final Thoughts
Securing smart manufacturing against cyber threats is a multifaceted challenge that demands a proactive and collaborative approach.
By implementing robust cybersecurity measures, adhering to industry standards, and embracing emerging technologies, manufacturers can bolster the resilience of their industrial control systems and safeguard critical operations from potential disruptions.
As the digital transformation of manufacturing accelerates, investing in security software apps becomes a necessity and a strategic imperative for sustained growth and competitiveness in the new era.
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