OUR SERVICES

Security Consulting

Security Consulting: Industrial control systems and Operational Technologies targeted by attackers

Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Operational Technologies (OT) have increasingly become the focus of cyberattackers in recent years. These technologies, which are used in industries such as energy generation, transportation, production and water management, are essential for the operation of critical infrastructures. However, their increasing networking and digitalization have also made them more susceptible to cyber threats.

Why are ICS and OT targets for cyberattacks?

ICS and OT systems control physical processes that are of great importance for the smooth functioning of a company or even an entire country. For example, they regulate the distribution of electricity, the flow of water or the production of goods. An attack on these systems can therefore have a massive impact - from production downtime to catastrophic events such as an interruption to the energy supply.
In the past, ICS and OT were often isolated from IT networks, which made them relatively secure. However, with increasing integration into enterprise IT and the use of internet protocols to increase efficiency, these systems are exposed to new threats. Cybercriminals and state-sponsored actors have realized that the damage they can cause by disrupting or tampering with such systems is enormous. Examples such as the Stuxnet attack have shown how vulnerable ICS and OT are when it comes to targeted cyber attacks.

Your contact person

Christian Schlehuber

Managing Director

The challenge: ICS/OT-Security

In contrast to traditional IT systems, ICS and OT have very specific security requirements. These systems are often designed to operate for decades and contain outdated software or hardware that cannot be easily updated or patched without disrupting operations. In addition, many of these systems have not been designed to protect against cyber threats, which increases their vulnerability.

Other challenges are:

  • Real-time operation: ICS often need to run without interruption, which means that security measures need to be introduced without disrupting operations.
  • Different protocols and architectures: In the OT sector, proprietary protocols are often used that differ greatly from the usual IT protocols, which makes the integration of security solutions more difficult.
  • Trainings: Many employees working in the OT environment are not sufficiently trained in dealing with cyber threats, as the focus to date has been on physical security.

Measures to secure ICS and OT

  1. Network segmentation: Separating IT and OT networks can significantly reduce the risk of an attack on critical infrastructures. By creating secure communication channels and implementing firewalls, attacks can be detected and blocked at an early stage.
  2. Monitoring and anomaly detection: Continuous monitoring of ICS and OT systems can help to identify anomalies at an early stage. These can indicate a possible attack. Modern Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems and OT-specific Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) can be crucial here.
  3. Vulnerability management and patching: Despite the difficulty of regularly updating ICS and OT systems, it is crucial to close security gaps as quickly as possible. Structured vulnerability management helps to identify known vulnerabilities and prioritize measures to eliminate them.
  4. Security Awareness and Trainings: Companies need to train their employees to recognize and respond correctly to cyber threats. A deeper understanding of ICS and OT security helps both employees and managers to better assess the risks.
  5. Regular audits and penetration tests: To ensure that ICS and OT are protected against new threats, companies should conduct regular audits and penetration tests. These tests can help to identify vulnerabilities and continuously improve security strategies.

The threat to ICS and OT will continue to grow in the coming years as attackers become more sophisticated and companies increasingly network their systems. It is imperative that companies invest in a comprehensive security strategy that addresses both IT and OT security. Professional security consulting, such as CyberShield offers, can help companies develop customized security solutions that are tailored to their specific needs and threats.

Security measures for ICS and OT systems must include the technical aspect of network security as well as employee training and system monitoring. This is the only way for companies to ensure that they are protected against increasingly complex cyber threats and that their critical infrastructures function smoothly.

An den Anfang scrollen