Industrial control systems (ICS) keep operations running and communities supported within manufacturing, energy, water, and other critical sectors. Yet these same systems are increasingly under threat.
In a world where attacks on critical infrastructure are escalating daily, how do you stay ahead? For IT/OT Security managers, having access to reliable and actionable breach data isn’t a luxury—it's a necessity. This guide is designed to cut through the noise and give you a clear path to the intelligence you need to help protect your plant.
Key Sources IT/OT Security Managers Need for ICS Security Breach Data
Here are the go-to resources every IT/OT Security Manager should keep on their radar for staying ahead of ICS threats and justifying security investments.
Source 1: SANS ICS Security Survey
Use the SANS ICS Security Survey to benchmark your organization’s security posture against industry peers and get the data needed to back up budget proposals. The SANS Institute provides insight into the current state of security in control systems, SCADA systems, PLCs, and DCS.
Source 2: ICS-CERT
Also known as The Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team (ICS-CERT). This is your go-to source for U.S.-specific advisories. When a new vulnerability or exploit is confirmed, ICS-CERT provides the timely, detailed information you need to respond.
Source 3: RISI Database
The Repository of Industrial Security Incidents (RISI) is a database that offers historical industrial security data. This resource is essential for understanding past trends and patterns in ICS security breaches.
Source 4: ARC Advisory Group
ARC Advisory Group offers resources such as “A Maturity Model for Industrial Cybersecurity Planning,” which can be a valuable tool for understanding and planning for cybersecurity in industrial environments.
Source 5: Gartner Group
Gartner is known for their market guides and provides insights into operational technology security. This can be particularly useful for strategic planning and understanding market trends.
Source 6: CISA Advisories
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is crucial for staying on top of the latest threats and vulnerabilities. CISA advisories offer detailed technical information and clear mitigation strategies you can implement immediately.
Source 7: NIST Guide to ICS Security
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides comprehensive guidance on securing ICS—including SCADA systems, DCS, and PLCs. Their guide addresses typical threats and vulnerabilities and recommends security countermeasures.
Understanding the ICS Threat Landscape
The threat landscape for ICS is evolving with various internal and external threats. External threats now include sophisticated ransomware campaigns that specifically target industrial protocols and supply chain attacks that can compromise vendor software before it reaches your network. These threats can also take the form of nation-states, hacktivists, and cybercrime groups who seek to disrupt operations, steal sensitive information, or exploit endpoints.
Internal risks also raise a significant concern. They can range from a maintenance technician unintentionally introducing malware via a USB drive to a lack of proper cybersecurity training that leaves critical systems vulnerable. These threats can affect downtime and result in physical damage or intellectual property theft.
Defensive Strategies for ICS
Protecting ICS from cyber threats involves several key strategies. These aren’t only theoretical concepts—but practical steps IT/OT Security Managers can implement with the right tools to strengthen your security posture.
Regular Assessments
This is a critical first step. It’s important to continuously evaluate system configurations, patch levels, and potential threats to maintain a clear picture of your attack surface.
How SecureOT helps: SecureOT Platform provides an automated, real-time asset inventory and vulnerability assessment. In turn, this gives you a singular view of your entire OT environment.
Access Restriction
Implement strong access control measures and use technologies like firewalls and VPNs. This is especially critical in OT environments to prevent unauthorized access to key operational devices.
How SecureOT helps: SecureOT Platform integrates IT and OT security to provide visibility and granular control over user accounts and privileges across both networks.
ICS Security Architecture
Adhere to standards like NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISA/IEC 62443 for secure ICS environments. These frameworks provide a roadmap for building a robust and resilient security architecture.
How SecureOT helps: SecureOT was built on the principles of these industry frameworks. This provides you with the tools to implement controls for access control in a way that aligns with these standards.
Regular Audits
Conduct periodic testing and audits to identify vulnerabilities.
How SecureOT helps: SecureOT Platform automatically conducts vulnerability assessments and provides detailed reports and dashboards that make it easy to audit your environment and help demonstrate compliance to stakeholders.
Network Segmentation
Divide the network into segments with unique security measures to contain breaches. This is a foundational concept in OT security since it helps prevent attackers from moving across the parts of the plant.
How SecureOT helps: SecureOT helps you visualize and enforce network segmentation by providing a real-time map of all your devices and their connections—making it easier to spot and fix a misconfigured network.
Modify Default Credentials
Always change default credentials to enhance security. While this may seem simple, a main cause of ICS incidents is by attackers exploiting default credentials.
How SecureOT helps: SecureOT Platform helps you identify and report on all devices with default or weak credentials which allows you to prioritize remediation efforts and eliminate a common attack vector.
Conclusion
Staying informed about ICS security breaches and understanding how to protect these systems is crucial for maintaining the integrity and safety of critical infrastructure. By using the resources mentioned above, organizations can enhance their cybersecurity posture against the evolving threat landscape in ICS.
