As the threats to industrial control systems evolve, our strategies and tactics as network defenders must keep apace. To aid in this effort, SANS has recently released the results of an ICS/OT cybersecurity survey, which polls security practitioners and decision makers from a wide range of industrial verticals, including energy, chemical, critical manufacturing, nuclear, water management and others. This survey provides us with valuable insights into the nature of the real-world threats that control systems operators face every day. It also yields a wealth of information about industry trends and ICS/OT security priorities, from the field. Read RMC’s main takeaways below.
Most organizations still have immature ICS/OT security programs
When asked about planned future initiatives to improve ICS security, survey participants’ top responses indicated a focus on foundational components of any OT security program, such as increased asset visibility, intrusion detection systems, better physical security, and cybersecurity education and training.
There is increased interest in conducting risk assessments and penetration tests in ICS/OT environments
Survey participants are more commonly performing risk-based assessments, including penetration tests, to identify gaps in security controls within their ICS/OT environments.
The penetration tests tend to be conducted at the higher levels of the Purdue Model (3-5). The objective is to identify attack paths from the enterprise network to the ICS network, or vice versa. Penetration tests can provide important insights, but are most effective for more mature OT environments where previously identified vulnerabilities have already been addressed.
RMC is here to help
Although foundational investments are a necessary component of any ICS/OT security program, program design, sequencing, prioritization of investments, and proper coordination must be considered from the start to maximize risk reduction. We support you to:
- Help you understand your program’s maturity and adherence to OT security best practices
- Help you set realistic goals for your ICS/OT environments, and help you achieve them
- Suggest and implement security solutions tailored to your business goals and regulatory requirements
- Implement safe, complete, and effective security controls
- Identify vulnerabilities actively placing your operations and infrastructure at risk
For large organizations, building a strong relationship between security leadership and sites is key to efficient project execution. Improving cybersecurity in ICS/OT environments requires a coordinated effort between enterprise IT (security) teams, site leadership, plant engineers, vendors, integrators, and more. RMC can help foster these relationships, aligning your program’s cybersecurity goals with your sites, achieving buy-in, and building a positive and proactive security culture. During our engagements, we follow these guiding principles:
- Speak the sites’ language and build trust between the program and the sites
- Foster increased cybersecurity awareness with site personnel and leadership
- Communicate the goals of our proven assessment methodology – we are there to help, not audit
- Share insights to inform funding decisions for system upgrades and process redesigns
How can RMC help your organization?
Contact us today: sales@rmcglobal.com
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