Have you ever stopped to consider how the basic amenities in our lives are provided? For example, transportation, waste and building management systems. Again, consider manufacturing equipment used in chemical production and vehicle manufacturing plants. Now, how about critical infrastructure such as power generation, oil refineries and water treatment plants. How will any form of cyber-attacks to Industrial Control Systems (ICSs) affect these systems? What effects will it have in our lives and how can it be prevented? Let’s find out.
How Industrial Control Systems operate
Uniquely, in the world of industrial equipment and machinery, industrial control systems (ICSs) refer to physical and digital objects that regulate and manage the behaviour of machines. They form the “brain” of machines and instruct what it should do. Prior to the present time, Industrial Control Systems were localized to individual equipment and machinery. They were analog in nature and had no centralized administrative mechanism. Then, they progressed to a more centralized design structure which communicated using electric signals and pressurized air.
Presently, Industrial Control Systems use digitalized and automated processes to operate. The computerized nature of these ICSs increases reliability and availability of machinery by allowing remote monitoring and control of equipment. Notably, the most common type of ICSs is the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. Its centralized control system enables long-distance monitoring and control of water treatment centers, pipelines and electrical power systems. Also, there are Distributed Control Systems (DCSs) that regulate multiple local production systems, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Building Management Systems used to control elevators and traffic lights.
What is the cost of Digitalization?
While digitalization has introduced much needed advancements to Industrial Control Systems, this has been accompanied with cybersecurity risks. Some leading cyber risks include a lack of cyber awareness and training among employees. Furthermore, there is inadequate separation of data networks, the usage of outdated software, an increase in use of mobile devices and inadequate supply chain management.
Addressing cybersecurity challenges in Industrial Control Systems
Obviously, securing Industrial Control Systems from cyber-attacks is no easy task. However, ICSs operate on operational technology which follows many principles used in defending traditional IT systems such as risk assessments, defense in depth and zero trust strategies. In contrast, operational technology applies these principles differently. However, this should encourage cybersecurity professionals to transfer skills acquired in IT environments to defend ICSs from cyber-attacks.
Secondly, cybersecurity professionals should take advantage of free resources from reputable organization such as the United States Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). It has dozens of free web-based and instructor led courses that teach how to defend against cyber threats in industrial control systems. Particularly, courses such as operational security in control systems and ICS cybersecurity builds on existing knowledge in securing IT systems and make you best placed to secure ICS.
Take the bold step
Indeed, Industrial Control Systems make a huge impact in our everyday lives. The airplanes we fly in is one giant industrial control system. The oil refineries that produce fuel and gas to our homes and vehicles operate with ICSs. Likewise power grids and water treatment centers. With the increase in digitalization and advancements in technology, they have become susceptible to cyber-attacks. However, with adequate resources, skill transfer and personnel, many threats to ICSs can be overcome.
Securing Industrial Control Systems is something every cybersecurity professional should explore. In fact, millions of lives can be affected adversely in the event of the slightest cyber-attack on manufacturing equipment and critical infrastructure. Ultimately, securing Industrial Control Systems makes a far-reaching impact beyond our immediate surroundings so cybersecurity professionals should definitely consider venturing into this sector.