Cybersecurity tips for industrial control systems Posted on July 8, 2017June 23, 2021 by Brafton Editorial Much like general information technology platforms, industrial control systems are under an increasing threat of cybercrime. This article will examine some of the most common cyber threats, as well as effective tips that can help protect systems from hackers. Keep reading: What are industrial control systems? In the industrial sphere today, many processes are controlled and operated digitally. This group of systems falls under the umbrella term industrial control systems (ICS), examples of which include distributed control systems and supervisory control and data acquisition systems. (Both are automated and computer-based.) Common threats ICS technology faces There has been a recent uptick in cyberattacks against ICS platforms, with threats similar to those that other kinds of IT systems face. Some of the most common cybersecurity threats include: Infection with malware via internet sources Phishing attacks Ransomware attacks Remote access intrusion Cybercriminals targeting an ICS may be motivated by any number of reasons. It’s common, for example, for an ICS to be targeted by criminals looking for insight into a competitor’s processes. Under such circumstances, cybercriminals will attempt to steal intellectual property. It’s also common for malicious actors to attack ICS for political reasons. Such attacks may be carried out by nations, terrorists or other groups. Also, attacks don’t always come from an external source; there are cases of disgruntled industrial sector employees attacking an ICS. The consequences of a cyberattack against an ICS can be critical, often involving the loss of protected data, interference with safety systems, damage to products and product quality, or the crash of an ICS, which could cause tangible damage to industrial systems. Strategies for protecting an ICS Here are important action steps that organizations can take to protect their ICS: Implement firewalls and take steps to isolate networks across an ICS, making it more difficult for cybercriminals to gain access. Make sure the network is secure and designed effectively. Monitor ICS systems routinely for malicious access. Pay attention to controllers in the ICS. There have been cases where criminals have caused damage by accessing controllers.
