In the past, cybersecurity measures were typically limited to corporate networks, but with the increasing integration of computers, networks, and the internet into industrial production environments, it is now necessary to extend these measures to the factory floor. However, this presents unique challenges that traditional cybersecurity solutions may not be equipped to handle.
Unlike in IT environments, where security is primarily focused on protecting data, and intellectual property from cyber threats, security in the production environment is also concerned with critical infrastructure and machinery that must be protected from physical and cyber threats while keeping computers running in order to maintain stable processes without endangering equipment or personnel.
When it comes to implementing cybersecurity measures in industrial production environments, it is important to take into account the unique differences between these environments and traditional IT networks and adopt solutions that meet the needs of the company as a whole. By doing so, it is possible to achieve both information security and operational security, ensuring that industrial production environments remain safe, secure, and productive. In the following sections, we will explore principles of cybersecurity that are essential to protect industrial production environments from cyber threats.
Hardware Restrictions
The industrial environment has specific requirements for hardware, such as uninterrupted operation and compatibility with industrial software. In contrast, IT environments have more flexibility in terms of hardware.
The lack of flexibility in the industrial environment means that production environments are not updated as frequently as IT environments, resulting in outdated computers with limited hardware capabilities. This makes it challenging to implement robust cybersecurity solutions.
To ensure the safety and security of industrial environments, organizations must invest in up-to-date hardware that meets the requirements of the industrial process while providing the necessary capabilities to support robust cybersecurity solutions.
Operating Systems
In the industrial environment, it is common to use mature operating systems such as Windows NT and XP, as well as Embedded systems, mainly in HMIs. These operating systems are often incompatible with modern cybersecurity solutions, such as antivirus software, due to a lack of memory and processing resources.
As a consequence, they are often not updated as frequently as consumer operating systems, which makes them more vulnerable to security threats. Therefore, it is important to pay special attention to the security of these systems, in order to prevent any potential malicious activity on the system.
Lack of Internet access
For security reasons, many industrial environments are not connected to the Internet and do not automatically update the operating system and other applications. Lack of internet access in industrial environments can pose a significant security risk, as these systems are unable to receive updates that patch discovered vulnerabilities. Without access to the internet, these systems remain exposed to a variety of threats, and as the vulnerabilities become more widely known, the risk of a malicious attack only increases.
To mitigate these risks, it is essential that industrial environments are regularly updated with the latest security patches and that internet access is enabled where possible. Organizations should employ robust security protocols and policies to ensure that their systems remain secure even when internet access is not available.
Application Lock:
Within the industrial environment, ensuring safe operations requires the uninterrupted functionality of the equipment. In the face of potential threats, it is imperative that operators have the ability to promptly turn off equipment or activate emergency stop mechanisms. However, traditional antivirus software solutions may prove insufficient in this regard, as they may inadvertently impede the operation of critical equipment or applications.
The selective exclusion of certain applications from scanning may result in these applications being left vulnerable to security threats, thereby leaving the entire system exposed. As such, it is crucial to identify and implement security measures that are capable of effectively safeguarding industrial systems without compromising their performance and functionality.
Computer restarts:
Since industrial processes run continuously, the requirement to restart computers after installing updates and patches is not feasible. This incompatibility between corporate and production environments means that security measures effective in office settings may not be directly applicable to the factory floor. In such settings, system downtime can result in lost productivity, revenue, and even safety risks.
To address this challenge, some organizations use virtualization technologies to minimize the impact of updates and patches on production environments. For example, virtual machines can be used to create multiple instances of an operating system, allowing updates and patches to be applied to one instance at a time while the other instances continue to run without interruption.
Another approach is to use redundancy and failover mechanisms to ensure continuous operation even in the event of system downtime. This can involve deploying backup systems that can automatically take over in the event of a failure, or designing systems with redundant components that can continue to operate even if one component fails.
Wifi-Controls:
The lack of proper Wi-Fi control can pose a significant problem for cybersecurity in the industrial production environment. If an open Wi-Fi access point is created without proper security measures, it can provide unauthorized individuals with an entry point to the network. This can result in the compromise of sensitive production data, such as trade secrets, intellectual property, and production plans. It can also lead to unauthorized control of production machinery or even cause disruptions to the production process, which can result in physical harm to workers or damage to equipment.
Furthermore, if the Wi-Fi network is connected to the corporate network, a breach in the production environment can potentially spread to the entire organization, putting all critical data and systems at risk.
To ensure the safety of industrial production networks, organizations must implement strong Wi-Fi security measures, such as using password-protected Wi-Fi networks and enforcing access control lists. Additionally, organizations must ensure that all connected devices are properly configured and managed and that security policies and procedures are regularly reviewed and updated.
USB ports and removable storage devices
The problem with USB ports and removable storage devices in industrial production environments is that they can provide an entry point for cyber threats. Antivirus software often allows the connection of these devices, which can include communication modems, pen-drives, and other removable storage devices, creating a potential gateway for malware and other malicious code to enter the production network. Once introduced, these threats can cause significant disruptions and damage to the production environment, potentially compromising sensitive data and systems.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, protecting industrial production environments from cyber threats requires a unique set of cybersecurity solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of the organization. It is important to take into account the restrictions on hardware, operating systems, and internet access, as well as the need for the uninterrupted operation of critical equipment and applications.
By investing in up-to-date hardware and software, regularly applying security patches and updates, and implementing robust security protocols and policies, organizations can achieve both information security and operational security. Additionally, virtualization technologies, redundancy and failover mechanisms, and proper Wi-Fi controls can help minimize the impact of updates and patches on production environments, ensuring continuous operation without compromising security.
