Cybersecurity for Industrial Control Systems
Cybersecurity for ICS (Industrial Control Systems) is critical now a days as systems are frequently connected to the internet and other networks, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity is a key component of protecting the uptime, security and safety of industrial environments and critical infrastructure. Organizations in the manufacturing, food and beverage, oil and gas, mining, chemical, petrochemical, water and other industries, as well as utility and power plant operators, focus on OT cybersecurity to safeguard operating technology assets, systems and processes from cyber attack and comply with strict regulatory requirements.
Due to Industry 4.0 and the constant requirement for data accessibility for operations & business users, Industrial Control Systems are becoming more connected to enterprise and IT networks. ICS’s are no more isolated from the threats that were typically faced only by IT networks in the past. That, combined with the fact that Automation systems were traditionally not designed with Cybersecurity considerations, makes these systems extremely vulnerable to Cyber attacks.
Automation systems were less frequently the target of cyberattacks in the past. This has changed over time. Over the past 12 months, 54% of companies reported experiencing an ICS security incident, according to a recent survey report.
Security of Automation systems is even more critical because an attack on Automation systems can not only cause disruption to the production and business operation, but it can also potentially impact the safety and environment of the plant and its vicinity. In worst cases, it can cause loss of life.
Even though many of the technologies used in an Automation system are the same as in IT environment (e.g. Computers, servers, software, networking equipment), the needs and priorities of an Automation system security are not the same as for an IT network. Typical IT Cybersecurity policies, standards, and procedures cannot be employed to secure an Automation system without careful consideration. Securing the Automation systems requires strong knowledge of the automation technologies as well as the operational needs and priorities.
Our engineers have the required skills and knowledge of Automation technologies, networks, IT, and cybersecurity to secure your Automation systems without impacting the plant operation.