INDUSTRIAL CONTROL SYSTEMS: ARE THEY SAFE? What is Industrial Control Systems? ICS or Industrial Control Systems is an umbrella term used for all the control systems and its components for industrial process control. Industrial Control Networks or Industrial Control Systems allow an industry to monitor and control important processes. They have found use in places like oil plants, nuclear power plants and many more. Security is of utmost importance to all the industries that value efficiency and productivity.
Types of Industrial Control Systems: 1. Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) 2. Distributed Control Systems (DCS) 3. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
Are our Industrial Control Networks safe? With the development in the industrial sector, we have been blessed with many technologies that have helped us in increasing our efficiency. They secure the Industrial Network by offering monitoring services. But, we forgot that the threats are getting advanced too. With all the efforts made by the Industrial Control Networks, our systems are still vulnerable to multiple threats. In the present times, the main Industrial or Corporate Networks are connected to the Control systems to monitor the activities. Industrial Control system is no longer segregated. This makes all the data vulnerable. The threats cannot be detected until there has been some serious damage.
What are the threats that the Industrial Control Networks face?
1. Improperly Updated Systems: In present times the SCADA or PLCs are connected to the TCP/IP. If updates are not made properly, it could make the system susceptible to vulnerabilities. Why? Imagine if a 10 years old system is expected to work for a modern industry, will it work efficiently? The answer is no. In the same way, updated systems are required to help secure the data. Everything in today’s world in online with the help of online clouds. That helps the system to be efficient but the data, in turn, is exposed to threats and viruses. 2. Jamming of the Networks: Nowadays, more and more networks have been connected to the Industrial Control Systems. Why? So that they can be monitored properly. But this also increases the load and traffic of the network. It’s hard to monitor everything and report suspicious activity. 3. Insider Breach: You cannot predict where the attacks will come from. A Network is at risk not only from the external elements but also from inner elements. What can those elements be? They could be employees that leak information or cannot secure the information properly. This would lead to: - Leaked passwords - Unauthorized access to information - Attack on the networks that risk the safety of many people 4. Poor Monitoring: A proper monitoring system is required for an efficient system. If the suspicious activities are not isolated, it would make the industry vulnerable to multiple threats.
How would it affect an Industry? There could be several reasons that the ICS didn’t function properly, but it would scar the reputation of an industry. Why? Because it not only causes issues to the Industries associated but also to millions connected to the industry. For example, people who have a gas connection or water connection from an industry would be affected greatly if the ICS does not work securely. It would put a blot on the reputation of the industry and the ICS.
What can be done to prevent the threats? There following are the various steps followed to prevent these attacks: Proper background checks of all the staff members. You can minimize the risk that an industry is exposed to from within.
- Restricted Access is a must. This means that only selective people have the access to all the information that is monitored using ICS. Why? This would ensure that the information is monitored by trusted people and any suspicious activity is nipped in the bud. - Secure password protection is the next step. Make sure there are multiple passwords used that ensure the information is not vulnerable. Record every activity so that they can be analyzed. No breach would be possible when something is under surveillance. Our information security is dependent on efficient functioning of our Industrial Control Systems. It’s important for it to run smoothly. What are your views?
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