What is meant by ICS and SCADA
ICS (Industrial Control Systems) and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) they are systems used to control and monitor industrial processes.
ICS typically refers to the hardware and software systems used to control and monitor industrial processes, while SCADA specifically refers to the software component that allows operators to remotely monitor and control these processes.
ICS and SCADA systems are critical to the functioning of many industries, as they provide the means to monitor and control complex processes in real time. These systems are used to automate tasks, improve efficiency, and ensure the safety of workers and the public.
However, ICS and SCADA systems are also vulnerable to cyber attacks, as they often have direct access to industrial control systems and can be accessed remotely via the Internet.
Consequently, It is important to ensure that these systems are properly secured and maintained to prevent unauthorized access or interference.
Protection for ICS and SCADA
Industrial control systems and data control and acquisition systems are increasingly indispensable for the functioning of production realities. The possibility of a cyber attack or vulnerability affecting its functioning must be avoided by all means.
The professionals of Safecore have matured a great experience in the field of vulnerability assessments and penetration tests on SCADA and ICS.
ICS/SCADA industrial automation management and control systems were once isolated, not only from the Internet but often also from the company's IT infrastructure. Today, however, they are increasingly interconnected on the net to allow better management and exploit the advantages associated with digital transformation: industrial control environments, i.e. OT (Operational Technology) systems are consequently also more exposed to security problems typical of IT systems .
ICS/SCADA
It is important to recognize that the lack of a direct connection to the Internet in an ICS/SCADA system does not automatically ensure its security. Cybercriminals and malware can still infiltrate any system connected to your internal network if they can find an entry point, such as a previously compromised maintenance terminal.
How Security Assessment Scada and Penetration Test Scada work
The tests we offer span all organizational and technical aspects of an ICS/SCADA system, including current procedures, physical access, network, DMZ, control room, industrial protocols employed and field devices such as RTUs and PLC.
<strong>The Eurobursar</strong> Safecore has developed extensive expertise in carrying out Security Assessments in the ICS/SCADA sector, adopting a complete and modular approach based on the following phases:
to determine the level of risk vulnerability and compliance with industry reference standards, such as NIST 800-53 and NIST 800-82, ISA/IEC-62443, the National CyberSecurity Framework dedicated to critical infrastructures, ISO 27001 , among others.
in the ICS/SCADA sector, using both active analysis methods, which interact directly with the targets, and passive, based on the observation of network traffic and the detection of any anomalies. These will be examined and classified to understand the cause. Some anomalies could be due to simple software or device failures, while others could indicate ongoing attacks or reconnaissance activity by malicious actors looking for vulnerabilities.
How Security Assessment Scada and Penetration Test Scada take place
First of all, it is essential that the technicians of Safecore examine the environments and ICS/SCADA systems involved in the Penetration Test, in order to optimize the interventions and reduce the downtime of the machinery. In particular, active checks are carried out if a test/testing environment is available or if machine stops can be planned in order to avoid disservices.
If it is not possible or advisable to foresee a potential downtime of the systems, alternatively passive checks are possible by observing the network traffic.
It is a less intrusive but also less exhaustive mode in terms of detecting security holes, however it has the advantage of offering a good level of analysis with minimal impact on production cycles. The Risk Assessment, on the other hand, is substantially based on interviews with those who manage and maintain the plant and on document review.
Who can benefit?
ICS/SCADA Penetration Tests and Security Assessments are essential for companies operating with critical infrastructures, industrial remote control systems and process networks.
Through these analyses, it is possible to evaluate the current level of security and ensure compliance with industry best practices and regulations, such as NIST 800-53 and 800-82. It is particularly important to have secure OT systems, a requirement imposed by the NIS Directive – EU 2016/114 – adopted by the Italian government with Legislative Decree no. 65 of 18 May 2018.
