Network security has become a priority for businesses across all industries because the world of production, distribution, and exchange is changing. The introduction of technology into older legacy systems has increased the need for attention to industrial cybersecurity as a whole and the little working parts that make industrial processes safe.
The main goal of industrial network security is to ensure systems are run effectively and increase profit margins. Sadly, many companies have yet to invest considerably in industrial network security architecture. What is industrial network security, and why is it so crucial for industries to invest in securing their networks?
What Is Industrial Network Security?
An industrial network is a system that involves the use of networking technology and systems to provide connections between devices and systems to ensure that these systems and devices can cater to real-time needs and problems. It often involves integrating information technology and operational technology in a cohesive way that improves the overall control of information and output of a company. Often, an industrial control system (ICS) manages the flow of processes within the company using the industrial network to assess situations and make accurate decisions.
These networks are critical to the running of a company, and as a result, industrial network security is a must. Network security refers to the process of combining hardware and software solutions to protect and safeguard the network of a company and the data on it. Network security prioritizes safeguarding network systems through multiple defense options rather than cleaning up after a breach of your company’s systems. It is more preparatory and predictive than reactionary.
Why Industrial Network Security Is Important?
The vital nature of industrial networks makes it a critical system that ought to be protected, but why should a company invest in its IT and OT Network security?
The prevalence of legacy systems.
In an IT vs OT security discussion, one key issue that warrants high-security attention is the reliance on legacy systems by OT Networks. Many operational technologies are built to last decades, and their network systems eventually become outdated and vulnerable. Before IoT and the connection of OT with IT, most manufacturers and companies with OT focused more on physical security, but this is not the case anymore. With OT’s integration with IT, there is an increase in cyber attack potential, which is a need for better industrial network security.
Change of attack motive
When cyber attacks were on the rise, data was the main target. Stealing and compromising data damaged the company’s reputation and finances, and it still is, but there has been a recent change in attack focus. More physical assets are being targeted as they can cause a severe crisis when hit. Production and supply delays, environmental damages, expensive production downtime, and more. It is important for companies to focus on network and CPS Security.
Protection of confidential information
OT and IT have information banks that are vital for the smooth running of a company. These data can be confidential and need protection. Sometimes, they can be targeted when stored or transmitted from one part of an industrial network to another. When not stolen, spyware can give bad actors access to this data, exposing clients’ and employees’ information, critical schematics, and more confidential data. Investing in proper IT and OT Network security keeps these data safe from attackers.
Providing functional network services
No one likes downtime while on the job. This is true, especially in manufacturing and other industries with OT. These industries rely on real-time information from OT systems and other network infrastructure devices connected with IT systems. A denial-of-service (DoS) attack can disrupt the flow of information, causing delays and even locking out essential devices from available industrial networks.
Protection against malware and other cyber threats
There have been 6.06 billion malware attacks in 2023 alone, and the number seems to be on the rise. Enhanced industrial network security measures protect your company from being a victim of these attacks. Besides malware, there are more phishing attempts, virus attacks, smishing attacks, and ransomware attempts that will negatively impact a company if they are not prepared for it. Investing in industrial cybersecurity tools and expertise can make a difference when attacks occur.
Preventing illegal and unauthorized access
An industrial network usually serves as a pathway for information and instructions for both OT and IT systems. Access is key, and many bad actors try to hack into these systems and gain access to their core functions. This is an essential reason why every company needs industrial network security. Wrong access can compromise data and information within a company. Often, multi-factor authentication (MFA), strong access control, and encryption are used to ensure industrial network security.
Compliance with regulations
Besides being safe from hackers and other bad actors, you don’t want to breach network security regulations. Many companies and sectors follow particular rules and guidelines concerning network security and data protection. Strict smart factory cybersecurity policies help guarantee adherence to these standards, preventing legal problems and fines.
What Are Common Threats to Industrial Networks?
Many threats plague industrial networks, and knowing the most common ones can help businesses and industries set up preventive industrial network security measures. Here are 5 common threats to industrial networks.
1. Virus
Viruses are common forms of cyber attacks and can easily spread. Different viruses have different damaging effects and negatively impact a company’s image and efficiency.
2. Malware
Malware is one of the more costly cyber threats, looking at the effects on industries. Industrial control systems (ICS) can be rendered inoperable by malware like ransomware and worms, which may scramble important data, alter workflows, or trigger major outages.
3. Unauthorized access
This threat involves hackers using various means and methods to access industrial network systems. This could be through malware, phishing, etc. The goal is usually to gain control of critical sections of the network for their negative purposes.
OT Network is focused more on equipment monitoring and infrastructure management. It ensures that industrial machinery is fully functional and safe to use.
4. Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks
Denial-of-service attacks seem similar to unauthorized access, but they are quite different. With DoS, the goal is to flood the network with a lot of traffic and prevent authorized users from accessing critical facilities, which could lead to chaotic results.
5. Phishing and social engineering
Phishing and social engineering involve subtle human psychology and underhanded methods to get information from individuals. These data could include login details, critical schematics, etc. The primary solution here is to educate employees at all levels.
How Can Industrial Networks Be Secured?
Securing industrial networks requires working from various angles to ensure maximum security. It’s not just one method to fix everything. We’ll explore three key areas that will ensure industrial network security.
1. Phishing and social engineering
This involves tackling the industrial network security issues from the base. The network architecture must be built with security in mind. This involves segmenting OT networks and including firewalls between segments. Using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) or other secure options ensures that data transmitted between and outside the network is done securely. Additionally, businesses should update and patch all network devices, including firewalls, routers, and industrial switches, to the most recent versions to fix identified weaknesses.
2. Secure device configuration
The configuration of devices within a network determines how devices and users access the network. The principle of “least privilege” should be used to improve security. This ensures that devices to be connected are not allowed any extra access beyond the purpose for which they are connected. Strong passwords should be created for users, and unused devices should be disconnected. Devices should be configured to send logs of their activities on the network to an industrial control system, as this will help detect unusual activities from any devices.
3. Manage network security
Beyond building a secure industrial network and properly configuring devices, these setups must be constantly managed and monitored. This will help the company respond immediately to threats and possible security breaches. Tools like Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS), Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems, and Security Operations Centers (SOCs) can be used to monitor industrial network security systems automatically. Security audits and vulnerability tests should be done regularly to find and fix any possible weaknesses in the network.
What Are the Best Practices for Industrial Network Security?
There are simple best practices to help you do industrial cybersecurity right. Here is a list of best practices:
- Make use of strong passwords: Ensure that default passwords are changed for every employee. Passwords should be at least 8 characters long and have combinations of letters, numbers and signs.
- Ensure your network is segmented and critical resources are isolated strategically: This is a necessary practice for keeping your network safe. In situations where there are breaches, having secure segments can curtail the spread of an attack.
- Regularly backup vital data: Malwares, viruses, and worms can destroy sensitive data, and recovering such data can be a hassle. Having backups can make recovering from attacks quicker and smoother.
- Run network patches regularly: There are vulnerabilities in industrial network security settings that occur over time. Outdated systems, glitches or holes in your network can be fixed with regular patches.
- Train employees on basic cybersecurity practices: A key with network security are people. Proper training on cybersecurity standards and interactions can greatly reduce the risk of network compromise.
- Encrypt data for transmission: Data encryption involves scrambling up data and making it interpretable only through a unique key code. This protects data on a network in case of an attack, as bad actors will not be able to use these stole. Data.
- Make use of a VPN when necessary: Data can be intercepted when transferred between networks or outside an industrial network. A way to reduce this risk is by using a virtual private network.
- Have an incident response plan in place: Failing to plan is essentially planning to fail. Having a course of action when there is breach can help companies react immediately to attacks and hacking attempts.
Industrial Network Security for OT
With the rise in sophisticated cyber threats, industrial network security is more critical than ever, especially as OT networks become more integrated with IT. Companies looking to protect their operations should consider implementing comprehensive solutions such as OTORIO’s Titan. OTORIO Titan provides advanced monitoring, threat detection and exposure management capabilities specifically designed for industrial environments. By leveraging proactive security insights, segmentation, and compliance management, Titan enhances network protection and aligns with best practices outlined here, empowering companies to anticipate and mitigate risks efficiently.
