Understanding the Cyber Risks in Manufacturing
The manufacturing industry is a prime target for malicious cyber attacks, making it the second-most targeted sector according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This sobering statistic underscores the growing threat that manufacturers face in safeguarding their critical industrial control systems (ICS) against an array of cyber threats, including destructive malware, insider threats, and unauthorized software.
As manufacturing organizations increasingly rely on ICS to monitor and control the physical processes that produce goods for public consumption, the integration of technology and operations has made them more vulnerable than ever before. Cyber attacks targeting ICS can disrupt operations, compromise worker safety, and result in significant financial losses and reputational damage.
The stakes are high, and manufacturers must take a proactive, comprehensive approach to securing their ICS against the malware threat.
Enhancing ICS Security with a Layered Defense
To protect manufacturing environments from malware and other data integrity attacks, organizations should consider implementing a multilayered security strategy that leverages a range of industry-standard cybersecurity capabilities. Some of the key components of an effective ICS security solution include:
Behavioral Anomaly Detection (BAD)
Deploying behavioral anomaly detection tools can help manufacturers identify and respond to suspicious activity within their ICS. These solutions monitor system behavior, establishing a baseline of normal operations, and then alert on any deviations that may indicate a malware infection or other malicious activity.
Application Whitelisting
Implementing application whitelisting, also known as “allowlisting,” can prevent the execution of unauthorized software on ICS devices. By only allowing approved, trusted applications to run, manufacturers can mitigate the risk of malware infiltration and protect the integrity of their control systems.
File Integrity Checking
Regularly monitoring the integrity of critical system files and configurations can help detect any unauthorized changes that could indicate a malware infection or other tampering. File integrity-checking mechanisms provide an important layer of defense against data integrity attacks.
Change Control Management
Establishing robust change control processes for the ICS environment is essential for maintaining visibility and control over system modifications. Effective change control management can help manufacturers identify and address any suspicious or unauthorized changes that could introduce vulnerabilities.
User Authentication and Authorization
Implementing strong user authentication and access control measures, such as multi-factor authentication and role-based access, can help prevent unauthorized access to ICS devices and sensitive data. This is a crucial defense against insider threats and other malicious actors seeking to gain a foothold within the manufacturing network.
By integrating these and other security capabilities, manufacturers can build a comprehensive, defense-in-depth approach to protecting their ICS from the growing malware threat.
Aligning Security to Industry Standards and Frameworks
When designing and implementing an ICS security solution, it is essential to align the security controls and capabilities with industry-recognized standards and frameworks. This helps ensure that the chosen security measures are comprehensive, effective, and aligned with best practices.
The NIST Cybersecurity Framework provides a well-established, flexible, and risk-based approach to managing cybersecurity risk. By mapping the security capabilities of an ICS security solution to the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, manufacturers can ensure that their defenses address the core functions of Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover.
Additionally, aligning the security controls with NIST Special Publication 800-53, “Security and Privacy Controls for Federal Information Systems and Organizations,” can help manufacturers implement standards-based security measures that are consistent with government and industry best practices.
Validating the Effectiveness of ICS Security in Real-World Environments
To ensure the efficacy of an ICS security solution, it is crucial to test and validate the implementation in real-world manufacturing environments. The National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE) at NIST, in collaboration with the NIST Engineering Laboratory (EL) and industry partners, has undertaken a project to develop a practical example solution for securing manufacturing control systems.
This project involves implementing the key security capabilities, such as behavioral anomaly detection, application whitelisting, and file integrity checking, in two distinct lab settings: a robotics-based manufacturing workcell and a process control system that resembles chemical manufacturing industries. By testing the security solution in these representative environments, the NCCoE and its partners can provide manufacturers with a comprehensive, standards-based approach to protecting their ICS from malware and other data integrity threats.
The resulting NIST Cybersecurity Practice Guide (SP 1800 series) will document the architecture, implementation details, and lessons learned, serving as a valuable resource for manufacturers seeking to enhance the security and resilience of their industrial control systems.
Conclusion: Securing the Manufacturing Sector’s Future
As the manufacturing industry continues to embrace the benefits of ICS technology, the need to safeguard these critical systems against cyber threats has never been more pressing. By implementing a layered security approach that aligns with industry standards and best practices, manufacturers can effectively protect their operations, worker safety, and ultimately, their bottom line from the devastating impact of malware and other data integrity attacks.
The guidance and insights provided by the NCCoE and NIST, along with the broader cybersecurity community, offer a roadmap for manufacturers to strengthen their ICS security posture and stay one step ahead of the evolving malware threat. By taking proactive measures to secure their industrial control systems, manufacturers can ensure the continued resilience and prosperity of the manufacturing sector in the face of increasingly sophisticated cyber risks.
To learn more about the NCCoE’s ICS security project and access the forthcoming NIST Cybersecurity Practice Guide, please visit the IT Fix blog for ongoing updates and industry-leading insights on protecting critical infrastructure from the malware threat.
