Industrial Control Systems (ICS)

• Systems used to monitor and control industrial processes, found in various industries like electrical, water, oil, gas, and data

Distributed Control Systems (DCS)

Used in control production systems within a single location

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)

Used to control specific processes such as assembly lines and factories

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Systems

• Type of ICS designed for monitoring and controlling geographically dispersed industrial processes
• Common in industries like:
  • Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution systems
  • Water treatment and distribution systems
  • Oil and gas pipeline monitoring and control systems

Risks and Vulnerabilities

• Unauthorized Access — Unauthorized individuals can manipulate system operations without proper protection
• Malware Attacks — Vulnerable to disruptive malware attacks
• Lack of Updates — Running outdated software with unpatched vulnerabilities
• Physical Threats — Susceptible to damage to hardware or infrastructure

Securing ICS and SCADA Systems

• Implement Strong Access Controls
  • Strong passwords
  • Two-factor authentication
  • Limited access to authorized personnel only
• Regularly Update and Patch Systems — Keep systems updated to protect against known vulnerabilities
• Use Firewall and Intrusion Detection Systems — Detect and prevent unauthorized access
• Conduct Regular Security Audits — Identify and address potential vulnerabilities through routine assessments
• Employee Training — Train employees on security awareness and response to potential threats