Three Inquiries that Network Operators Need to Address When Handling the Security of Industrial Networks

Several Industrial Control Systems (ICS) used to operate in seclusion and were not linked to other IT networks or the Internet. As the IIoT trend continues to gain traction among network operators, an increasing number of these ICS networks are merging with other networks. This amalgamation has unlocked new and thrilling possibilities, albeit with the disadvantage that these merged networks are significantly more vulnerable to threats from the external world. Due to the heightened risk of mishaps, industrial network operators must promptly attend to any potentially catastrophic security loopholes.

Merely because a network operator does not detect an issue on their network does not imply that a security breach has not transpired. Frequently, security breaches on industrial networks do not manifest immediately. Let’s examine a few instances to elucidate this aspect. One scenario could entail an unauthorized individual gaining access to the network and reconfiguring a switch to issue a command to a PLC instructing it to halt a segment of the operational process. Alternatively, an error may have been introduced into the network by a hacker that has not yet triggered any issues, but will eventually disrupt the network significantly. When such security threats go undetected, it is effortless for network operators to erroneously assume that their network is secure. The crucial question that network operators must pose is, “To what extent am I confident in the security of my network?”

To underscore the security threats confronting network operators, let us contemplate three scenarios that necessitate attention to prevent security breaches on their networks.

What are the vulnerabilities if unauthorized individuals gain entry to my network?

As our personal and professional lives grow increasingly interconnected, it is crucial to recognize the dependence on data stored on electronic devices and networks. With networks expanding and converging, there is a plethora of potential mishaps if a network, or even a device, falls victim to a successful cyber attack. For instance, with factories embracing the IIoT trend, an escalating number of devices and networks are interlinked. Network operators must acknowledge that each connected device has the susceptibility to be exploited by hackers. Let’s delve deeper into the potential repercussions of unauthorized access.

What are the potential consequences of inadequate monitoring of traffic on my industrial network?

In an ideal scenario, operators should be promptly alerted to any network issues to permit timely rectification before a network outage ensues. Thus, operators should vigilantly monitor all network activities to forestall any untoward occurrences. Continuous surveillance helps prevent situations where an unauthorized user gains prolonged unrestricted access to the network and is presented with numerous opportunities to cause mayhem. For instance, an inadvertent alteration of security settings on a device by an operator could render the device insecure. Although the device might have been secure initially, operators must verify the correctness of security settings whenever changes are implemented on a device. In a comparable scenario, the operator may not be notified of the altered operational process until it’s too late. The critical query for network operators is, “Do I possess the assurance that none of these scenarios could befall me?”

What are the possible implications if my industrial network encounters unanticipated downtime?

Network downtime is a predicament that all network operators strive to avert. For operators overseeing extensive networks, network downtime poses a particularly vexing challenge when the root cause is unidentified. Manually checking all devices on the network to ascertain the reason for the issue is also exceedingly inconvenient for operators. When multiple devices are affected, manually configuring settings for each device becomes a time-consuming task. Given that modern industrial networks are perpetually expanding, this challenge is poised to become more prevalent and intricate. The pivotal query for network operators is, “Am I equipped to tackle unexpected network downtime?”

Conclusion

Having operated in the industrial automation sector for over three decades, Moxa boasts ample experience in overcoming the typical challenges encountered on industrial networks. To delve deeper into some of the tools devised by Moxa to aid network operators in surmounting the issues deliberated in this discourse and to explore how these tools can save operators significant time, access the brochure: Security Guidelines for Industrial Network Infrastructure.