Large industrial firms are the backbone of our modern world: they keep the lights on, they maintain industrial production, and supply water. But behind the scenes, there is a myriad of Industrial Control Systems (ICS) that coordinate these vital processes. Unfortunately, these very systems can be exposed to cyber threats, which may have catastrophic outcomes.
This blog post is an attempt to discuss the security challenges of ICS and explores how DevSecOps practices can be adapted to address them in the age of interconnected industrial environments.
The Unique Challenges of ICS Security
Old ICS architectures were developed with an implicit security model that was highly centralized, and based mainly on the air-gap principle, providing limited or no access to the internet. However, the trend towards automation and remote monitoring has introduced new vulnerabilities:
- Legacy Systems: Many industrial facilities use ICS components with old software and other outdated equipment. It is often a challenge or even practically impossible to patch these systems due to incompatibilities or the possible disruptions of important business functions.
- Limited Security Expertise: In industrial settings, the IT security teams addressing security of the controls can lack sufficient knowledge regarding ICS components.
- Complex Network Architectures: ICS is deployed with augmented end-to-end proprietary protocols and unique hardware interfaces, and thus achieving conventional security measures is difficult.
How DevSecOps Can Secure ICS
DevSecOps, a methodology designed to provide a continuous and immersing security platform across the different phases of the software development lifecycle, is a useful model for securing ICS in today’s world. Here’s how:
- Early Vulnerability Detection: This is a way of ensuring that integration of security measures is done, during development without having to do a security check on the finished work done on ICS protocols by using tools such as static code analysis, and penetration testing.
- Standardized Security Controls: As a part of the DevSecOps methodology, code security and configuration management of the ICS elements are implemented to improve the security standard and to decrease the exposure level.
- Improved Patch Management: DevSecOps helps in managing how patches are carried out on ICS software. Vulnerability scan as well as adoption of critical vulnerability patches enables control of the security risks in a shorter period.
- Collaboration and Awareness: Using the principles of DevSecOps, it is possible to combine the efforts of development, operations, and security teams, and the overall assessment of the ICS sector’s security requirements.
Adapting DevSecOps for ICS Security
While traditional DevSecOps principles are valuable, some adaptations are necessary for ICS environments:
- Security Testing for ICS Protocols: Security testing tools must support specific ICS protocols and should not cause unwanted interruptions.
- Phased Rollouts and Backups: Patching and updating ICS components must be carefully planned and executed in phases to minimize downtime and ensure rollback capabilities in case of unforeseen issues.
- Integration with Legacy Systems: Since not all ICS components can be replaced immediately, it is necessary to slightly modify DevSecOps practices to work with them.
Conclusion
Securing ICS in the age of DevSecOps requires a strategic approach that balances the need for security with the realities of industrial operations. By integrating security testing, vulnerability management, and collaboration throughout the lifecycle, DevSecOps can empower large industrial companies to proactively address security risks and safeguard their critical infrastructure.
We can help!
Our team of cybersecurity consultants has extensive experience in securing ICS environments. We can help you develop a DevSecOps strategy tailored to your specific needs, ensuring the smooth operation and robust security of your industrial control systems. Contact us today to learn more!