SECURITY BY DESIGN: CASE STUDY OF ICS AND SCADA SYSTEMS

In today’s world, where digital advancements are rapidly evolving, security concerns have become a top priority. With the advent of cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, 5G ultra-fast internet, quantum computing, to name a few, the need for strong cybersecurity measures has become even more significant. Unfortunately, these technologies have also opened up new security vulnerabilities that were not previously known, catching the cybersecurity industry off-guard.  To address these challenges, a new paradigm called Security by Design has emerged as a critical approach to cybersecurity. This approach recognizes that security is not just an afterthought but an essential aspect in the development of digital systems and products. It involves integrating security considerations into the design, development, and implementation of these systems rather than treating them as an add-on feature. The shift towards Security by Design represents a fundamental change in how we approach cybersecurity. Also, it emphasizes that security is not just a technical problem but a strategic one that requires a holistic view of the entire digital ecosystem. This approach is particularly relevant for industries that rely on Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, which are critical infrastructure systems that are often targeted by cyber-attacks.

What, then, is Security by Design?

Security by Design is a methodology that prioritizes security in the development of products, systems, and services. This approach involves integrating security measures right from the design phase based on the current threat landscape and implementing security controls and best practices as part of the overall design. The goal of this principle is to create systems and products that are inherently secure rather than relying on the implementation of security controls down the road.  Also, the principle of Secure by Design requires a thorough understanding of potential security threats and vulnerabilities, as well as the implementation of security controls as an integral part of the overall design. The principle of Security by Design is proactive and contrasts with traditional methods, where security is often not considered until after a product or system has been developed. This reactive approach can lead to increased vulnerabilities and a higher risk of breaches. Furthermore, Security by Design aims to prevent security incidents from occurring in the first place rather than merely reacting to them after the fact.

According to a report by Cobalt.io, global cybercrime is projected to cost the world USD 9.5 trillion in 2024, with an expected annual growth rate of 15%. This alarming statistic underscores the critical need for more secure systems, achievable through the implementation of security measures during the design phase. Security by Design is a universal principle that can be applied across industries, including software development, manufacturing, and infrastructure design. In addition to technical implementations, Security by Design also encompasses aspects such as employee training and awareness. Human factors often pose significant security risks to organizations, so it is crucial to promote a culture of security awareness throughout an organization. By prioritizing security at the early stage of the design process, Security by Design helps to create a more secure and resilient environment for individuals and organizations.

Implementing Security by Design in the ICS and SCADA Industries

Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems are integral to critical infrastructure and industrial processes, such as manufacturing, transportation, energy, and water treatment. However, these systems have unique operational requirements and potential impacts on physical processes. Therefore, they require a specialized approach to security. A comprehensive approach to Security by Design can help organizations protect their ICS and SCADA systems against cyber threats and safeguard their critical infrastructure and industrial processes. Here are some details on the key areas to focus on:

Risk Assessment at the Design Phase

During the design phase, organizations need to conduct thorough risk assessments that focus on identifying potential threats to both digital and physical components and from third parties. Before purchasing any equipment or software for the organization or working with any third parties, thorough risk assessments and testing should be conducted. The findings should then be discussed internally, and decisions should be made on what options pose a lesser threat to the security of the organization. Performing these types of risk assessments ensures that these components are not susceptible to any vulnerabilities that already exist or may affect the company in the future.

Secure Network Design

Instead of implementing controls to cater to the potential vulnerabilities that may occur because of an insecure network design, network architects should factor in common network vulnerabilities when designing the organization’s network infrastructure. An example is the implementation of load balancers and a content delivery network that help protect the company against DDOS attacks. Another example is network segmentation, which is the backbone of securing ICS and SCADA systems. Architects should segment this ICS and SCADA system from the IT network but also focus on securing the segmented networks. Also, room should be made for additional security controls, such as intrusion detection and prevention systems, that help detect and prevent threats from getting into the network.

Secure Development Lifecycle

Organizations need to adopt a secure development lifecycle for software and hardware used in ICS and SCADA systems. During the design phase, organizations need to factor in aspects such as the applications of patches and secure coding practices for both hardware and software. This approach is of utmost importance as most software and hardware in the ICS and SCADA industry were designed without factoring in the current threat landscape. This makes it a tad bit difficult to protect these systems.

Regulatory Compliance and Standards Adherence

Organizations need to ensure that ICS and SCADA systems comply with relevant industry standards and regulations, such as the NIST framework for industrial systems. Adherence to compliance and standards is paramount; therefore, organizations should research the rules and regulations their systems need to adhere to even before designing the system. Designing the system with this in mind makes it much easier to monitor and ensure these systems meet compliance requirements.

Employee Training and Awareness

Organizations should ensure personnel working within the organization are trained on security within the operational technology environment. Also, there should be training programs and workshops aimed at educating personnel working with the ICS and SCADA systems, emphasizing the importance of security. This includes providing regular security awareness training, conducting mock security exercises, and ensuring all personnel are aware of the organization’s security policies and procedures.

By implementing Security by Design principles in the ICS and SCADA industries, organizations can significantly enhance their resilience against cyber threats, thereby safeguarding critical infrastructure and industrial processes. Security by Design is an essential paradigm that recognizes the importance of building security into digital systems from the ground up. It provides a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity that considers the entire digital ecosystem rather than just individual components. By embracing this approach, we can better protect ourselves from the ever-evolving cyber threats and build more secure, resilient digital systems.

REFERENCES

BlackBerry. (n.d.). Secure by Design. Retrieved from ttps://www.blackberry.com/us/en/solutions/endpoint-security/zero-trust-security/secure-by-design

Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency. (n.d.). Secure by Design. Retrieved from https://www.cisa.gov/securebydesign

Rouse, M., & WhatIs.com. (n.d.). Security by Design. TechTarget. Retrieved from https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/security-by-design

Tripwire. (n.d.). What Does ‘Secure Design’ Actually Mean? Retrieved from https://www.tripwire.com/state-of-security/what-does-secure-design-actually-mean