System Downtime from Cyber Incidents

Cyber Threats in OT

Threats like ransomware, malware, or Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) target both IT and OT systems. In OT environments, these can have severe operational consequences, including forced shutdowns, compromised control systems, or even physical damage to equipment.

Impact on Downtime

• Immediate Shutdown: OT systems are often shut down as a precaution to contain a cyber incident. These shutdowns halt operations, resulting in downtime, lost production, and potentially creating safety risks.
• Delayed Response: OT systems typically lack rapid incident detection and response capabilities found in IT systems, which prolongs the incident’s impact and downtime.

Loss of Control and Operational Inefficiencies from System Manipulation

Manipulation of Control Systems

OT environments rely on systems like Industrial Control Systems (ICS), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) to manage industrial processes. Internal or external threat actors can gain access to these systems, manipulating control settings and leading to unsafe or inefficient operations.

Impact on Operations

• Disruption of Automation: OT systems are heavily automated. Security incidents that affect control systems can force a switch to manual operations, which are slower and more prone to error.
• Reduced Efficiency: Altered control settings may cause machinery to operate below optimal levels, increasing energy consumption, reducing productivity, and leading to potential equipment damage.

Delays in Incident Detection and Response

Limited Real-Time Detection in OT

Many OT environments operate on outdated systems that are not equipped to detect security threats in real time. This lack of proactive monitoring allows cyber incidents to go unnoticed, leading to prolonged operational inefficiencies.

Impact on Downtime

• Prolonged Incident Impact: Without early detection, incidents can cause far more damage, spreading across systems or causing further disruption.
• Extended Recovery: OT systems may require more time to recover after an incident, especially if physical damage occurs or configurations are corrupted, lengthening the downtime.

Vulnerability Exploitation in Legacy OT Systems

Legacy Systems in Critical Infrastructure

Many OT environments rely on legacy systems that were not built with modern cybersecurity threats in mind. These older systems often run outdated software, with limited patching capabilities, making them particularly vulnerable to cyber sabotage or incidents.

Impact on Downtime

• Vulnerability Exploitation: Unpatched legacy systems can be easily exploited, leading to system compromises. Given their role in critical functions, these systems are prone to causing major outages or operational slowdowns when modified.
• Difficult Recovery: Legacy systems can be hard to restore after an incident, as modern patches or recovery tools may not be compatible, leading to longer recovery periods.

Operational Overload from Incident Response and Recovery

Overloaded Operational Teams

In many OT environments, operational and engineering teams are responsible for managing both daily industrial processes and responding to security incidents. This dual responsibility often leads to operational overload, particularly during security events.

Impact on Efficiency

• Decreased Focus on Core Operations: When operational teams are tasked with resolving security incidents, their core duties are neglected, causing operational delays and inefficiencies.
• Extended Downtime: The longer it takes to manage an incident, the greater the overall downtime and disruption to business processes.

Conclusion:

Security incidents in OT environments can result in significant operational disruption, from extended downtime to inefficiencies in critical systems. 1898 & Co. helps organizations navigate these challenges by offering comprehensive OT security services designed to prevent, detect, and respond to incidents quickly and effectively through:

• Managed security services that reduce downtime by providing continuous monitoring and rapid response.
• ICS/SCADA system security assessments and vulnerability management to safeguard control systems from unauthorized access.
• Real-time monitoring through our Advanced Threat Protection Center (SOC) and remote incident response services to minimize incident impact and recovery time.
• Virtual patching solutions for legacy systems, along with regular vulnerability assessments to mitigate risks without major disruptions.
• Dedicated incident response and recovery services, relieving operational teams from the burden of managing security events, while incident response planning and tabletop exercises prepare organizations to handle incidents efficiently.

By applying these services, 1898 & Co. helps OT environments maintain continuous operations, even in the face of evolving cybersecurity threats.