Overview

Securing Industrial Networks in an Evolving Digital Landscape

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The growth of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), including operational technology (OT) networks and industrial control systems (ICS), has revolutionized the industrial environments, offering unprecedented connectivity, automation, and data analytics capabilities. However, as these systems become more interconnected, they are increasingly exposed to security vulnerabilities, raising the need for robust cybersecurity frameworks.

Key Cybersecurity Challenges in Industrial Environments
Industrial environments face unique cybersecurity challenges, requiring robust and extensive security measures to mitigate risks. A few key challenges include:

  • Legacy Systems: Many industrial systems rely on outdated technologies that may not meet modern security requirements.
  • Interconnected Devices: The rise of IoT in industrial settings increases the attack surface, exposing vulnerabilities in connected devices.
  • Operational Disruptions: Cyberattacks on industrial systems can cause significant downtime and disrupt essential operations.
  • Data Integrity: Protecting sensitive operational data and safeguarding the accuracy and integrity of transmitted information.

Applicable Cybersecurity Standards & Regulations

Confirming industrial systems are compliant with general and industry-specific cybersecurity standards and regulations is essential for mitigating risks. These standards provide technical requirements on securing networks, devices, and data in complex industrial environments, helping facilitate regulatory compliance and robust cybersecurity practices.

Cybersecurity Regulations

Regulation Description
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/30 This regulation outlines cybersecurity requirements for certain categories of radio equipment, extending the scope of the original Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU. It focuses on safeguarding networks and preventing unauthorized access, particularly for devices with internet connectivity, confirming they meet applicable security standards before entering the EU market.
EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) aims to improve the cybersecurity of connected devices and digital products within the EU by imposing mandatory security requirements throughout their lifecycle. Manufacturers, developers, and businesses are responsible for maintaining compliance to enhance product security and protect consumers from cyber threats.
EU NIS2 Directive The NIS2 Directive strengthens cybersecurity requirements for essential and digital service providers within the EU, expanding the scope of the original NIS Directive. It mandates enhanced risk management and incident reporting obligations for critical infrastructure sectors, including healthcare, energy, and transportation, to protect against cyberattacks.
EU Cybersecurity Act The EU Cybersecurity Act establishes a framework for cybersecurity certification of products, services, and processes across the EU. It strengthens the mandate of ENISA (the EU Agency for Cybersecurity) and introduces a European-wide certification scheme to promote high standards of cybersecurity for connected devices and systems.
EU Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) DORA focuses on the financial sector, setting cybersecurity standards to validate that financial institutions can withstand and recover from operational disruptions. The regulation requires firms to adopt robust risk management strategies and testing protocols to protect against cyber threats and enhance operational resilience.
EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) The GDPR is the EU’s data protection law, which sets strict rules on how organizations collect, store, and use personal data. It grants EU citizens certain rights over their data, such as the right to access, rectify, or delete it, and imposes hefty fines for non-compliance to help enforce robust privacy protections across the EU.
UK Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) Act The PSTI Act establishes cybersecurity requirements for consumer connected devices in the UK. It mandates basic security standards, such as banning default passwords, providing security update information, and confirming vulnerability reporting mechanisms, to enhance the security of connected products sold in the UK.
California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) The CPRA, an expansion of the California Consumer Privacy Act, strengthens data privacy protections for California residents by creating the California Privacy Protection Agency and introducing new rights, such as the right to limit the use of sensitive personal data. It also increases business obligations around data collection, storage, and usage transparency.
SB-1121 California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) SB-1121, an amendment to the original CCPA, clarifies certain provisions of the law and adjusts its enforcement timeline. The CCPA gives California residents broad rights over their personal data, such as the right to know, delete, and opt out of the sale of their information, applying to businesses that meet specific thresholds for data processing.
SB-327 California IoT Cybersecurity Law California’s SB-327 is a pioneering law that mandates cybersecurity protections for all IoT devices sold in the state. It requires manufacturers to equip devices with reasonable security features, such as unique passwords and secure authentication protocols, to protect against unauthorized access and data breaches.

General Cybersecurity Standards

Standard Description
UL 2900-1 A cybersecurity standard that focuses on securing network-connected products and systems. It provides guidelines for identifying vulnerabilities, conducting penetration testing, and performing source code analysis to manage cybersecurity risks. The standard helps manufacturers implement security measures for their products and meet necessary regulatory expectations. UL 2900-1 is commonly applied to validate the security of connected devices in various industries.
IEC 62443 Series A set of international standards designed to protect Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS) from cybersecurity threats. It offers a structured approach for addressing risks in industrial environments, covering areas such as system design, security levels, and access control. By following this series, organizations can enhance the resilience of their industrial systems against cyber threats, supporting the protection of critical infrastructure and operations. The standards are versatile and can be leveraged across various industries, including energy, manufacturing, transportation, and healthcare, to improve the security of industrial systems in different sectors.

Cybersecurity Standard for IIoT

Standard Description
IEC 62443 Series The IEC 62443 Series is an extensive set of standards that provides a framework for addressing and mitigating cybersecurity risks in Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS). It covers several aspects of securing industrial networks, including system design, implementation, and ongoing operational security, confirming that both manufacturers and operators meet applicable security requirements. This series of standards is essential for safeguarding critical infrastructure, as it defines specific requirements for securing not only individual components but also the entire system lifecycle, from design to maintenance, protecting against cyber threats targeting industrial environments.
Key Cybersecurity Themes for IIoT

Industrial Cybersecurity Resources

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