Industrial Control System Security Assessments
Process Control System Cybersecurity Audits
Industrial control systems (ICSs) for process facilities have moved from isolated, stand-alone systems to integrated, interconnected networks. While this makes things like data logging and remote access more streamlined, it also makes process control systems more vulnerable to cyber attacks.
At Cross Company’s Process Solutions group, we understand the risks posed to industrial operations and critical OT systems from security vulnerabilities. That’s why we offer comprehensive ICS security assessments specifically designed to safeguard your systems and operations.
Certifications
Ensuring Operational Technology (OT) Security
Our experts are well-versed in the risks and compliance standards in many different industries across the industrial world. We’re experienced in assessing the safety of a range of Operational Technology for process manufacturers, including
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Systems
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs)
Offering Solutions From Leading Brands
The Importance of OT Security Assessments
ICS security is often more than one single thing that protects your operation. Generally, there are many systems and processes working together, any of which could potentially be a security threat.
When we partner with an organization for ICS security, Cross Company assesses the current state of OT and other systems, identifying, assessing, and working to mitigate vulnerabilities in ICS components. This also includes
Asset Inventory
Compiling a comprehensive list of devices with the ICS ecosystem
Vulnerability Management
Identifying and defining a plan to manage system vulnerabilities
Network Segmentation
Ensuring critical networks are isolated from less secure networks
Endpoint Protection
Securing individual endpoints within the network to provide protection
Patch Management
Ensuring firmware is updated and active against known vulnerabilities
Update Monitoring
Checking all systems are up-to-date and protected from known vulnerabilities
Tailored ICS Security Assessments from Cross
At Cross, we bring years of experience and expertise to the field of ICS security assessments. Our specialized team has conducted assessments across diverse industrial sectors, from railway systems and electric utilities to oil refineries and chemical plants.
Our ICS security assessment services include
- ICS Security Assessments – We identify potential security vulnerabilities within your ICS environment by conducting a wide range of tests and audits of your systems to ensure they meet desired standards. This includes evaluating network security resilience against data link layer attacks, monitoring network traffic for potential information exposure, identifying devices, operating systems, and applications, and detecting vulnerable network services.
- Technical Security Audits – Our ICS specialists employ a diverse range of tests to evaluate your existing protection mechanisms within the ICS network and environment. This includes an analysis of network architecture, procedures for applying updates, anti-virus protection effectiveness, and security policies, among other critical areas. We also assess the placement of equipment, backup network, security cabinet and telecoms equipment.
- Reporting and Mitigation – Assessments don’t end with testing; they extend to reporting and mitigation. Adequate vulnerability details and mitigation information should be provided to enable efficient remediation of identified security weaknesses. Collaboration between assessment and ICS personnel throughout the process enhances knowledge transfer and the overall effectiveness of assessment and mitigation efforts.
Regular Cybersecurity Assessments for Process Control Systems
Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field so it’s necessary to stay on top of your plant’s security practices and infrastructure. Rapidly, protection of people, production, and plants is becoming synonymous with cybersecurity. Regular assessments are important tools to comprehensively evaluate and mitigate potential vulnerabilities that could disrupt, damage, or compromise your ICS.
Assessments performed by Cross Company’s Process Solutions group are geared specifically towards industrial control systems, setting them apart from traditional IT security audits. Some of the features that set ICS assessments for security apart include
Specialized considerations and equipment – Testing ICSs demands specialized tools and methodologies due to the potential impact of security tests on production systems. It’s crucial to understand the implications of testing within a production environment and, whenever possible, conduct assessments on offline or backup ICSs.
Effective prioritization – Selecting the right testing areas and establishing a test plan with the appropriate level of detail is essential. This ensures that the assessment meets the asset owner’s needs while retaining the flexibility to leverage the expertise of the assessment team.
Comprehensive testing processes – A detailed understanding of the testing process is critical for both asset owners and assessment teams. This knowledge enables asset owners to grasp the steps involved and the rationale behind them, fostering collaboration and knowledge transfer.
How We Get It Right Every Time
Successfully executing a complex project like process control system upgrades, legacy control system migration, greenfield integration, or control system design takes more than guesswork. At Cross Company, we don’t believe in a “see what happens” approach.
That’s why we’ve developed a comprehensive project execution model to ensure every project flows perfectly, no matter the scope.
From Basis of Design (BOD) and/or Functional Design Specification (FDS) to Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) to Start-Up and Commissioning, we detail and document every step of the process. That way, your project goes exactly as expected.
We can even provide initial documentation as a separate offering. Take a look at the full model or contact Cross Company’s Process Solutions group to learn more.
Why Cross ICS Security Assessments?
At Cross Company Process Solutions, we understand the critical importance of industrial cybersecurity for industrial manufacturing operations. As your trusted partner, we provide comprehensive cybersecurity solutions tailored to the unique needs of your industrial process facility. Our expertise in understanding the complex relationship between operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) allows us to deliver robust protection against cyber threats while ensuring uninterrupted production.
We understand that cybersecurity is more than just a checklist. It’s a continuous process of anticipating and adapting to change. Our primary goal is to safeguard your future, ensuring that your industrial processes remain secure, reliable, and efficient as you grow and expand.
By fortifying your cybersecurity posture, you empower your organization to innovate, optimize processes, and remain agile in the face of changing market demands. Your success is our success, and together, we can navigate the digital age securely and seize new opportunities while mitigating risks.
Related Solutions for Process Applications
At Cross, we offer much more than just industrial control system security assessments. We can also provide the solutions our process manufacturing partners need to succeed. Check out our other process solutions equipment and see for yourself.
