Source URL: https://cloudsecurityalliance.org/articles/global-ics-exposures-what-our-state-of-the-internet-report-reveals-about-critical-infrastructure-security
Source: CSA
Title: Global ICS Exposures: State of the Internet Report
Feedly Summary:
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The text discusses critical vulnerabilities within Industrial Control Systems (ICS), particularly focusing on the exposure of Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) that pose significant security risks. With many HMIs lacking robust security measures and connected to the public Internet, the potential for cyberattacks is heightened. The report emphasizes the need for ICS operators and security teams to implement effective measures to secure these critical infrastructures.
Detailed Description: The analysis of the Censys Research Team’s findings reveals significant security implications for industrial operations globally, especially concerning exposed Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) and the broader vulnerabilities of Industrial Control Systems (ICS).
Key Insights:
– **HMI Vulnerabilities**: HMIs are increasingly targeted due to their connectivity for remote access but typically lack strong security measures:
– Many HMIs can be accessed without authentication or have weak default configurations.
– Notable cyberattacks have already targeted municipal water systems due to exposed HMIs.
– A significant number (over 7,700) of HMIs were found exposed globally, with 70% situated in North America.
– **ICS Protocol Exposure**: There are over 148,000 globally exposed ICS services:
– Common protocols like Modbus are vulnerable due to the absence of encryption and authentication.
– Specific protocols, such as IEC 60870-5-104, are increasingly targeted by malware campaigns, emphasizing the need for awareness among operators.
– **Regional Trends**: Notably, ICS exposures differ regionally:
– North America shows higher exposure rates due to its significant number of allocated IPv4 addresses and reliance on consumer-grade ISPs.
– In Europe, older protocols dominate, highlighting a disparity in security advancements across regions.
– **Emerging Threats**: Connectivity via mobile networks (5G/LTE) brings additional complexities:
– Many exposed ICS devices operate on these networks, complicating threat attribution and detection.
– **Recommendations for Operators**:
– Identify and secure HMIs and ICS protocols.
– Limit Internet exposure of ICS when possible.
– Implement strong authentication measures, avoiding weak or default credentials.
– Use real-time intelligence to monitor threats continuously.
Overall, the findings underscore the critical need for enhanced security measures for ICS and HMIs, given their significant exposure to internet-based threats and the dire consequences of successful cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. The full State of the Internet Report provides in-depth data and practical guidelines that security teams should heed to bolster their defense strategies.