The Rising Tide of Cybersecurity Threats: A Call to Action for Critical Infrastructure Procurement

In an era where cyber threats are escalating at an alarming rate, the focus on cybersecurity within critical infrastructure has never been more urgent. Asset owners and operators are increasingly prioritizing the security of their supply chains, particularly in the realm of Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Operational Technology (OT). The need for robust cybersecurity measures in procurement processes is paramount, as vendors are now expected to provide not only functional products but also comprehensive security solutions that address the evolving landscape of cyber threats.

Understanding the Landscape of Cybersecurity Threats

The rise of sophisticated cyber attacks—ranging from malware and ransomware to nation-state-sponsored intrusions—has forced organizations to rethink their approach to cybersecurity. Critical infrastructure installations, which are vital to the functioning of society, are prime targets for adversaries seeking to exploit vulnerabilities. As a result, asset owners and operators are demanding greater transparency from vendors regarding the security of their products and the integrity of their supply chains.

The Demand for Transparency and Security

Asset owners are increasingly concerned about the potential vulnerabilities introduced during the manufacturing or integration of ICS products. They are calling for vendors to provide detailed information about the security measures implemented in their software and hardware, as well as the security practices of third-party suppliers. This demand for transparency extends to the need for supply chain integrity guarantees, which necessitate rigorous vetting processes for subcontractors and partners.

To enhance procurement practices, organizations are urged to ensure that the software and hardware they acquire come from trusted sources. This includes conducting thorough security scans for vulnerabilities, maintaining transparency in supply chain and manufacturing processes, and implementing robust security controls for encryption and secure authentication.

Training and Collaboration: Key Components of Cybersecurity

As the landscape of cyber threats evolves, organizations must also invest in training for asset owners and operators. Proper installation, configuration, and maintenance of ICS products are critical to ensuring security. Vendors should document security features and configuration options in an easily understandable format, facilitating collaboration with asset owners in the formulation and implementation of cybersecurity strategies.

Moreover, organizations must keep pace with changing security standards and regulations. This includes providing incident response and disaster recovery programs to address potential cybersecurity breaches. Transparency in cybersecurity practices and policies is essential for building trust between vendors and asset owners.

Continuous Monitoring and Proactive Collaboration

In 2024, the expectation is clear: vendors must transition from merely delivering functional products to actively collaborating with asset owners in the ongoing battle against cyber threats. This includes integrating features for continuous monitoring and real-time threat detection within their products, as well as providing facilities for patch management and timely security updates.

The shift towards a proactive partnership model is crucial. Vendors are expected to contribute meaningfully to the security of the operational technology environment, ensuring that their solutions do not become the weakest link in the supply chain.

Evolving Cybersecurity Priorities in ICS Procurement

To gain insights into the changing priorities of asset owners and operators, Industrial Cyber reached out to cybersecurity professionals. The consensus is clear: the expectations for cybersecurity from ICS vendors have significantly increased in recent years.

The Role of Standards and Compliance

Yair Attar, CTO and co-founder of OTORIO, highlights the impact of regulatory changes and incidents on cybersecurity expectations. The adoption of standards like IEC 62443 has surged, with asset owners now requiring certifications, full disclosure of internal components, and comprehensive vulnerability management SLAs.

Janet Bodenbach, senior director of solutions architecture at Finite State, emphasizes the importance of comprehensive security practices throughout the product lifecycle. This includes secure development, deployment, continuous monitoring, and incident response. The focus on supply chain security has intensified, driven by high-profile incidents such as the SolarWinds attack and the increasing pressure to comply with regulations like the NIST Cybersecurity Framework.

The Importance of Secure Development Practices

As asset owners demand stringent cybersecurity measures, the role of secure development practices becomes paramount. Vendors must invest in secure development lifecycle practices that align with industry standards, ensuring rigorous testing and vulnerability scanning for each release. This proactive approach helps mitigate organizational risks by reducing vulnerabilities in procured ICS equipment.

Collaboration between development, quality assurance, and cybersecurity teams is essential for promptly identifying and addressing vulnerabilities. Leveraging AI-powered tools can enhance the efficiency of vulnerability scanning and threat detection, further strengthening the security posture of ICS products.

Strategies for Mitigating Cybersecurity Risks

To effectively mitigate cybersecurity risks in ICS procurement, asset owners and operators must adopt several key strategies:

1. Early Involvement of Cybersecurity Considerations: Integrating cybersecurity into the procurement process from the outset is crucial. Asset owners should rank suppliers based on their cybersecurity capabilities and consider the long-term costs associated with continuous support and updates.

2. Rigorous Supplier Assessment: Implementing robust third-party risk assessments and continuous supply chain monitoring can help organizations identify potential vulnerabilities and ensure vendor compliance with security standards.

3. Demand for Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs): Requiring vendors to provide comprehensive SBOMs enhances transparency and allows for proactive vulnerability management, enabling asset owners to identify and address risks effectively.

4. Collaborative Incident Response Plans: Establishing joint incident response plans and conducting regular security audits fosters a culture of collaboration between asset owners and vendors, strengthening overall supply chain security.

Adapting to Emerging Threats

As the cyber threat landscape continues to evolve, asset owners and operators must remain vigilant and adaptable. This includes sharing threat intelligence, conducting regular security audits, and investing in emerging technologies like AI for threat detection. Regular tabletop exercises and simulations can prepare organizations for various cyberattack scenarios, ensuring they are equipped to respond effectively.

In conclusion, the mounting cybersecurity threats facing critical infrastructure necessitate a proactive and collaborative approach to procurement. Asset owners and operators must demand higher security standards from vendors, while vendors must rise to the challenge by embedding security into their products and practices. By working together, both parties can enhance supply chain security and safeguard the operational technology environment against emerging cyber threats.