For operators of Critical Infrastructure, Identity is the new Perimeter – Network Security is not enough
Protecting your most valuable asset, your data
As the utility sector faces an escalating threat landscape, the Colonial Pipeline breach has underscored the critical importance of defending against credential theft, a prevailing attack trajectory in the arsenal of bad actors targeting critical infrastructure. The exploitation of legitimate user credentials and abuse of native customer tools and software grants adversaries undetected entry into IT networks, setting the stage for lateral movement, privilege escalation and ultimately data exfiltration. Hackers are no longer breaking in, they are logging in.
In addition, the convergence of IT and Operational Technology (OT) means that SCADA systems are no longer isolated, presenting a heightened vulnerability to unauthorized access. The era of ‘air-gapped’ systems has passed, necessitating a paradigm shift in security strategies. It is now essential for critical infrastructure operators to enforce policies and defensive techniques that safeguard both critical application data flows in IT networks and the interconnected realms of IT and OT networks – protecting solely the network infrastructure is not enough.
In order to address and mitigate such threats, updates to existing regulations such as NERC CIP and implementation of new mandates such as the TSA Security Directive have introduced rigorous yet crucial safeguards and controls, including network segmentation, encryption of data in transit, and the isolation of Industrial Control Systems. As the utility sector grapples with these challenges, understanding and implementing these controls is paramount to fortifying cyber resilience.
Certes understand the unique challenges faced by the utilities sector and have designed solutions to help overcome these, which include:
Network Segmentation: Certes DPRM Crypto-Segmentation provides robust network segmentation between IT and OT systems, a crucial element to prevent unauthorised communication between zones, unless contents are encrypted.
Data Encryption in Transit: Certes DPRM ensure the protection of data while in transit, a key requirement for safeguarding critical essential systems and effective data protection risk management.
Patch Management: Certes assists in controlling and securing patch management on critical cyber systems, ensuring that vulnerabilities are promptly addressed without compromising security. Certes DPRM policies can be defined to control who can perform a patch / upgrade preventing malicious insertion of code by bad actors.
Isolation of Industrial Control Systems: The ability to isolate industrial control systems from IT systems during a cybersecurity incident is paramount for safety and reliability, a task Certes DPRM fulfils seamlessly.
Logical Zones: Certes DPRM through customer defined policy supports the establishment of logical zones based on criticality, consequence, and operational needs, aligning perfectly with the mandate’s vision.
Compliance Management: Navigate the complex landscape of data protection regulations and standards effortlessly. Ensure compliance with major directives, such as TSA, NERC CIP, and ISO 27001.
How do you protect your data when all your controls fail?
Certes’ Simon Hill talks with Mike Meason from Western Farmers Electric on how to prepare and secure your utilities business should a cyber attack occur; developing capabilities that give you a defensive advantage.
Listen to our latest podcast to fully understand the difference between network encryption and data protection and how you can secure your data in transit as it travels from location to location.
Resource Hub: Certes and the TSA Mandate
The recent ransomware attack on the Colonial Pipeline sent shockwaves across the United States, serving as a stark reminder of our national infrastructure’s vulnerability to cyber threats. The fallout of this attack resulted in widespread panic and fuel shortages along the US Eastern Seaboard.
Enter the implementation of the TSA SD02D Mandate, marking a pivotal shift in the way businesses approach cybersecurity. A key aspect of this directive is the need for CEOs and the C-Suite to view cyber risk as a matter of good governance, a strategic necessity, and a driver for business growth.
Download our latest white paper: Cybersecurity a Business Imperative: Certes and the TSA SD02D Mandate to see how, with Certes by your side, your business doesn’t just survive in the mandate era; it thrives in the face of ever-evolving cyber challenges.
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Certes is 100% focused on protecting valuable customer data as it moves across 3rd party networks, multi-cloud environments, LAN, WAN and more.
We don’t stop at shielding your infrastructure; we elevate your cybersecurity posture with robust risk management strategies. Our solutions are designed not only to protect against known threats but also to anticipate and mitigate emerging risks.
Take action to secure your company against cyber threats and compliance challenges and request a callback with Certes today. We’ll ensure your data remains secure, accessible and the essential service you deliver to customers is uninterrupted.