ICS vs. IT Security

Cybersecurity is essential in every industry, and while IT security has been the go-to framework for safeguarding corporate data, industrial cybersecurity presents an entirely different set of challenges.

Industrial Control Systems (ICS)—which power critical infrastructure like energy plants, manufacturing facilities, and utilities—operate differently from traditional IT systems. These differences require a dedicated approach to cybersecurity.

Here, we’ll unravel the key distinctions between ICS and IT security and discuss why tailoring protections specifically to industrial environments is not just important, but essential.

Understanding ICS and IT Systems

To appreciate the differences between industrial cybersecurity and IT security, it’s important to first understand what ICS and IT systems are:

• Industrial Control Systems (ICS): Foundational to critical infrastructure and manufacturing, ICS manages physical processes and systems. For example, they control machinery in factories, regulate power grids, or automate water treatment plants.
• Information Technology (IT) Systems: Built to manage, store, and share data, IT systems focus on protecting digital assets like customer data, emails, and proprietary information.

While both systems need cybersecurity to prevent breaches, the environments, priorities, and threats they face are not the same.

Key Differences Between ICS and IT Security

1. System Priorities

• IT Security Focus: Confidentiality is paramount. Organizations prioritize protecting sensitive information from being stolen, whether that’s customer data or intellectual property.
• ICS Security Focus: Availability and reliability take precedence. If industrial systems go down, the physical and economic consequences can be catastrophic, like widespread power outages or production line shutdowns.

2. System Longevity and Updates

• IT Systems: These are often upgraded or replaced every 3–5 years to keep up with technological advancements. Regular patches ensure vulnerabilities are mitigated promptly.
• ICS: Industrial systems are designed to last decades and perform specific tasks reliably. Frequent updates or patches to these systems can disrupt operations or, in worst cases, damage equipment. Some ICS even run on legacy software like Windows XP because “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.”

3. Connectivity and Network Architecture

• IT Networks: Usually, IT networks are fully connected to optimize workflows. Firewalls, strong authentication, and encryption ensure data flows securely within and outside these networks.
• ICS Networks: Industrial networks were historically isolated (“air-gapped”) to protect them. However, the rise of IoT and interconnected operations has made these systems more vulnerable by bridging the gap between IT and operational technology (OT).

4. Threat Impacts and Attack Consequences

• IT Systems: Breaches generally result in compromised data, financial losses, or regulatory penalties. While significant, these are reversible with strong disaster recovery measures.
• ICS: Cyberattacks on ICS can affect physical infrastructure and human safety. Think about the 2021 Colonial Pipeline attack, where ransomware caused fuel supply disruptions across the US. Consequences can include equipment damage, environmental harm, and risks to lives.

5. Skillsets and Expertise

• IT Security Teams: These professionals are trained to identify and respond to typical attacks like phishing, malware, and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks.
• ICS Security Teams: Industrial cybersecurity requires specialized knowledge of ICS protocols, equipment, and operational workflows. Understanding how an attack can impact physical operations is critical.

Challenges in Industrial Cybersecurity

The differences between ICS and IT systems create unique challenges for industrial cybersecurity, such as:

• Legacy Systems: Many ICS rely on outdated software, making them more difficult to secure against modern threats.
• Limited Downtime: Industrial environments have stringent uptime requirements, making it difficult to schedule security updates or maintenance.
• Shared Responsibility: The convergence of IT and OT means bridging the gap between IT teams and operational engineers, who may have different priorities and expertise.
• Target for Nation-State Actors: Due to their critical infrastructure role, ICS are often targets for sophisticated attackers, including nation-states.

Industrial Cybersecurity Best Practices

To address the complexities of industrial cybersecurity, companies must adopt strategies tailored to ICS environments. Here’s how:

1. Develop a Robust ICS Security Framework: Follow standards like NIST Cybersecurity Framework or ISA/IEC 62443 to ensure comprehensive protection.
2. Segment Networks: Use network segmentation to isolate ICS from IT systems and limit potential attack paths.
3. Monitor Continuously: Employ advanced monitoring tools to detect anomalies in ICS environments and respond proactively to potential threats.
4. Collaborate Across Teams: Bridge the divide between IT and OT teams by fostering a shared understanding of cybersecurity practices and goals.
5. Invest in Training: Equip your workforce with knowledge of ICS-specific protocols and threats. A well-trained team can be your greatest asset.
6. Limit Remote Access: Minimize remote connections to ICS, or use secure methods like VPNs when remote access is unavoidable.

Why Prioritizing Industrial Cybersecurity Matters

With the increasing connectivity of industrial systems, ignoring ICS cybersecurity puts not only your company but also entire communities at risk. Whether you are managing a power grid or running a manufacturing plant, industrial cybersecurity needs to be a priority.

Final Thoughts

IT security and ICS cybersecurity may share the same goal of protecting systems, but their roadmaps are inherently different. For cybersecurity professionals and IT analysts working with industrial control systems, understanding these nuances can mean the difference between a secure operation and a vulnerable one.

Are you ready to take your ICS cybersecurity to the next level? Contact us to learn how we can help your organization fortify its defenses.