Locking down Industrial Control Systems

Locking down Industrial Control Systems

November 30, 2023 at 03:53AM

Global industrial automation spending hit $172.26 billion in 2022, with expected annual growth of 10.5% through 2030. As ICS deployments surge, security risks follow. SANS offers comprehensive ICS security training and resources to bolster defenses against these emerging threats, as per CISA’s call for collective cyber-defense action.

Meeting Takeaways:

1. **Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Adoption & Market Growth:**
– ICS are becoming increasingly popular globally due to their potential to streamline processes, amplify productivity, and reduce labor costs.
– The industrial automation and control systems market reached $172.26 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow by 10.5% annually from 2023 to 2030, according to Grand View Research.

2. **Cybersecurity Concerns:**
– The expansion of ICS deployments has led to rising security concerns.
– The US Federal Cyber Security and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has identified the need for collective action to enhance cybersecurity for ICS.

3. **Education and Training Initiatives by SANS:**
– SANS provides a comprehensive ICS Security resource center with training and informational materials aimed at empowering cybersecurity and IT professionals to protect ICS environments.
– The ICS Security hub includes news, insight, blogs, whitepapers, webinars, cheat sheets, and videos.

4. **ICS Cybersecurity Field Manual Series:**
– Within SANS’s resource center, there’s an ICS Cybersecurity Field Manual Series consisting of three volumes, each focused on different ICS security aspects.

5. **Specialized Training Courses:**
– SANS offers multiple training courses, such as ICS410: ICS/SCADA Security Essentials, which establishes foundational skills for ICS cybersecurity professionals.
– ICS515: ICS Visibility, Detection, and Response course is aimed at enhancing defenders’ skills in visibility and asset identification in ICS/OT networks.

6. **Industrial Security Landscape Evolution:**
– The security landscape is swiftly changing as enterprises incorporate advanced ICS technologies for modern industrial processes, including robotics and AI.

7. **Critical Nature of ICS Security:**
– CISA has stressed the critical importance of ICS security in the larger context of defending against cyber threats.

8. **Resource Accessibility:**
– The SANS ICS Security resource center is available for professionals seeking extensive tools and training to secure complex ICS infrastructures.

9. **Sponsorship:**
– The meeting notes are sponsored by SANS, indicating a promotional aspect to the information presented.

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