The SANS Institute has introduced a pivotal strategy guide titled “ICS Is the Business: Why Securing ICS/OT Environments Is Business-Critical in 2024,” authored by Dean Parsons, CEO of ICS Defense Force and a renowned SANS Certified Instructor. This comprehensive guide is released in response to a concerning 50% surge in ransomware attacks targeting industrial control systems (ICS) in 2023. With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, Parsons provides essential insights into the evolving threat landscape, highlighting the urgent need for specialized security measures to protect these critical systems.
Parsons’ guide underscores the severity of high-impact, low-frequency (HILF) attacks that could lead to catastrophic events such as widespread power outages or environmental disasters. “These are the attacks that keep security CSOs, VPs of Engineering, and others responsible for ICS cyber defense up at night,” Parsons notes. He emphasizes that the threat to ICS is no longer a matter of “if,” but “when,” stressing the importance of proactive measures in mitigating potential risks.
The guide outlines five critical controls essential for defending ICS/OT environments, including specialized incident response strategies and defensible control system network architecture. These recommendations are presented as business imperatives rather than mere technical suggestions, aimed at supporting operational continuity and ensuring safety. Parsons also discusses the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing ICS security, while cautioning against over-reliance on AI at the expense of human expertise.
SANS Institute urges organizations with ICS/OT environments to download and implement the guide’s recommendations without delay. Protecting critical infrastructure is framed not just as a technical necessity but as a crucial business concern requiring immediate action. For those interested in furthering their knowledge, SANS also offers specialized courses at the Cyber Defense Initiative 2024, reinforcing the importance of robust cybersecurity practices in maintaining the reliability and safety of industrial systems.
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