Industrial Control Systems

Leveraging Virtualization Technologies to Improve SCADA ICS Security

Abstract: 

In recent years, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Industrial Control Systems (ICS)—systems used for controlling industrial processes, power plants, or assembly lines—have become a serious concern because of security and manageability issues.

Published In

Volume 15, Issue 3

Analysis of Programmable Logic Controller Firmware for Threat Assessment and Forensic Investigation

ABSTRACT

Industrial Control Systems are developing into highly networked collections of
distributed devices. The next generation of threats is likely to focus on PLC firmware. Just as traditional computer malware evolved to hide itself using operating system-level rootkits, so will ICS attacks evolve to embed themselves in the PLC equivalent: the firmware. This paper discusses the techniques and procedures required to access, inspect, and manipulate the firmware of an Allen-Bradley PLC. A detailed analysis provides details about the capabilities and methods required by an attacker, and the effectiveness of recovering PLC firmware for forensic investigation of a potential attack.

Published In

Volume 12, Issue 2

Cyber-Mugging: Summary and Analysis of a Simulated ICS/SCADA Attack

ABSTRACT

In a representative Industrial Control System (ICS)/Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) laboratory environment, a simulated cyber attack suggests that an attacker with a low to moderate level of technical proficiency may utilize common, publicly-available tools and techniques to obtain complete control of the ICS environment. The cyber-physical relationship between information systems and industrial machinery has created environments where limited resources may be leveraged to trigger significant physical effects. The feasibility that such an incident has the potential to cause significant disruptive effects directly challenges the current paradigm that state-level resources are required to inflict catastrophic results.

Published In

Volume 13, Issue 2

Written By

Patrick DeSantis

Journal of Information Warfare

The definitive publication for the best and latest research and analysis on information warfare, information operations, and cyber crime. Available in traditional hard copy or online.

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The definitive publication for the best and latest research and analysis on information warfare, information operations, and cyber crime. Available in traditional hard copy or online.

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