What are the key elements of a SCADA system security policy and procedure?

For SCADA systems, the IT triad (CIA) is reversed, but has one element that override everything: SAFETY. Without the SAFETY requirement, then AIC (availability, integrity, and confidentiality of the system) is of no use and human life could be affected! Not to mention that IT deals with information, while SCADA deals with data between its different devices to safely control an external process.

The MUST-HAVES: Business Alignment: Your security policy should be the VIP guest at your corporate strategy party. Make sure it knows the business goals and is dressed to impress. Regulatory Tuxedo: You don't want your SCADA system caught in a fashion faux pas like, say, violating industry regulations. Dress it in a tuxedo of compliance. SMART Goals: No, they don't need to be Einstein-level intelligent. SMART here means Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. A well-tailored SMART goal never goes out of style.

A robust SCADA system security policy includes strict access control with multi-factor authentication and role-based permissions. Network security involves segmentation, firewalls, IDS, and IPS to prevent unauthorized access. Regular updates and patch management ensure system components are current. An incident response plan outlines procedures for detecting, responding to, and recovering from security incidents. Data encryption protects sensitive information, while continuous monitoring and logging detect suspicious activities. Employee training on security best practices and physical security measures to protect hardware are also crucial. These elements collectively safeguard critical SCADA infrastructure.

A SCADA system security policy and procedure should encompass the following key elements: Access Control: Implement strict user authentication, role-based access control, and regular audits of user access. Network Security: Use firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection/prevention systems to protect SCADA networks. Data Integrity and Confidentiality: Ensure encryption of data in transit and at rest. Incident Response: Develop and maintain an incident response plan specific to SCADA threats. Regular Audits and Assessments: Conduct frequent security assessments and vulnerability scans. Patch Management: Implement a robust process for timely application of security patches and updates.

In a SCADA system security policy, the second crucial element is defining the roles and responsibilities for security. Clearly documented roles are essential for overseeing access, data modification, and system management. These responsibilities include the implementation, monitoring, and auditing of security controls. It's Important to designate individuals for reporting and resolving security incidents, as well as for periodically reviewing and updating the security policy.

In my experience, the corporation does not want IT to make decisions about what information crosses the DMZ. That has become an OT role as they already have the required security clearance and sufficient background knowledge to know what tags to pull that would be relevant to, for example, a leadership dashboard that displays OEE data. My current group sets them up and upon project completion, we hand off those responsibilities. IT will maintain VM software updates and OT maintains the actual data.

Before stepping into the SCADA sanctum, users and devices must pass the Triple-A test: Authenticated, Authorized, and Audited Always encrypt, backup, and restore like you're safeguarding grandma's secret recipe Keep that software spruced up! Regular updates and patches are the cyber equivalents of oil changes and tire rotations Segregate, isolate, and firewall the SCADA network like it's an introvert at a party Be the all-seeing eye. Monitoring, logging, and analyzing are your SCADA surveillance cameras When it's time to say goodbye, handle, store, and dispose of equipment like you're Marie Kondo: with proper procedure Remember, these rules are not just for show; they’re the SCADA system’s secret for keeping things secure and smooth

Remember that encryption is not the prime issue, as the SCADA and the end devices are working with data, not information! Encryption is acceptable only if it does not affect the safety of the whole system, due to latency, and needs to be protected on a different Level than the common IT network. Thus segregation, segmentation and micro-segmentation, also known in ISA as segregation, zones and conduits.

SCADA communicates with Field devices. So the communication must be encrypted and it should be gone through VPN tunnel. There are quite few VPN tunnels like PPTP, IPSec, OpenVPN etc..

Years ago I built a pipeline SCADA system for a major oil company that contained the operator control and pipeline flow path verification features for pumps,valves, and emergency shutdowns that eliminated operator errors and improved safety. It worked!