Most Industrial Cyber Incidents Down To Human Error – Kaspersky
Cyber security incidents in industrial systems are mostly down to employee error, Kaspersky has warned in a new report.
The report, “State of Industrial Cybersecurity 2019”, found that employee errors or unintentional actions were behind 52% of incidents affecting operational technology and industrial control system (OT/ICS) networks in 2018.
Last month a number of large blue-chip industrial firms in Germany confirmed they have been subjected to cyber-attack. BASF and Henkel are chemical giants, Siemens makes power-generating kit among other things, and Roche is a drug company.
Industrial cyber incidents
Part of the problem for industrial entities is the shortage of professionals to handle modern cyber risks, coupled with low awareness among employees.
The problem is getting worse as more industrial groups change from manual processes to computer systems, some of which can be highly complex.
In March, for example, large Norwegian manufacturing firm Norsk Hydro admitted it had lost more than $40m, in the week following a devastating ransomware attack.
The Kaspersky report confirmed that industrial groups are increasingly recognising the importance of securing their systems, with 87 per cent of respondents agreeing that cybersecurity is becoming a top priority for industrial companies.
A fine sentiment, but the Kaspersky study also found that only just over half of companies (57 per cent) have the allocated budget for industrial cybersecurity.
Matters are not helped by a shortage of skilled staff.
“Organisations are not only experiencing a lack of cybersecurity experts with the right skills to manage protection for industrial networks but are worried that their OT/ICS network operators are not fully aware of the behaviour that can cause cybersecurity breaches,” the security experts said.
“These challenges make up the top two major concerns relating to cybersecurity management and go some way to explaining why employee errors cause half of all ICS incidents – such as malware infections – and also more serious targeted attacks,” it added.
Kaspersky said that in almost half of companies (45 per cent), the employees responsible for IT infrastructure security also oversee the security of OT/ ICS networks. It said this approach may carry security risks: although operational and corporate networks are becoming increasingly connected, specialists on each side can have different approaches (37 per cent) and goals (18 per cent) when it comes to cybersecurity.
“This year’s study shows that companies are seeking to improve protection for industrial networks,” said Georgy Shebuldaev, brand manager at Kaspersky Industrial Cybersecurity.
“However, this can only be achieved if they address the risks related to the lack of qualified staff and employee errors,” Shebuldaev added. “Taking a comprehensive, multi-layered approach – which combines technical protection with regular training of IT security specialists and industrial network operators – will ensure networks remain protected from threats and skills stay up to date.”
IoT protection
Kaspersky also warns organisations to consider specific protection for Industrial IoT which can become highly connected externally.
In April this year security officials at the German multinational pharmaceutical and life sciences giant Bayer AG reported that they detected and then contained a cyber attack.
The hackers using the Winnti malware had apparently gained access to Bayer’s network in early 2018 by using malware to spy on the company.
But security teams at Bayer reportedly detected the intrusion and covertly monitored it for over a year.
source silicon
Industry: Cyber Security
Latest Jobs
-
- Senior Data Privacy Consultant. Client Facing | London
- London
- N/A
-
Senior Data Privacy Consultant. Client Facing | London Senior Data Privacy Consultant needed for a key client facing opportunity. Must be willing to undergo SC Security Clearance. Hybrid role- onsite with customer / office 2-3 days a week. London Key Responsibilities: Lead and support client facing data privacy projects. Assess compliance, define and deliver strategic projects / implement privacy solutions. Manage project teams and develop business opportunities. Required Experience: Experience in data protection and privacy standards. Background in consulting. Skills and Qualifications: Business consulting experience IAPP Privacy Manager / Privacy Technologist Location Greater London UK based role. Not able to provide VISA sponsorship.
-
- Security Analyst - Internal role. London commutable. Permanent
- London
- N/A
-
Security Analyst - Internal role. London commutable opportunity. Operational Security - Investigate, escalate and proactively work to ensure household name remains protected. Project Security - Coordinate, log change requests with project delivery teams to meet security requirements Policy / compliance - work with team to aid in uplifting these as and where needed This role is role to investigate, escalate and proactively work to protect a globally recognised brand. You must have current hands on operational analytical security experience with Microsoft technology stack Someone with a SOC Analyst / security engineering background would be well suited. This position will join a small team and would suit someone that has broad experience across the security threat landscape. Experience / knowledge across industry GRC standards such NIST, ISO27001 etc very advantageous and a priority. You will work across multiple teams proactively working to secure the business. Must be able to commute to Central London 3 days a week. Visa sponsorship not available Apply today to find out more.
-
- Network / Security Infrastructure Engineer | West London | Permanent
- London
- N/A
-
Network / Security Infrastructure Engineer | West London | Current Config, Install, upgrade experience On prem / Datacetner experience essential. Hands on experience MUST include: Routing, Switching, Network Security (firewall, IDS etc), Microsoft exchange / Exchange 365. Scripting / automation experience wanted. Python, Powershell etc Regular travel to West London is required. Visa sponsorship not available. Apply today for more information chris.holt@dclsearch.com Use this whatapp link to reach out https://wa.me/message/6USF5RAQBOZIP1
-
- SailPoint File Access Manager Consultant/ Architect
- N/A
- discussed on applications
-
SailPoint File Access Manager (SailPoint FAM) Consultant/ Architect is required for an up coming projects, Ideally looking for someone with experience in Designing and deploying SailPoint FAM , this is a new Deployment, you will work with customer in the initial workshop phase, to understand requirements and to get the initial design, you will then be responsible for deploying the solution. This is a home based role, with some onsite visits required during the length of the project. We are looking for someone who has previous experience in Deploying SailPoint FAM (ideally done design work) Need to have experience with SharePoint and ideally Azure and Share file