The recent breach of a US operator’s industrial control systems (ICS) in the water sector has prompted the UK’s security agency to issue a strong advisory for the nation’s water sector. With the aim of preventing similar incidents, the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has urged water providers to apply best practice security measures. While the immediate threat to UK providers is deemed low, caution and proactive security implementation are necessary to avoid potential disruptions.
Breach in the US Water Sector
In a revelation made by the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), an unidentified facility was compromised, leading to it being offline and switched to manual operation. The breach occurred through the infiltration of Unitronics programmable logic controllers (PLCs), highlighting the vulnerability of critical infrastructure. This incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced security protocols across the global water sector.
Response from the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)
The NCSC acknowledges the severity of the breach but downplays the immediate threat to UK water providers. The exploitation detected is of limited sophistication, which minimizes the likelihood of substantial disruption to the routine supply of water. However, the NCSC emphasizes that caution is still required as small water suppliers could face potential risks if the threat remains unmitigated.
Limited Sophistication of Exploitation
Reassuringly, the breach identified in the US water sector was not highly sophisticated. This minimizes the potential impact on the water supply system’s day-to-day operations. Nevertheless, it should serve as a wake-up call to water companies, urging them to remain vigilant against future cyber threats and adopt robust security measures.
Potential Risk to Small Suppliers
While the immediate risk to larger water providers in the UK appears relatively low, smaller suppliers may face a slightly higher potential risk if security measures are not promptly implemented. Therefore, it is essential for all water companies, regardless of their size, to take proactive steps to safeguard their control systems and protect against any potential breaches.
Steps to Enhance Security
To mitigate the risks associated with similar breaches, the NCSC urges organizations using Unitronics PLCs to follow the security steps outlined in CISA’s advisory. These recommended measures include:
1. Changing all default passwords on PLCs and human machine interfaces (HMIs) and opting for strong passwords.
2. Mandating multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all remote access to the operational technology network.
3. Disconnecting the PLC from the public internet and implementing a firewall/VPN to control network access.
Disconnecting PLCs from the public internet is one crucial step in ensuring the security of water sector control systems. By severing this direct connection, potential external threats are mitigated. Additionally, implementing a robust firewall/VPN allows water companies to have better control over network access to PLCs, further enhancing the security of critical infrastructure.
The NCSC’s Concern for Critical Infrastructure Operators
The NCSC has repeatedly emphasized the enduring threat facing critical infrastructure operators, such as water companies. This breach is a stark reminder of the urgency to establish and maintain robust security measures within these sectors. As water companies play a crucial role in providing an essential service, increased vigilance and continuous adaptation of security practices are paramount to safeguarding operations, data integrity, and public safety.
The breach of a US operator’s industrial control systems acts as a timely reminder for the UK water sector to enhance its security measures. While the immediate threat to water providers is limited, it is crucial to implement best practice security protocols to prevent potential disruptions and protect against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. By following the NCSC’s advisory and taking proactive steps to safeguard control systems, water companies can ensure an uninterrupted supply and maintain the resilience of critical infrastructure.