Technological advances in operating systems (OT) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are revolutionizing industries, introducing new capabilities, and posing increasing security challenges for organizations. In sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and logistics, where reliability and business continuity are critical, ensuring secure access to industrial equipment, control systems, and IoT networks is becoming a priority. The privileged access needed to manage these assets is particularly vulnerable to cybercrime attacks, highlighting the need to implement effective solutions. In the face of these threats, Privileged Access Management (PAM) control systems offer advanced tools that effectively protect critical infrastructure from unauthorized access and cyber attacks. The use of PAM in protecting OT systems is becoming an increasingly important part of cybersecurity strategies.
Unique challenges in protecting privileged accounts in OT and IoT environments
OT and IoT environments are characterized by peculiarities that distinguish them from traditional IT environments, involving unique difficulties in managing privileged access. Understanding these challenges is key to effective protection:
- Diversity of devices and protocols: Industrial environments are a patchwork of devices using a variety of often unique communication protocols. This heterogeneity makes it difficult to integrate with conventional security solutions, which may not support all the standards used.
- Equipment longevity: Industrial equipment is designed for long-term operation, often for decades. This causes many of them to run on outdated software that lacks modern security mechanisms. This makes them vulnerable to known vulnerabilities.
- Limited visibility: Many organizations do not have a full inventory of privileged accounts in their OT and IoT systems. The lack of this knowledge prevents effective monitoring and control of access, thereby increasing the risk of unauthorized activities.
- Risky remote access: The growing trend of using remote access to manage and monitor industrial systems, often using simple, easy-to-crack passwords, significantly increases vulnerability to attacks.
- Critical consequences of downtime: Disruptions to industrial environments and networks can lead to serious consequences, including financial losses, operational disruptions, and even threats to human and environmental safety.
Key functions of PAM systems in protecting OT systems
Indeed, with PAM systems that are specifically tailored for OT and IoT environments, organizations can effectively minimize the risks associated with unauthorized access and cyber attacks. Key features of these systems include:
Centralization of access
One of the primary functions of PAM control systems is to centralize the management of all privileged accounts. In short, it allows administrators to control and monitor access to critical resources from a single, central point. Centralization increases visibility, makes it easier to enforce consistent security policies, and simplifies auditing.
Temporary granting of rights
With PAM systems, it is possible to temporarily grant privileged privileges, often referred to as just-in-time (JIT) access. In other words, a user is granted the necessary privileges only for the duration of a specific task, and when the task is completed, the privileges are automatically revoked. This approach significantly reduces the window of opportunity for potential attacks and minimizes the risk of privilege abuse.
The principle of least entitlement
The functions of PAM systems allow effective implementation of the principle of least privilege. This principle states that a user should only have access to those resources and functions that are necessary to perform his or her duties. With PAM systems, it is possible to precisely define and enforce privileges, reducing the potential damage in the event of a security breach.
Monitoring and recording activity
PAM control systems record and monitor all privileged user activity. This includes recording who accessed what resources, what actions were performed, and when they took place. Such detailed monitoring is not only invaluable from an audit and compliance perspective. It also enables rapid detection and response to suspicious or malicious activity.
Automation of password rotation
Changing passwords regularly is a key part of protecting your IT network, but for privileged accounts, the process can be complicated and time-consuming. Privileged Access Management (PAM) automates password rotation, enforcing regular changes and ensuring that passwords are strong and unique. Above all, automation reduces the risks associated with using weak or default passwords and minimizes the burden on administrators.
Secure remote access
Remote access, while necessary in many scenarios, poses a serious security threat to IT systems. Privileged Access Management (PAM) integrates with multi-factor authentication (MFA) mechanisms, adding a layer of protection to the login process. MFA requires the user to provide more than one authentication element, making unauthorized access much more difficult, even in the event of password compromise.
Privileged Session Management (PSM)
PAM control systems often include Privileged Session Management (PSM) features to monitor and record privileged sessions. PSM can also record sessions in the form of video or text recordings. This allows for detailed auditing and analysis of actions performed by privileged users.
Privileged User Management (PUM)
Effective access management also includes Privileged User Management (PUM), or lifecycle management of privileged accounts. PAM automates many aspects of PUM, such as creating, modifying and deleting accounts, as well as managing privileges and roles.
Examples of privileged access management implementations in industrial systems
- Energy: SCADA systems, crucial for managing critical infrastructure, are particularly vulnerable to cyber attacks. PAM control systems enable:
- Restrict direct access to SCADA systems with special security gates.
- Monitor the activities of third-party vendors, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access.
- Manufacturing: Modern factories, using IoT devices integrated with OT systems, require special protection. With PAM systems, it is possible to:
- Secure PLC management using dynamic authentication.
- Ongoing tracking of user activity so you can respond quickly to incidents.
- Logistics: In a logistics environment where IoT devices monitor the supply chain, strong access management allows:
- Introduce restrictions in the area of gaining access to equipment/systems.
- Securing storage management systems from outside interference.
How to effectively implement Privileged Access Management in OT and IoT environments?
- Conduct an audit: Identify all accounts and devices that need protection.
- Implement centralized access management: Use an appropriate system (such as Delinea) to centrally manage permissions.
- Implement privilege minimization: Limit access to the minimum necessary.
- Secure remote access with MFA: Require multi-factor authentication.
- Automate password management processes: Change passwords regularly.
- Provide training: Educate users on security.
- Strong access management and control are essential.
Summary
The solutions outlined above play a key role in securing OT and IoT environments, reducing the risks posed by mismanaged privileged accounts. Their implementation in sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and logistics not only improves the security of IT systems but also ensures regulatory compliance and protects against financial and reputational losses. Today, investing in Privileged Access Management (PAM) to protect OT systems is not an option, but a necessity to protect critical infrastructure from modern threats. With effective access management, your business will remain secure.