SynSaber and ICS Advisory Project Publish Bi-Annual ICS Vulnerabilities Report
Introduction
The industrial asset and network monitoring company, SynSaber, in collaboration with the ICS Advisory Project, has recently released their bi-annual ICS Vulnerabilities report. This report examines the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) reported in the first half of 2023 through CISA ICS Advisories. It offers insight into notable trends within the sector and compares the findings from the first half of 2023 to previous years. With the increasing regulation of critical infrastructure and the Industrial Control Systems (ICS) that compose it, there is a growing emphasis on improving cybersecurity and operations, leading to a greater focus on vulnerability management.
Increase in Targeting and Exploitation of Vulnerabilities
The report highlights that the targeting and exploitation of vulnerabilities within U.S. critical infrastructure have become more common. This poses a significant threat to the stability and security of these vital systems. It is crucial for organizations to address these vulnerabilities proactively to safeguard against potential disruptions and cyberattacks.
Magnitude of Vulnerabilities
One notable finding from the report is that 34% of the CVEs reported in the first half of 2023 currently have no available patch or remediation from the vendor. Although this percentage is comparable to the previous reporting period (35% in the second half of 2022), it represents a significant increase from 13% in the first half of 2022. This increase indicates the need for urgent action to address these vulnerabilities effectively.
Decrease in Total Number of CISA ICS Advisories
The total number of CISA ICS Advisories has decreased by 9.8% when compared to the first half of 2022. This decline suggests that while the number of reported vulnerabilities may have slightly decreased (1.6% decrease compared to the first half of 2022), there is still an ample number of vulnerabilities that need to be addressed.
Major impacted Sectors
According to the report, the Manufacturing and Energy sectors are the two critical infrastructure sectors most likely to be impacted by the CVEs reported in the first half of 2023, accounting for 37.3% and 24.3% respectively. These sectors play a crucial role in the functioning of the national economy, making it imperative to prioritize vulnerability management in these areas.
Importance of Mitigation Strategies
Jori VanAntwerp, SynSaber Co-Founder and CEO, emphasizes the importance of addressing vulnerabilities promptly and appropriately for each organization’s unique environment. Every OT environment is purpose-built for specific missions, and the likelihood of exploitation and impact will vary greatly. It is crucial for asset owners to prioritize vulnerability mitigation measures and develop robust strategies to protect critical infrastructure.
Community Collaboration and Preparation
The Founder of the ICS Advisory Project, Dan Ricci, emphasizes the need for collaboration within the community to better prepare and defend our critical infrastructure. As new trends and findings emerge over time, educating and assisting companies in mitigating vulnerabilities remains an ongoing challenge. The release of this research and the continuous efforts of organizations like SynSaber and the ICS Advisory Project contribute to raising awareness and facilitating the development of effective defense strategies.
Conclusion and Advice
As the number of reported vulnerabilities continues to increase, it is imperative for organizations to prioritize vulnerability management and implement robust cybersecurity measures. Regular monitoring and patching of vulnerabilities are crucial steps to protect critical infrastructure systems. Additionally, organizations should consider investing in industrial asset and network monitoring solutions, such as SynSaber, to gain continuous insight into the status, vulnerabilities, and threats within their industrial ecosystems.
Moreover, collaboration within the cybersecurity community and sharing of information regarding vulnerabilities and threats are instrumental in building a stronger defense against potential cyberattacks. Organizations can leverage resources like the ICS Advisory Project, which provides open-source analysis tools and insightful dashboards to identify threats and vulnerabilities within critical infrastructure sectors.
In an increasingly interconnected world, the protection of our critical infrastructure is essential for the smooth operation of industries and the overall well-being of society. Safeguarding these systems requires a comprehensive approach that combines technology, expertise, and continuous vigilance. By addressing vulnerabilities promptly and working together, we can strengthen our defenses and mitigate potential risks to our critical infrastructure.
Disclaimer:
This report is not sponsored or endorsed by the New York Times. The article was created for educational purposes only. The information provided in this article is based on the given question and should not be considered as professional advice.
Sources
- icsadvisoryproject.com/”>ICS Advisory Project
- Abraham Barrera >>
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