Chemical Industry OT Security Services

The chemical industry is a vital part of the global economy, but it faces significant risks from cyber threats targeting Operational Technology (OT) systems. These systems, which manage critical processes such as raw material handling, production, and packaging, are highly susceptible to cyber-attacks. The consequences of a cyber attack on the chemical industry could be severe, including industrial disasters, regulatory penalties, and safety violations.

The Growing Cybersecurity Threat to the Chemical Industry

Chemical plants today are among the most targeted facilities by cyber attackers, including state and non-state actors, due to the high potential consequences of a successful cyber-attack. These attacks could cause mass disruption, financial loss, and even physical harm. The increasing threat from foreign actors, growing regulatory requirements, and the complexity of distributed, multi-vendor control systems make cybersecurity a top priority for chemical production organizations.

Comprehensive OT/ICS Security Platform

To address these challenges, companies like Cyberintelsys offer comprehensive OT/ICS security platforms. These platforms provide deep and wide asset and risk visibility, allowing organizations to see into OT/ICS networks without hardware or traffic capture. They offer rich asset details, including patch and vulnerability status, dormant users, configurations, and insecure network connections. By developing 360-degree risk scores, these platforms help prioritize risks and ensure the security of chemical plants.

Key Functions of ICS in Chemical Plants

1. Basic Process Control: Monitoring parameters and controlling processes based on set points configured by process engineers.

2. Process Optimization: Increasing yields and reducing energy costs through optimized production processes.

3. Safety and Risk Management: Using Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) to prevent dangerous occurrences and protect plants from hazardous materials.

4. Control of Specialized Equipment: Monitoring and controlling specialized equipment such as gas turbines, fired heaters, and chillers.

5. Data and Analysis: Providing real-time data and condition monitoring for turbomachinery and compressors.

Risks to Chemical Plants from Cyber Threats

Chemical plants are attractive targets for cyber attackers due to the potential for industrial disasters. Many ICS in chemical plants are not well protected against cyber threats and have not been risk assessed. The cost of attacking is low compared to conventional attacks, and it is difficult to attribute ICS chemical plant cyber attacks to perpetrators. Even some “unwanted incidents” in chemical plants may be due to cyber attacks, though they are not always revealed as such.

Ensuring ICS Cyber Security for Chemical Plants

To prevent cyber attacks and build defenses, chemical plants should take several steps:

1. OT Cybersecurity Awareness: Training plant personnel on the threats and implications of cyber attacks.

2. Higher Level OT Cybersecurity Training: Training plant engineers and IT auditors in industrial cybersecurity.

3. Auditing Current Security Posture: Analyzing the current security posture of ICS and OT systems to find and address shortcomings.

4. Security Plan: Developing a detailed plan for implementing and maintaining OT cybersecurity.

5. Industrial IoT Devices: Ensuring secure architectures for Industrial Internet of Things projects in chemical plants.

Conclusion

As the chemical industry continues to evolve, the risks associated with cyber threats also grow. By leveraging  Cyberintelsys expert cybersecurity services, you can protect your industrial control systems from malicious cyber-attacks, ensuring both the safety of your operations and the security of your valuable intellectual property.

For more information, contact us today