Advanced persistent threats like we’ve seen with Stuxnet and Night Dragon target the manufacturing and process industry, including national critical infrastructure. The industrial revolution started our reliance on automation. However as the industry became more integrated, modular and adaptable to broader industrial processing it also grew more vulnerable and susceptible to attack. Adding further complication is the fact that most nations today rely heavily on automated processing controls and all kinds of people have detailed knowledge about the functional aspects of these systems. In fact, a recent Ponemon Institute report reflected that three in four energy firms experienced a data breach in the past twelve months.
The systems in question are advanced controllers that cannot afford to behave erratically as it can lead to lost time, destruction of property, production safety issues and even fatalities. The consequences of altering the integrity of integrated automation systems are somewhat predictable and very unpleasant. Implementing off-the-shelf security solutions on these systems can be very risky if not thoroughly examined and tested. Furthermore few companies have adequate test environments or the resources to explore this option.
We are pleased that Siemens-Division of Industry Automation has tested the compatibility of McAfee Application Control with their systems to defend against advanced persistent threats. As part of this joint effort, McAfee Application Control for Siemens-Division Industry Automation is available now from McAfee and its partners to deliver effective security controls and ongoing integrity of these systems.
No one wants to consider the disruptive possibilities that advanced persistent threats bring to our world. We at McAfee will continue to monitor these threats and look for ways to provide proper protection.
Tags: Advanced Persistent Threat, critical infrastructure, data breach, McAfee Application Control
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