Source URL: https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/alerts/2024/09/25/threat-actors-continue-exploit-otics-through-unsophisticated-means
Source: Alerts
Title: Threat Actors Continue to Exploit OT/ICS through Unsophisticated Means
Feedly Summary: CISA continues to respond to active exploitation of internet-accessible operational technology (OT) and industrial control systems (ICS) devices, including those in the Water and Wastewater Systems (WWS) Sector. Exposed and vulnerable OT/ICS systems may allow cyber threat actors to use default credentials, conduct brute force attacks, or use other unsophisticated methods to access these devices and cause harm.
CISA urges OT/ICS operators in critical infrastructure sectors to apply the recommendations listed in Defending OT Operations Against Ongoing Pro-Russia Hacktivist Activity to defend against this activity. To learn more about secure by design principles and practices, visit CISA’s Secure by Design webpage. For more information and guidance on protection against the most common and impactful threats, tactics, techniques, and procedures, visit CISA’s Cross-Sector Cybersecurity Performance Goals.
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The text is pertinent to the domain of information security, particularly focusing on the security of operational technology (OT) and industrial control systems (ICS) in critical infrastructure sectors. It highlights the ongoing threat of cyber exploitation, especially by hacktivist groups, and emphasizes the importance of applying best practices for securing these systems.
Detailed Description:
The content discusses the proactive measures being taken by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) in response to the risks posed by cyber threat actors to operational technology and industrial control systems. The following points summarize the key messages and actions recommended:
– **Active Exploitation Risk**: CISA has identified ongoing threats to internet-accessible OT and ICS devices, particularly in critical infrastructure sectors such as Water and Wastewater Systems.
– **Exploitation Techniques**: Cyber attackers are utilizing basic methods such as default credentials and brute-force attacks to compromise these systems, highlighting the need for robust security measures.
– **Recommendations for Protection**: CISA strongly advises OT and ICS operators to implement specific cybersecurity recommendations aimed at defending against attacks, particularly those aligned with pro-Russia hacktivist activities.
– **Secure by Design Principles**: The text encourages stakeholders to prioritize security by design, which involves integrating security features into the development and management of OT and ICS systems from the outset.
– **Resources for Threat Mitigation**: CISA directs operators to additional resources including the Secure by Design webpage, which provides guidelines on building secure systems, and the Cross-Sector Cybersecurity Performance Goals for understanding common threats and defense strategies.
This information is vital for security professionals engaged in operational technology and critical infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding systems against increasingly common and sophisticated cyber threats.