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- “OT & ICS: When the Factory Floor Becomes the Attack Surface”
“OT & ICS: When the Factory Floor Becomes the Attack Surface”
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IT and OT Networks Are Poorly Segmented
Many organizations still run flat networks connecting office systems with industrial controls. This allows malware from emails to jump directly into factory systems. A single breach can disrupt both corporate and operational environments.
Legacy PLCs and SCADA Devices Use Default Credentials
Industrial equipment often runs unpatched firmware from a decade ago. Default logins like “admin/admin” remain unchanged due to access limitations. These weaknesses are publicly known and easily exploited.
Industrial Protocols Are Unauthenticated and Unencrypted
Protocols like Modbus and BACnet were designed for isolated environments. Today, they're deployed on IP networks without encryption or access control. Attackers can spoof commands and manipulate sensors or actuators.
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Remote Access Tools in OT Aren’t Hardened
Vendors often use TeamViewer, RDP, or proprietary access portals for remote maintenance. These are rarely monitored or logged. A stolen vendor credential can offer full plant control.
USB Devices Still Introduce Malware in Industrial Zones
Portable drives are used to update firmware or transfer logs in air-gapped environments. Infected USBs can introduce persistent threats into isolated systems. Once inside, detection is nearly impossible without OT-specific tools.
Visibility Gaps Exist in Most ICS Security Stacks
Traditional IT security tools can’t see or interpret OT protocols. Alerts go unnoticed, and logs aren’t retained. Without deep packet inspection tailored to ICS, attacks remain hidden.
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