How Threat Modeling can Influence ICS Security Posture

Summary

This video explores the critical need for effective threat modeling in Industrial Control Systems (ICS), highlighting the challenges posed by legacy systems, complex attack surfaces, and slow security adoption. It introduces the STRIDE methodology to classify ICS-specific threats and suggests integrating continuous threat modeling through a new approach called KATANA. KATANA aims to enhance threat analysis with tools like digital twins and real-time simulation, offering new opportunities for improving ICS security. The speaker calls for collaboration and contributions to further develop these methodologies and improve ICS defense strategies.

Takeaways

• 😀 Threat modeling is a critical component of securing Industrial Control Systems (ICS) but presents unique challenges compared to traditional IT security.
• 😀 Traditional threat modeling processes need to be adapted to fit the specialized needs of ICS environments, which are often more complex and critical to real-world safety.
• 😀 The ICS sector has unique asset management requirements due to its operational priorities, like ensuring safety and continuous process operations.
• 😀 The author is working on an improved threat modeling process, called Katana, aimed at continuous and dynamic threat modeling within ICS.
• 😀 Katana integrates different methods for threat modeling, including dividing assets based on their function and location, as well as evaluating and prioritizing threats.
• 😀 The concept of continuous threat modeling, inspired by agile methodologies in software development, is difficult to implement in ICS due to the slow-moving and established nature of industrial systems.
• 😀 ICS environments benefit from leveraging intelligence feeds, such as vulnerability databases and threat intel providers, to inform and improve threat assessments.
• 😀 Automated scanning tools can be useful for gathering threat data in ICS environments, though caution is needed due to the complexity and potential risks of these systems.
• 😀 A digital twin is a 3D digital representation of an ICS plant, which can help simulate attacks and vulnerabilities by feeding data from sensors and devices.
• 😀 The combination of digital twins and real-time data can allow for proactive threat modeling, helping to predict and mitigate attacks before they impact physical assets.
• 😀 The Katana project is still a work in progress, with ongoing research and a survey to gather more data on how to improve ICS threat modeling processes.

Q & A

What is threat modeling and why is it important in ICS?

Threat modeling is the process of identifying potential security threats, vulnerabilities, and risks in Industrial Control Systems (ICS). It is important because ICS are often targeted in cyberattacks, and proactively understanding and mitigating these risks helps protect critical infrastructure from disruptions or damage.

What is the core concept behind Katana continuous threat modeling?

Katana is a continuous threat modeling approach for ICS, which aims to actively monitor, analyze, evaluate, and prioritize threats on an ongoing basis. It incorporates elements of real-time threat intelligence, automated scans, and the digital representation of assets to create a dynamic, responsive security model.

Why is traditional threat modeling difficult in ICS?

Traditional threat modeling in ICS is difficult due to the complex and often rigid nature of industrial systems. ICS environments are not easily changeable or adaptable like software systems, and many attacks can only be identified after they occur, making proactive threat modeling challenging.

What is the Pulley model and how is it used in Katana?

The Pulley model is a framework used in Katana for dividing assets based on their location and function. It helps structure the ongoing threat analysis by categorizing different types of assets, their vulnerabilities, and their interactions, which aids in more targeted and effective threat modeling.

How does Katana address the continuous nature of threat modeling?

Katana emphasizes a continuous process of hunting, analyzing, and prioritizing threats. By leveraging real-time intelligence feeds, automated scanners, and digital twin technology, it ensures that threat models remain current and adaptive to emerging risks and vulnerabilities.

What role does digital twin technology play in Katana's threat modeling approach?

Digital twin technology creates a 3D digital representation of an ICS plant. By feeding this model with data from sensors and threat intelligence, it allows simulations of potential attacks, helping security professionals anticipate and assess risks in real-time, thereby enhancing the accuracy and effectiveness of threat modeling.

What challenges exist when implementing continuous threat modeling in ICS?

Implementing continuous threat modeling in ICS is challenging due to the need for real-time data collection, integration with existing systems, and the inherent complexity of industrial environments. Additionally, ensuring the system is adaptable and scalable while maintaining security without disrupting operations is a significant hurdle.

What is the role of Intel feeds in Katana’s threat modeling?

Intel feeds, such as those provided by vendors like Kaspersky, offer valuable external information on emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and attack trends. In Katana, these feeds are used to help categorize, rate, and prioritize risks, ensuring that threat models are based on the most up-to-date intelligence.

Why is the concept of digital twin considered important in ICS security?

Digital twin technology is crucial for ICS security because it provides a virtual model of a physical asset. This enables real-time simulations and assessments of potential security threats, allowing for more informed decision-making in risk management and threat prevention.

How does Katana aim to improve threat modeling over traditional methods?

Katana aims to improve threat modeling by incorporating continuous analysis and real-time data, rather than relying on static or one-time assessments. It blends automated scanning, external intelligence feeds, and the digital twin concept to keep threat models dynamic, thus increasing the accuracy and responsiveness of ICS security.