When it comes to working remotely, making use of the most up-to-date and high-quality cloud infrastructure and cloud computing services is very important. Cloud computing offers a number of options for business profitability, and a huge improvement for the ability to work remotely. However, you must have the right cybersecurity protocols and software in place to keep your network secure from hackers.
Keeping your business network safe and secure is essential. Virtual offices and cloud services can be smart ways to keep your data safe. However, many people do not understand the benefits that investing in virtual offices can have. Today we will be looking at what confidential computing is and how investing in the right computing strategies – with help from your managed service provider – can help your business network achieve safe cybersecurity thanks to cloud solutions.
When it comes to protecting your business network from hackers, you must have the right cybersecurity software in place. Information technology is an integral part of our lives these days. Still, a few businesses operate without some influence from IT service providers. That can put them at risk of getting hacked.
Confidential computing helps to prevent this from happening. In turn, this can help your business protect your, and your customer’s valuable data. Currently, more and more people are turning to managed IT services and cloud infrastructure and their solutions. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of migrating to the cloud
Over the last several years, we’ve seen utilities increasingly become a target for cybercrime. On Friday, February 5th, an unidentified assailant remotely accessed a computer that is a part of the SCADA system at the City of Oldsmar’s water treatment plant. In an attempt to poison the city’s water supply, the assailant briefly increased the amount of sodium hydroxide by a factor of more than 100. Thankfully, a supervisor noticed this increase and immediately reversed it, causing no harm to the water supply.
While beneficial to utilities, SCADA systems open the operation up to many cyber threats when the proper protocols and security are not in place. In 2019, we wrote the following article for the Tennessee Association of Utility District’s publication, Tennessee Utility News, outlining benefits, threats, and best practices for protecting SCADA systems.
Have questions? Need help securing your system?
That’s what we’re here for! Reach out, and we’ll be happy to help!
Throughout the utility sector, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems are becoming more and more prevalent. SCADA systems are a type of industrial control system that enables utilities to easily collect useful data, monitor operations, and automate many processes. For the utility industry, SCADA systems can have many different applications. SCADA systems can give operators and administrators instant access to information that was previously unavailable or difficult to obtain. SCADA systems can be used to monitor and control pump stations, monitor water in tanks and reservoirs, perform remote shut-offs and turn-ons, collect data for regulatory and financial reporting, among many other useful applications. These networks are not a one size fits all solution, however. They may be small or complex, only address one small portion of operations or encompass them all. SCADA systems are becoming essential to water and wastewater system operations, monitoring, maintenance, and planning.
SCADA systems are typically made up of field equipment, data collection equipment, communication networks, and software. Field equipment such as sensors or relays allow the utility to monitor and automate their system through the creation or consumption of data. This data is communicated via fixed or wireless communication networks through the use of Remote Telemetry Units (RTUs) or Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) that are connected to the sensors or relays in the field. In most cases, these RTUs or PLCs perform real-time, continuous data collection, giving the utility easy access to data that enables operators to create and maintain a high level of control.
We’ve established that SCADA systems communicate data, but where is this data going? How is it being turned into action? The final piece of any SCADA system is a host platform. The host platform is comprised of hardware such as servers or a cloud solution as well as software. It is here where the actual benefit of a SCADA system comes to fruition. It is here where data is received, integrated, analyzed, and turned into actionable items. The large amounts of data that are generated by SCADA systems can be onerous and overwhelming. Having software and solutions that ensure that this data is processed properly, organized, and stored is essential to the performance of the SCADA system.
Just as SCADA continues to increase in popularity, so does the threat posed by outside sources. Over the years, we’ve heard mention of the threat posed by terrorists, hackers, and less than satisfied customers and employees. How do you protect your system from these outside threats and ensure that you avoid any loss of service?
The threat of cyber-attacks and cyber warfare is growing each day, and we see every day that utilities are not taking the necessary steps to protect their network. This topic is one that is constantly being discussed, but many times, no changes are being implemented. The two most common reasons are that many utilities do not grasp the reality that it could happen to them or the cost seems prohibitive to protect and monitor their system.
Threats to SCADA systems include but are not limited to:
Employee Error: Employees are a common cause of network security issues. While it is possible to suffer the wrath of a disgruntled employee, most commonly, network security issues caused by employees are unintentional and can many times be attributed to poor training, carelessness, or a combination of both. With proper training for employees and an active culture of vigilance, you can help your organization reduce issues caused by employee error.
Malware: Malware includes viruses, spyware, and an array of other malicious programs. These programs may not necessarily target SCADA, but because the SCADA network is not separated or protected, they are able to traverse over the entire network, thusly affecting the SCADA system.
Hackers: Intentional, malicious individuals or groups that are intent on gaining access to the network. These hackers could also use this data against you. By manipulating data or gaining complete control of your SCADA systems, serious harm can be caused to services, customers, and the entire operation.
"Using a combination of security policies and controls to adequately secure today’s systems is critical to your organization’s operation"
So what can you do:
The first step utilities need to take is documentation of your network connections to the internet. Any and all internal networks must be properly documented. All hardware, software, firmware, and applications need to be part of that documentation. All users, including outside vendors that have access to these systems, should also be documented. It is vital that utilities create and maintain accurate and thorough documentation of all connections to, pieces of, and access to their network.
In most cases, SCADA systems lack adequate monitoring and detection systems, making them vulnerable to attacks from external and internal sources. Setting up monitoring and detection controls is the next step in protecting your SCADA system. There are many different types of monitoring and detection software on the market. Selecting the software that is best for your particular operation can be a difficult task. We suggest that you work closely with network professionals to evaluate your specific network needs.
Once you have documented and set up adequate monitoring and detection systems, you can then begin to segment the network. Segmenting the network should be used to separate other business systems that are running on the same network as the SCADA system. Due to the fact that attacks are increasingly exploiting both physical and cyber vulnerabilities, it is important to align physical security and cybersecurity processes. Application whitelisting, firewalls, and gateways are all ways to build a defensive perimeter around your SCADA systems.
Security is also something that is in continual motion. Rules, security checks, report monitoring, and standardized processes must be instituted and utilized by everyone who has access to the SCADA system and all other connected networks. Regular evaluations must also be performed for vulnerability, risk, and all assets in general. These assessments should be conducted on a regular basis to verify that security measures are adapting to the changing threats on the IT landscape.
Using a combination of security policies and controls to adequately secure today’s systems is critical to your organization’s operation. Understanding common weaknesses, creating and implementing an action plan to bring security to an acceptable level, and employing standardized processes will minimize the risk posed by an increasingly hostile Internet environment.
United Systems & Software, Inc. is a technical services firm that specializes in software development, business continuity, and wireless solutions.
This Privacy Statement applies to United-Systems.com and United Systems websites, services and products that collect information via signup, registration, or use of contact forms.
United Systems maintains and provides a wide array of websites and web servers operated by United Systems. In the course of using our websites, you may choose to provide information via web forms, email or other electronic means. Personally identifiable information submitted will only be used for United Systems related purposes. United Systems will not sell this data to outside parties.
Requests for information and information submitted via forms will be directed to the appropriate staff to respond to those requests and may be recorded to help us improve our site to better respond to similar requests.
United Systems makes every reasonable effort to ensure that your personal information remains as secure as possible. Accordingly, we prevent unauthorized access by a secure firewall and use of security technologies to protect the integrity and privacy of any personal information you provide.
As an additional security measure, your personal information is also encrypted during transmission by Secure Socket Layer 128-bit encryption software. (Encryption is a common method used to transmit sensitive data across the Internet. Encryption temporarily makes the text unreadable during the time it is being transmitted over the Internet.) This is an industry standard.
Although we endeavor to protect your personal information, United Systems cannot warrant the security of any information you transmit to us through online applications, and you do so at your own risk. Depending on the nature of the inquiry, your communication could be discarded or archived. If you wish, you can contact us instead by telephone at the numbers provided throughout our site.
Some portions of our websites may require login identifiers and/or passwords. You are responsible for taking reasonable steps to ensure that no unauthorized person has access to your password or account login information. It is your sole responsibility to control the use of login information and passwords, to authorize, monitor and control access to and use of your account and password and to inform United Systems promptly of any need to deactivate an account.
In order to provide website users with other helpful information, our websites contains links to other websites. However, United Systems provides no authority over external organizations’ websites and this policy does not apply to external sites that are provided as links. We encourage you to read the Privacy Policies on any external websites before providing them with personal information.
In order to protect the information and identity of children, we ask that minors not submit any personal information to us. Parents or caregivers should become knowledgeable about websites that collect information so they can assure that their children’s use of the Internet reflects parental preferences and requirements.
United Systems & Software, Inc. Reserves the right to alter all affiliated websites and general use of privacy policies described here without prior notice. If you have questions about this privacy policy or concerns about how we collect, use or protect your personal information, please contact us at sales@united-systems.com.
United Systems provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the United Systems will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
United Systems does not subscribe to or engage in any personnel policy, standard, or practice that permits or allows for the promotion, demotion, employment, dismissal or laying off of any individual due to the individual’s race, creed, color, national origin, age or sex, disability, veterans or individuals with disabilities.
The mission of United Systems and Software, Incorporated (USS) is to deliver the highest quality products and services that benefit our valued customers.
In all matters, the people of USS are to be professional, honest and ethical in working with clients, fellow workers, investors, and vendors. These fundamental values are rooted in our work environment that cultivates respect in all of our actions while contributing to the quality of life and economic growth of our community.
Respect for clients – USS strives to address the dynamic needs of clients with services and products of the highest quality. Our goal is to have completely satisfied customers.
Respect for fellow workers – USS’ team members are encouraged to work and listen to one another. We encourage teamwork, trust, and loyalty. Our basic principle is to treat others better than they expect.
Respect for the individual – USS strives to promote an environment that provides challenging work, opportunities for personal growth, reward for innovation and recognition for excellence. We support a balanced lifestyle that allows each person to reach their potential in career, family, physical and spiritual needs.
Respect for investors – USS’ goals are to generate a fair return on investment and use funds prudently. We are committed to increasing the value of our company.
Respect for vendors – USS will work with each of our vendors in a professional, courteous and honest manner. Our goals are to develop and maintain mutually rewarding business partnerships. USS expects to receive products and services of the highest quality from our vendors.
Operating System* |
|
---|---|
Server |
|
Database* |
|
Port |
|
Workstation* |
|
Display |
|
Other Devices |
|
Technical Support |
|
Additional Hardware* |
|
Mobile Field Service |
|
*Not Supported: Windows ‘Home’ variant operating system, SQL Server ‘Express’ license format, impact matrix printers. |
We at United Systems (USS) are concerned about protecting sensitive customer data, as well as our own data, software products, trade secrets and intellectual property. With this in mind, the following summary delineates United Systems’ stance on security and related security measures.
USS only accesses customer data under the following circumstances:
USS keeps the data secure using the following methods:
The services and software that United Systems provides are subject to the following Terms of Use Agreement. United Systems reserves the right to update the Terms of Use Agreement at any time without notice. The most current version of the Terms of Use Agreement can be reviewed in the footer section at United-Systems.com.
Unless otherwise specified, United Systems’ services and software may not be modified, copied, distributed, transmitted, displayed, performed, reproduced, published, licensed, create derivative works from, transferred, or sell any information, software, products or services obtained from United Systems.
See the Privacy Statement disclosures relating to the collection and use of your information.
If any portion of our websites require you to create an account, you must complete the registration process by providing us with current, complete and accurate information as prompted by the applicable registration form. You also will choose a password and a user name. You are entirely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your password and account. Furthermore, you are entirely responsible for any and all activities that occur under your account. You agree to notify United Systems immediately of any unauthorized use of your account or any other breach of security. United Systems will not be liable for any loss that you may incur as a result of someone else using your password or account, either with or without your knowledge. However, you could be held liable for losses incurred by United Systems or another party due to someone else using your account or password. You may not use anyone else’s account at any time, without the permission of the account holder.