Critical Infrastructure & IoT Protection (ICS & IoT Protection)

DGS CyLABs

Critical Infrastructure & IoT Protection (ICS & IoT Protection)

In the digital age, critical infrastructure and the Internet of Things (IoT) play an increasingly vital role in our society. However, with the increasing reliance on interconnected technological systems, new threats and vulnerabilities arise that require rigorous protection. In this context, a cyber security lab dedicated to the protection of critical infrastructure and IoT takes a central role in ensuring security and business continuity.

Critical infrastructure includes vital sectors such as energy, transportation, telecommunications, financial services, public health and safety, and all processes managed through automation (Industry 4.0). These sectors are interconnected and heavily dependent on automated systems and IT controls for their efficient operation. Compromising these infrastructures could have catastrophic consequences for society, the economy, and national security. Therefore, it is essential to take advanced protection measures to mitigate risks and prevent possible attacks.

The IoT has introduced a new level of interconnection between physical devices and digital systems, enabling a wide range of innovative applications. However, this interconnection also exposes IoT devices to potential cyber attacks. IoT devices often lack adequate security measures, making them vulnerable to exploits and intrusion. Protecting IoT devices has become a top priority to ensure data integrity, confidentiality and availability, as well as to prevent them from being used as entry points for attacks on critical infrastructure.

Our cyber security lab specializing in critical infrastructure protection (ICS & IoT Protection) is an advanced research and development environment that works to identify, understand, and resolve vulnerabilities in these crucial areas. The lab conducts a range of activities, including:

1. Threat analysis: constant monitoring of emerging threats that could affect critical infrastructure and IoT. This analysis enables the development of appropriate countermeasures to protect these systems.

2. Vulnerability testing: conducting extensive testing to identify vulnerabilities in computer systems and IoT devices used in critical infrastructure. This includes analyzing configurations, performing penetration tests, and assessing possible security holes.

3. Advanced solution development: designing and implementing customized security solutions to protect critical infrastructure and IoT.

Specifically, within the ICS & IoT Protection CyLAB, our experts engage in the identification and analysis of attack techniques and tactics, in line with the continuous updates of the MITRE ATT&CK threat model for ICS. Our mission also includes engineering solutions to strengthen policies to contain compromises and mitigate associated risks.

The topics are:

1. Industrial Security: Industrial Security is a central theme for ensuring the protection of critical infrastructure. In our CyLAB, we are dedicated to identifying vulnerabilities and implementing security measures to preserve the integrity and business continuity of industrial networks. Through threat analysis and the use of cutting-edge technologies, we aim to mitigate the risks associated with cyber attacks.

2. IoT Security: IoT security is vital, considering the increasing interconnectedness of devices and sensors in critical infrastructure. In our CyLAB, we focus on protecting IoT environments, developing solutions to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of data exchanged between devices. We work to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities and to prevent intrusions and attacks in IoT systems.

3. OT/SCADA Security: The security of OT (Operational Technology) networks and SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) systems is critical for critical infrastructure. In our CyLAB, we address the analysis of vulnerabilities specific to these systems and the implementation of appropriate security measures. Through extensive testing and the adoption of advanced security policies, we aim to protect and preserve the integrity of OT/SCADA networks.

This our CyLAB plays a key role in understanding and mitigating emerging threats, identifying and resolving vulnerabilities, and providing advanced solutions to protect our customers’ critical systems. Indeed, it is only through such collaborative efforts at DGS that we can help build a secure and resilient digital future.

To find out what other areas we operate in at our CyLABs, CLICK HERE.