Onboarding Security

‍Onboarding Security refers to securely adding new devices or users to an OT (Operational Technology) network, ensuring they comply with established security policies before being granted access. Proper onboarding prevents unauthorized devices or users from becoming entry points for cyberattacks, reduces vulnerabilities, and maintains the overall security of critical infrastructure.

Purpose of Onboarding Security in OT Environments

• Prevent Unauthorized Access: Ensures that only authenticated and approved devices or users can connect to the OT network.
• Enforce Compliance: Confirms that newly added devices meet the organization’s security policies, such as having up-to-date firmware and secure configurations.
• Maintain Network Integrity: Reduces the risk of introducing vulnerabilities or malicious devices into the OT network.
• Improve Asset Visibility: Keeps track of all devices and users added to the network, ensuring complete visibility and control over OT assets.

Key Risks of Poor Onboarding Practices in OT

Rogue Devices

• Unauthorized devices could connect to the network and act as entry points for attackers.

Misconfigured Devices

• Improperly configured devices may have vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit.

Malware Infections

• Devices not scanned or verified during onboarding could introduce malware into the network.

Insider Threats

• Unverified users with improper access could misuse OT systems or steal sensitive information.

Key Steps in Onboarding Security

1. Device Authentication

• Description: Verifies that new devices are legitimate and authorized to join the network.
• Example: Using digital certificates to authenticate Industrial IoT devices before they connect to the network.

2. User Verification

• Description: Ensures that new OT network users are authorized and have appropriate permissions.
• Example: Requiring multi-factor authentication (MFA) for new user accounts.

3. Security Configuration Checks

• Description: Ensures devices meet security requirements, such as up-to-date firmware and secure settings.
• Example: Scanning new devices for outdated firmware and enforcing secure configurations before allowing them on the network.

4. Network Segmentation Enforcement

• Description: Assign new devices to appropriate network segments to minimize risk.
• Example: Placing newly onboarded devices in a quarantine zone for security checks before allowing full access.

5. Access Control Policies

• Description: Applies role-based access control (RBAC) to limit what new users and devices can do on the network.
• Example: Granting limited access to new devices until their behavior is verified over time.

6. Logging and Monitoring

• Description: Tracks onboarding activities and monitors new devices and users for suspicious behavior.
• Example: Logging all connections from new devices and setting up alerts for abnormal activity.

Benefits of Onboarding Security in OT Systems

• Enhanced Network Security: Prevents unauthorized or vulnerable devices from compromising the OT network.
• Improved Compliance: Ensures all devices and users meet security policies and regulatory requirements before gaining network access.
• Reduced Risk of Cyberattacks: Limits the risk of introducing malware or other threats through improperly onboarded devices.
• Operational Continuity: Protects critical OT systems from disruptions caused by onboarding insecure devices.
• Increased Asset Visibility: Provides a comprehensive view of all devices and users on the network, improving inventory management.

Challenges in Implementing Onboarding Security in OT

Legacy Devices

• Older OT devices may not support modern security measures like digital certificates or encryption.

Resource Constraints

• Onboarding security requires dedicated personnel and tools to verify new devices and users.

Complex Networks

• Large, distributed OT environments with diverse devices and protocols can make secure onboarding more challenging.

User Resistance

• OT operators may resist new onboarding procedures, especially if they perceive them as slowing down workflows.

Best Practices for Onboarding Security in OT

Use Digital Certificates for Device Authentication

• Issue certificates to new devices and require them for network access to ensure only legitimate devices can connect.

Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for Users

• Require MFA for all new users accessing the OT network to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

Enforce Security Configuration Checks

• Ensure all new devices are scanned for vulnerabilities and meet security standards before being granted full access.

Isolate New Devices in Quarantine Zones

• Place newly onboarded devices in a separate network segment for security checks before allowing full integration.

Apply Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

• Limit the permissions of new devices and users based on their roles to reduce the risk of insider threats.

Monitor Onboarding Activities

• Continuously log and monitor onboarding activities to detect suspicious behavior or policy violations.

Examples of Onboarding Security in OT Applications

SCADA System Integration

• Verifying the identity and security posture of new SCADA servers before they are allowed to join the network.

Industrial IoT Device Onboarding

• Ensuring IoT sensors and actuators have secure configurations and are authenticated before communicating with OT systems.

Remote Vendor Access

• Requiring remote vendors to undergo a secure onboarding process, including MFA and restricted access policies.

Manufacturing Equipment Integration

• Scanning new industrial robots or machinery for vulnerabilities before connecting them to the OT network to prevent disruptions.

Conclusion

Onboarding Security is a critical component of OT cybersecurity, ensuring that new devices and users are securely integrated into the network without introducing vulnerabilities or risks. Organizations can protect their OT environments from unauthorized access and cyber threats by implementing robust onboarding practices, including authentication, access control, and continuous monitoring. Securing the onboarding process helps maintain critical infrastructure's integrity, reliability, and safety, ensuring smooth operations and regulatory compliance.