IT security CIA vs ICS cyber security

March 13, 2017

Traditional IT cyber security only encompasses measures to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the electronic information communication systems. While it is important to identify cyber vulnerabilities, it is just as important to understand any potential physical impacts including safety and system reliability that could be caused by these cyber vulnerabilities. 

Thursday, March 9, 2017, I attended the Silicon Valley High Tech Criminal Association (HTCIA) meeting where the Symantec Deputy CSO gave a presentation on cyber security. One of his slides was a two dimensional diagram showing Confidentiality, Availability, and Integrity (CIA) on one axis and Prevent, Detect, and React from the NIST Framework on the other.  This was a traditional IT view as IT cyber security only encompasses measures to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the electronic information communication systems. However, what was not addressed was either Safety or System Impacts.  While it is important to identify cyber vulnerabilities, it is just as important to understand any potential physical impacts that could be caused by these cyber vulnerabilities. Additionally, ICS can be impacted by older, non-sophisticated cyber vulnerabilities not just the latest Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs).  It is very difficult for the ICS community to be concerned with what IT defines as cyber security when the most important attributes to the ICS community are not being considered.

Joe Weiss

Sponsored Recommendations

Measurement instrumentation for improving hydrogen storage and transport

Hydrogen provides a decarbonization opportunity. Learn more about maximizing the potential of hydrogen.

Get Hands-On Training in Emerson's Interactive Plant Environment

Enhance the training experience and increase retention by training hands-on in Emerson's Interactive Plant Environment. Build skills here so you have them where and when it matters...

Learn About: Micro Motion™ 4700 Config I/O Coriolis Transmitter

An Advanced Transmitter that Expands Connectivity

Learn about: Micro Motion G-Series Coriolis Flow and Density Meters

The Micro Motion G-Series is designed to help you access the benefits of Coriolis technology even when available space is limited.