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On March 8th, 2023, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced a new and important cybersecurity amendment to the security programs of certain TSA-regulated airports and aircraft operators in the US. This emergency action follows a similar set of measures announced in October 2022 for passenger and freight railroad carriers. The TSA is taking this action due to persistent (and growing) cybersecurity threats directed against U.S. critical infrastructure, including the aviation sector. The overall goal is to increase the cybersecurity resilience of and harden U.S. critical infrastructure with extensive collaboration with aviation partners. In the wake of increasing cybersecurity threats, the TSA is prioritizing the importance of OT network segmentation policies and controls in the aviation sector. One of the key requirements outlined in the new amendment is the need for an OT network segmentation and controls. This is a critical step in ensuring that operational technology systems can continue to operate safely in the event that an information technology system has been compromised, and vice versa. By creating separate OT network segments for different types of systems, operators can reduce the risk of a single cyberattack taking down their entire infrastructure. OT Network Segmentation for Critical Infrastructure OT Network segmentation is a fundamental principle of cybersecurity and is essential for protecting critical infrastructure. Without proper OT network segmentation, a cyber attacker can easily move from one system to another, causing widespread disruption and damage. By isolating different types of systems from each other, operators can limit the impact of a cyberattack and prevent it from spreading throughout their network. In addition to OT network segmentation, the new amendment also requires operators to implement access control measures to prevent unauthorized access to critical cyber systems. This is another critical step in securing their networks and preventing cyberattacks. By limiting access to critical systems, operators can reduce the risk of a cyber attacker gaining control of their infrastructure. Continuous monitoring and detection policies and procedures are also essential for defending against cyber threats. Operators must be vigilant in monitoring their networks for signs of suspicious activity and responding quickly to any anomalies. This requires a combination of advanced cybersecurity tools and skilled cybersecurity personnel. Also read: How to get started with OT security Finally, the new amendment also emphasizes the importance of timely patching and updating of critical cyber systems. This is essential for reducing the risk of exploitation of unpatched systems, which are often targeted by cyber attackers. By prioritizing patching and updating of critical systems, operators can reduce the risk of a successful cyberattack. These measures are essential for protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure and ensuring the safe and secure transportation of people and goods. The TSA is working closely with industry stakeholders across all transportation modes to reduce cybersecurity risks and improve cyber resilience. This new amendment builds on previous requirements for TSA-regulated airport and aircraft operators, which included measures such as reporting significant cybersecurity incidents to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), establishing a cybersecurity point of contact, developing and adopting a cybersecurity incident response plan, and completing a cybersecurity vulnerability assessment. The TSA’s efforts to enhance the cybersecurity resilience of U.S. critical infrastructure are part of a larger national effort to secure the full benefits of a safe and secure digital ecosystem for all Americans. On March 2nd, 2023, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the National Cybersecurity Strategy to prioritize cybersecurity for all Americans. In conclusion, here are 7 key takeaways from the TSA’s new cybersecurity amendment: By prioritizing OT network segmentation and implementing other key cybersecurity measures, TSA-regulated entities can help reduce cybersecurity risks and improve cyber resilience to support safe, secure, and efficient travel. Find out how Sectrio’s OT Segmentation module can help Secure your IT-OT infrastructure today, Download now: Product Brief Sectrio MicroSegmentation We are giving away threat intelligence for free for the next 2 weeks. Find out how you can sign up and try out our threat intelligence feeds Find out what is lurking in your network. Go for a comprehensive 3-layer threat assessment now

Zero Trust Security – Always Verify and Authenticate Zero Trust Security architecture functions on the premise that any connection requires mandatory identification, verification, and authentication. Previously, networks were potentially secure from outside threats. At the same time, those inside the system had complete access to every nook and corner of the network. The security systems back then were dubbed as the ‘castle and moat’ system (or ‘trust but verify’). If someone crosses the moat (manages to intrude on the network), they would have complete access to every network component. All the intruders need to gain are legitimate credentials to enter the system. Likewise, the threat of an insider is always high in such scenarios, leaving troves of data at the mercy of the attacker and is a complete failure of the security architecture. Zero Trust Security architecture is independent of whether the connection is within or outside the network premises. Therefore, enterprises should take a holistic approach to adopting ZTA across every enterprise level. ZTA (Zero Trust Architecture) typically comprises a set of rules, procedures, and techniques to secure the systems. In the future, cyberspace will only get more vulnerable and treacherous. But, despite its drawbacks, cybersecurity researchers feel that Zero Trust Security is the way to go ahead. Contents The Zero Trust Security framework (architecture) can protect every network component if implemented perfectly and with fine-tuning. Moreover, in case of a successful intrusion, it helps minimize the damage. What drives Zero Trust Security? – Key Principles of Zero Trust Security Framework Zero Trust Security framework relies heavily on the ‘assume breach, verify explicitly’, and continuous trust verification and authentication mechanism. At all times, all connections need to be periodically verified, irrespective of their previous interactions. The key principles that drive the Zero Trust Security Framework are as follows: What makes ZTA so unique? – Advantages of Zero Trust Security The world has been catapulted 5-7 years into the future regarding digitalization, using cloud services, and remote work. The call for security has been at its epitome with data flowing across various networks. To ensure the workforce and clients operate in sync without giving much thought about security concerns, we must adopt strict security measures that protect data, identities, networks, and infrastructure. The need led to the fast-track adoption of Zero Trust Security globally. Moreover, complying with industry standards and government requisites plays a big part in running an enterprise. Implementing Zero Trust Security Establishing Zero Trust Security is a challenging exercise requiring experience, expertise, and time. Usually, enterprises see ZTA as a turnkey cybersecurity solution thinking of it as a plug-and-play product. But, in reality, ZTA comprises various elements, with each element unique in its way and serving a specific purpose. Therefore, enterprises should hire an expert cybersecurity solution provider, like Sectrio, to implement and monitor ZTA. But, how to implement ZTA helps enterprises understand the platform in more detail, paving the way for better security practices. There are two ways one can approach the implementation of Zero Trust Security: 1. Rip and Replace: Only a very select few enterprises take this option. As the name suggests, replacing the existing infrastructure with modern infrastructure makes it easy to implement ZTA. Going ahead with this approach requires a thorough understanding of the following: 2. Build around and replace Most enterprises might have a potpourri of security installations spread across various timelines. Most security offerings are either incomplete or incompetent at the same level of expertise across multiple domains. Opting for ZTA requires a thorough analysis of the security posture and every element that is a part of it. There might be a case for replacing infrastructure, given the lack of compatibility due to modern security protocols. Similarly, the administrator can revoke permissions due to implementing the Privileged Access Management / Least Privileged Access policy. Finally, the workforce needs to get habituated to Multifactor authentication, as ZTA works on the core principle of ‘assume breach, verify explicitly’ for every new connection request. Similarly, ZTA focuses on protecting data and successfully thwarting intrusions rather than concentrating on the attack surface and external perimeter (alone). Implementing Zero Trust Security in 7 Steps The network of any enterprise involves securing its devices, dataflow paths, user authentication, network connection, and applications in use. Additionally, ZTA heavily relies on network connectivity, which can be affected during a DDoS attack or a surge in user traction. These two scenarios can strain the network, with processes slowing down before a complete collapse. Only with time can an enterprise understand the extent of strict protocols they might require for a particular set of data and network. With this understanding and UEBA (User and Entity Behavior Analytics) tools, one can strengthen Zero Trust Security, thereby improving security posture.  Zero Trust Security Challenges Nothing is a fairytale in cybersecurity. Adopting ZTA or Zero Trust Security framework is no exception in that. To adopt a security product like Zero Trust Architecture by an enterprise, everyone involved in the company, regardless of whether they belong to the IT department, should be a part of the exercise. It requires significant man-hours to create awareness and train people to implement the best ZTA practices. Unfortunately, few enterprises see this as an investment, while others see it as a dent in their balance sheet. Let us learn about common challenges an enterprise faces with adopting ZTA.  Overcoming Zero Trust Security Challenges Like every other cybersecurity product, Zero Trust Architecture has flaws and drawbacks. However, irrespective of anything, ZTA is the best option that can effectively tackle the current cybersecurity threat landscape. It is so comprehensive that it brings many aspects of a network’s security into play and supplements the monitoring team with analytical data, helping them have a detailed granular view on every process on the network. Therefore it is essential to understand how to overcome Zero Trust Security challenges to make the best use of the product. Zero Trust Security Best Practices Having a protocol sheet is always helpful in cybersecurity. The rules, guidelines,

In addition to the heightened attention the country is receiving from hackers and hacktivists, there are chances of data stolen in 2022 being weaponized this year. IoT and OT Cybersecurity predictions for India for 2023 are based on the trends we have observed in India’s digital space over the last 4 years, our research on the type of cyberattacks that have occurred in this duration, chatter on the Dark Web and other forums and on threat and actor specific IoT and OT focused threat intelligence gathered by Sectrio’s Threat and APT Hunting team. Here are our specific 2023 IoT and OT cybersecurity predictions for India: The IoT and OT Security CISO peer survey 2022 report conducted by Sectrio is a must-read for all. Click here and download your copy of the report now: The CISO Peer Survey Report 2022 We are giving away threat intelligence for free for the next 2 weeks. Find out how you can sign up and try out our threat intelligence feeds Find out what is lurking in your network. Go for a comprehensive 3-layer threat assessment now

The year 2023 will see a significant shift in the way cyberattacks are engineered and that is just a start. To help you understand how things will change in 2023, we have distilled our learning from the last 4 years and the threat intelligence gathered from our global threat research facilities into specific points for your understanding. We would like to place on record these specific IoT and OT security predictions: The IoT and OT Security CISO peer survey 2022 report conducted by Sectrio is a must-read for all. Click here and download your copy of the report now: The CISO Peer Survey Report 2022 We are giving away threat intelligence for free for the next 2 weeks. Find out how you can sign up and try out our threat intelligence feeds Find out what is lurking in your network. Go for a comprehensive 3-layer threat assessment now