To alter the normal operation of a system it is necessary to get access. For this reason we have to configure all available features to prevent that unauthorized people or software could carry out any action over them. However, we must not forget that security measures can obstruct the recovery of an equipment if do not define clear processes to get it back if something goes wrong or simply beaks down.

Two years ago, I wrote about some controls over Siemens S7-1200 PLCs. You can access it by clicking here. But today I will talk about other.

One of these features is to configure online control access to PLC CPUs. Not to protect the program and the content stored in it. Why is this important? Because when we connect any device to ethernet networks we are increasing the attack and exposure surface. Accordingly, to that, there are more possibilities to suffer any intentional or unintentional action that could affect to our OT devices.

With this feature we can set up passwords to restrict the access to functions and memory areas. In general, in level 1 hardware configuration can be read and modified by anybody; Level 2, read access do not need any password but if you want to change some parameter you will need to type a password; and finally, Level 3, without a password you cannot modify some several parameters. Obviously in both cases there are conditions and exceptions that you can do. For further information please visit “Virtual Library” and locate the following document named “Security with SIMATIC controllers” in SIEMENS area.

After several years in the Industrial Cybersecurity field, in most cases I have not seen this feature implemented that can be used to hamper unsolicited actions on process controllers. If we do not restrict access to anybody, they could upload the program, modify functions and other parametrizations and download it to the PLC again. After that, who knows what will happen if this occur. Other scenario could be the theft of intellectual property by the third parties that can participate in a project during a commissioning phase.

It does not matter which controller we are using, Siemens, OMRON, B&R, Schneider, or any other. The message is to request, identify or consider if this kind of feature is available and apply it to bring more security, to end devices. Of course, without introducing potential factors that could compromise the normal operation.

We know, there are scenarios where it could be difficult to start up some controls and invest more time to find compensatory measures instead of applying them natively. Obviously, if the device count with it.

In addition to that, keep in mind that a password or any other similar measure, could by cracked, but at least, we have applied one more step to reinforce the Defense in Depth concept that we must implement to protect our industrial environments.

Having said this, I hope you have enjoined this post!

To be continued…

Stay tuned!