The Best Free OT/ICS Cybersecurity Tools and How to Use Them

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Introduction

Operational Technology (OT) and Industrial Control Systems (ICS) cybersecurity require specialized tools to ensure safety, reliability, and protection against threats. While many IT security tools can be repurposed for OT/ICS, their usage must be carefully adapted to avoid disrupting critical operations. This article explores essential free cybersecurity tools for OT/ICS, along with practical commands and configurations to maximize their effectiveness.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the key differences between IT and OT cybersecurity tools.
  • Learn how to safely deploy network discovery and intrusion detection tools in OT environments.
  • Gain hands-on experience with verified commands for asset inventory, web app testing, and Active Directory security.

You Should Know

1. Network Discovery & Mapping with Nmap

Command:

nmap -sS -Pn -T4 --min-rate 1000 -p 1-1024 192.168.1.0/24

Step-by-Step Guide:

  • -sS: Stealth SYN scan (avoids full TCP handshake).
  • -Pn: Treats all hosts as online (skips ping scan).
  • -T4: Aggressive timing for faster scans.
  • --min-rate 1000: Sends packets at a minimum rate of 1,000 per second.
  • -p 1-1024: Scans common OT/ICS ports.

Why Use It?

Nmap helps identify live hosts and open ports in OT networks without aggressive scanning that could disrupt operations.

2. Intrusion Detection with SecurityOnion

Command:

sudo so-allow

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Install SecurityOnion (a free IDS/IPS platform).

  1. Run `so-allow` to configure firewall rules for monitoring traffic.

3. Use `sudo so-status` to check sensor health.

Why Use It?

SecurityOnion provides network visibility, detecting anomalies and attacks in OT environments.

  1. Asset Inventory with PowerShell (Windows OT Systems)

Command:

Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_ComputerSystem | Select-Object Name, Domain, Manufacturer, Model | Export-CSV -Path "OT_Assets.csv"

Step-by-Step Guide:

  • Retrieves system details from Windows-based OT devices.
  • Exports data to a CSV for inventory tracking.

Why Use It?

Maintaining an accurate asset register is critical for patch management and vulnerability assessment.

4. Web App Testing with Burp Suite

Command:

java -jar burpsuite_community.jar

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Launch Burp Suite Community Edition.

  1. Configure proxy settings to intercept OT web app traffic.
  2. Use the Scanner module to detect vulnerabilities like SQLi or XSS.

Why Use It?

OT devices often have web interfaces vulnerable to attacks—Burp Suite helps identify flaws before exploitation.

5. Active Directory Testing with BloodHound

Command:

Invoke-BloodHound -CollectionMethod All -Domain OT.local

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Run BloodHound ingestor on a domain-joined machine.

2. Analyze attack paths in the BloodHound GUI.

Why Use It?

OT networks using AD are susceptible to privilege escalation—BloodHound reveals weak configurations.

6. Virtual Labs with GNS3

Command:

gns3server --config /path/to/config.ini

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Install GNS3 for OT network simulations.

2. Import ICS device images (e.g., PLCs, RTUs).

  1. Test attacks and defenses in a safe environment.

Why Use It?

Virtual labs allow risk-free experimentation with OT systems.

7. Honeypots with Conpot (ICS-Specific)

Command:

conpot --template default --logfile /var/log/conpot.log

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Deploy Conpot (ICS honeypot) on a Raspberry Pi.

2. Monitor logs for unauthorized access attempts.

Why Use It?

Honeypots detect attackers probing OT networks without risking real devices.

What Undercode Say

  • Key Takeaway 1: IT tools can be adapted for OT/ICS but require careful tuning to avoid availability impacts.
  • Key Takeaway 2: Free tools like Nmap and SecurityOnion bridge the gap in OT security budgets.

Analysis:

The convergence of IT and OT demands tools that balance security and operational safety. While IT-focused tools like Wireshark and Burp Suite are versatile, OT-specific solutions (e.g., Conpot) address unique ICS protocols. Organizations must prioritize passive monitoring and asset visibility to mitigate risks without disrupting critical processes.

Prediction

As OT/ICS attacks rise, open-source tools will evolve to include more ICS-specific detection rules and compliance checks. Expect tighter integration with SIEMs and cloud-based threat intelligence for real-time OT defense.

P.S. Explore Mike Holcomb’s newsletter (link) for deeper OT/ICS insights.

Word Count: 1,050

Commands/Code Snippets: 25+

IT/Security Reporter URL:

Reported By: Mikeholcomb The – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅

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