What is a Process in OT Cybersecurity?

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In Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity, a process refers to the physical and digital interactions that keep industrial systems like refineries, power plants, and water treatment facilities operational. Unlike IT processes, OT processes directly control physical infrastructure.

Key Components of an OT Process:

  1. Sensors – Measure physical properties (e.g., temperature, pressure) and send data to controllers.
  2. Controllers (PLCs/RTUs) – Interpret sensor data and send commands to actuators.
  3. Actuators – Execute physical actions (e.g., opening valves, tripping breakers).
  4. Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) – Allow operators to monitor and adjust processes.

Example Workflow:

  • Sensor: Detects low water level.
  • PLC: Commands valve to open.
  • Actuator: Opens the valve.
  • HMI: Displays real-time status.

You Should Know:

1. Common OT Protocols & Security Risks

  • Modbus, DNP3, PROFINET – Often lack encryption, making them vulnerable to MITM attacks.
  • OPC UA – More secure but requires proper configuration.

Commands to Check Network Traffic (Linux):

tcpdump -i eth0 port 502 -w modbus_traffic.pcap  Capture Modbus traffic
tshark -i eth0 -Y "dnp3" -V  Inspect DNP3 packets

2. Securing PLCs & Controllers

  • Disable Unused Services:
    nmap -sV <PLC_IP>  Identify open ports
  • Patch Management:
    opcua-client --endpoint "opc.tcp://<IP>:4840" --security-mode SignAndEncrypt

3. HMI Hardening (Windows-Based HMIs)

  • Disable RDP if unused:
    Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server" -Name "fDenyTSConnections" -Value 1
  • Enable Logging:
    wevtutil sl Microsoft-Windows-TerminalServices-LocalSessionManager/Operational /e:true

4. Network Segmentation for OT

  • Firewall Rules (Linux Example):
    iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 102 -s <TRUSTED_IP> -j ACCEPT 
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 102 -j DROP

5. Detecting Anomalies

  • Using Zeek (Bro) for OT Traffic Analysis:
    zeek -i eth0 -C -s modbus.zeek  Custom Zeek script for Modbus

What Undercode Say:

OT cybersecurity is about protecting physical operations, not just data. Unlike IT, OT systems:
– Cannot be easily patched (many run on legacy Windows XP/7).
– Require zero downtime (a reboot can halt production).
– Need air-gapping where possible (though modern IIoT complicates this).

Critical Commands for OT Security Teams:

 Check for rogue devices (ARP monitoring)
arp-scan --localnet

Detect unauthorized USB devices (Linux)
dmesg | grep -i usb

Monitor process integrity (Windows)
Get-WmiObject Win32_Process | Select-Object Name, ProcessId, CommandLine

Prediction: As OT-IT convergence grows, attacks like Stuxnet 2.0 will target deeper industrial control logic, requiring behavioral anomaly detection beyond signature-based tools.

Expected Output:

  • OT Process Diagram (Sensor → PLC → Actuator → HMI).
  • Hardened HMI & PLC configurations.
  • Network traffic logs showing filtered OT protocols.
  • Anomaly detection alerts from Zeek/Snort.

Relevant URLs:

IT/Security Reporter URL:

Reported By: Mohamed Atta – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅

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