Posts by Veridify Security
Zero Trust for OT Security: The Last Line of Defense
Quick Summary Traditional firewalls were never designed to meet the unique security needs of Operational Technology (OT) environments. While they are effective at blocking outside threats, once an attacker breaches the perimeter, devices inside remain vulnerable. Real-world incidents like Colonial Pipeline, Triton malware, and ransomware in building automation highlight how attackers exploit insecure OT protocols…
Read MoreSecuring M2M Communication and Devices for Industrial IoT
Quick Summary Machine-to-Machine (M2M) devices drive efficiency and automation in Industrial IoT (IIoT), but they also introduce serious cybersecurity risks. This article explores common vulnerabilities, best practices, emerging technologies, and actionable steps to secure M2M systems from evolving threats. Why M2M Security Can’t Be an Afterthought Industrial IoT usage is growing fast, from smart factories…
Read MoreOvercoming Niagara Framework Cyber Vulnerabilities
Key Points Comprehensive Vulnerability Mitigation: DOME encrypts all device communications, enforces unique cryptographic identities, blocks unauthorized actions, and prevents lateral movement even on flat networks—addressing risks like unencrypted data, credential hijacking, privilege escalation, and insecure configurations. Zero Trust at the Endpoint: Every enrolled device must authenticate and follow strict, policy-based access rules, ensuring only explicitly…
Read MoreFuture-Proofing OT Cybersecurity
Key Points OT Cybersecurity Faces Unique Challenges: Operational technology networks are often outdated, lack operating systems, span wide geographies, and weren’t designed for connectivity—making them vulnerable and hard to secure. Existing IT-Based Solutions Fall Short: Current cybersecurity tools focus on monitoring and alerting rather than proactive protection, leading to alert fatigue and leaving OT…
Read MoreBenefits of Encryption for OT Networks
Key Points Why OT Needs Encryption Now: Historically air-gapped OT systems avoided encryption due to isolation, performance concerns, and device limitations, but modern connectivity and remote access have made unprotected communications a major cyber risk. Key Security Benefits: Encryption prevents unauthorized access, stops man-in-the-middle attacks, protects sensitive operational data, supports regulatory compliance, and maintains system…
Read MoreBACnet Security and Operational Issues with Self-Signed Certificates
Key Points Security Risks Without Trusted Validation: Self-signed certificates lack third-party verification and a root of trust, making BACnet/SC systems vulnerable to spoofing, impersonation, and man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks. Operational Complexity and Inefficiency: Managing self-signed certificates is time-consuming and error-prone, requiring manual generation, distribution (e.g., via USB), and renewal—especially problematic in large-scale deployments. Downtime and Renewal…
Read MoreZero Trust Security for Microgrids and Energy Control Systems
Key Points Growing Cyber Risk in Microgrids: The distributed nature, two-way data flows, and device diversity in microgrids greatly expand the attack surface, making traditional perimeter-based security insufficient. Limitations of Legacy Security: Older “verify then trust” models lack device-level authentication/encryption, leaving systems vulnerable if an insider device is compromised and failing to protect at Purdue…
Read MoreProtecting Airport Baggage Handling Systems from Cyberattack
Key Points Growing Cyber Risk for BHS: Airport baggage handling systems, running on legacy OT hardware and insecure protocols like Modbus and BACnet, are increasingly vulnerable to ransomware, insider threats, and state-sponsored cyberattacks. High Impact of Disruption: A BHS outage can cause major operational delays, lost luggage, passenger frustration, and even compromise sensitive passenger data.…
Read MoreCybersecurity Challenges in Retrofitted Smart Buildings
Key Points Legacy Systems Are Inherently Vulnerable: Most retrofitted buildings rely on outdated OT devices and insecure protocols (like BACnet and Modbus) that lack basic cybersecurity features such as encryption and authentication. Integration Increases Risk: Retrofitting often connects legacy OT systems to modern IT networks without proper segmentation, exposing buildings to lateral movement and cyberattacks.…
Read MoreZero Trust Security for Legacy OT Devices
Key Points Legacy OT Challenges: Many older OT systems use insecure protocols, lack modern security features, and have limited hardware resources—making them difficult to protect using traditional cybersecurity methods. Zero Trust Integration Options: Three primary methods exist—device replacement (costly), software-defined networking (limited protection), and security overlays (most effective and non-intrusive), with overlays offering encryption and…
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