NIST 800-82 is a publication from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) that provides guidelines for industrial control system (ICS) security. It serves as a reference for organizations that operate or manage ICS, such as those in the energy, water, and transportation industries.
ICS refers to the systems and equipment used to control, monitor, and operate physical processes, such as manufacturing, power generation, and transportation. NIST 800-82 provides guidance on how to secure these systems from threats such as cyber attacks, unauthorized access, and natural disasters.
The guidelines in NIST 800-82 are divided into three main sections: security management, security design, and security assessment.
Security Management
Security management covers topics such as risk management, incident response, and security policy. The guidelines recommend that organizations:
- Establish a risk management program
- Develop an incident response plan
- Develop a security policy that outlines their approach to ICS security
Security Design
Security design covers topics such as access control, network security, and system architecture. The guidelines recommend that organizations:
- Implement robust access control measures, such as user authentication and authorization
- Secure their networks using technologies such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems
- Follow a layered approach to system architecture, where different security measures are applied at different levels of the system
Security Assessment
Security assessment covers topics such as vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, and security auditing. The guidelines recommend that organizations:
- Regularly assess their ICS for vulnerabilities
- Test their systems for security weaknesses using penetration testing
- Conduct security audits to verify that their security measures are effective
Key Takeaways
- NIST 800-82 is a publication by NIST on industrial control system (ICS) security
- Provides guidance for organizations operating or managing ICS in areas such as energy, water, and transportation
- Divided into three main sections: security management, security design, and security assessment
- Helps organizations improve the security of their ICS and reduce the risk of cyber attacks, unauthorized access, and natural disasters
Conclusion
NIST 800-82 provides essential guidance for organizations that operate or manage ICS. By following the guidelines, organizations can improve the security of their systems and reduce the risk of cyber attacks, unauthorized access, and natural disasters.