Precautions for Network Security Protection Settings of Industrial Control Computers

Key Considerations for Industrial Control Computer Network Security Protection Settings

Asset Management and Configuration Optimization

Comprehensive Asset Inventory Maintenance

Industrial control systems (ICS) encompass a wide range of components, including programmable logic controllers (PLCs), distributed control systems (DCS), and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems. Enterprises must establish a detailed asset inventory that includes all hardware, software, and data assets. This inventory should clearly define the responsible departments and personnel for each asset. Regular asset audits are essential to verify system configurations, permission allocations, and the operational status of devices. For example, a chemical manufacturing plant implemented monthly asset checks and reduced unauthorized configuration changes by 68% within six months.

Critical System Identification and Redundancy

Based on business criticality and potential impact of security incidents, enterprises should classify ICS assets into different risk tiers. Critical systems such as power generation control units or emergency shutdown systems require redundant backups for key components like industrial hosts and network devices. A power grid operator in Northern China deployed dual-redundant PLCs for substation control, enabling seamless failover during hardware failures and maintaining 99.99% system availability.

Secure Configuration Baseline Management

Establish standardized security configurations for industrial hosts, network equipment, and control devices. This includes disabling default accounts, enforcing strong password policies, and implementing the principle of least privilege. Regular audits of configuration baselines help identify deviations caused by operational changes. An automotive assembly plant reduced security vulnerabilities by 42% through quarterly configuration reviews and automated compliance checks using custom scripts.

Network Architecture and Access Control

Network Segmentation and Zoning

Implement network segmentation based on business functions and security requirements. Industrial Ethernet and wireless networks should be divided into logical zones using industrial firewalls and gateways to restrict lateral movement of threats. A water treatment facility segmented its control network into production, monitoring, and maintenance zones, preventing a ransomware attack from spreading beyond the initial infected zone.

Strict Wireless Network Management

When using 5G or Wi-Fi for industrial communication, enforce device authentication through MAC address filtering or digital certificates. Disable SSID broadcasting and conduct regular audits of wireless access points. An oil refinery implemented 802.1X authentication for its wireless instrument network, eliminating unauthorized device connections and reducing signal interference incidents by 75%.

Remote Access Security Enhancement

Prohibit high-risk services like HTTP, FTP, and Telnet on ICS interfaces exposed to the internet. Use VPNs with IPsec or SSL encryption for necessary remote maintenance, combined with multi-factor authentication and session timeout controls. A pharmaceutical manufacturer reduced remote access risks by 90% by replacing FTP file transfers with SFTP over VPN tunnels and enforcing 15-minute session inactivity timeouts.

Host Security and Data Protection

Endpoint Protection Mechanisms

Deploy antivirus solutions with real-time scanning capabilities on engineering workstations and operator terminals. Implement application whitelisting to restrict software execution to authorized programs only. A steel mill prevented zero-day attacks by combining signature-based antivirus with behavior-based anomaly detection, blocking 12 malicious software variants in its first year of deployment.

Peripheral Device Control

Physically remove or disable unnecessary USB ports, optical drives, and wireless modules on industrial hosts. When external device access is required, implement strict approval workflows and device quarantine procedures. An energy company reduced USB-based malware infections by 83% through port locking and mandatory antivirus scanning for all connected storage devices.

Data Lifecycle Security

Classify industrial data based on sensitivity and regulatory requirements. Apply encryption for data at rest and in transit, using algorithms compliant with national cryptographic standards. A food processing enterprise encrypted its production recipe databases using AES-256 and implemented role-based access controls, preventing unauthorized recipe modifications during a cyber incident.

Continuous Monitoring and Incident Response

Anomaly Detection Systems

Deploy network traffic analysis tools capable of identifying abnormal communication patterns, such as unauthorized protocol usage or data exfiltration attempts. An aerospace manufacturer detected a compromised HMI device through baseline deviation alerts, containing the breach before production impact.

Threat Hunting Capabilities

Establish proactive threat hunting procedures using security information and event management (SIEM) systems. Correlate logs from industrial hosts, network devices, and security appliances to identify advanced persistent threats (APTs). A railway signaling system provider uncovered a covert command-and-control channel by analyzing DNS query patterns, leading to the disruption of a targeted attack campaign.

Incident Response Playbooks

Develop detailed incident response plans covering containment, eradication, and recovery procedures for different attack scenarios. Conduct regular drills to validate response effectiveness. An electricity distribution company reduced mean time to recovery (MTTR) by 60% through quarterly tabletop exercises simulating ransomware attacks on SCADA systems.