The Challenge
Traditional security solutions often fail to safeguard older systems from modern threats. This is where hardening measures come into play, aimed at minimizing their attack surfaces and enhancing security.
In today’s production landscape, outdated systems such as Windows XP are still in use, often serving as integral parts of the production process. These legacy devices need special protection, as they’re typically incompatible with current software, presenting a unique security challenge.
The approach
We successfully implemented hardening measures for a Czech automotive client facing numerous legacy OT assets:
- Closed Physical Interfaces: Disabling USB ports prevented malware and unauthorized data transfers.
- Revoked Privileged Accounts: We reduced admin accounts and established strict access controls to mitigate insider threats.
- Minimized PC Software: Removing unnecessary software decreased potential vulnerabilities.
- Reduced Network Communication: By segmenting networks, we ensured only essential communication occurred, significantly lowering the attack surface.
- Implemented a Reduced Software Image: Simplifying the system made it more resilient to attacks.
The result
Our targeted hardening measures significantly improved the security of our client’s OT assets, validated by an external audit. This success highlights that even older systems can be effectively protected without disrupting production.
For companies facing similar challenges, we offer tailored solutions to safeguard OT assets and ensure operational security and availability. Reach out to learn more about how we can help your business.