FAQ Category: Consulting and Enablement

Why L5C for OT Consulting/Enablement?

03/28/2024

Where do we start? Often, we hear this question prior to doing assessments of enterprise Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity postures. This is valid and at the forefront of any customer concerns. LeveL5Cyber approaches this topic by aligning your current capabilities and maturity with what can reduce the most risk. All gap recommendations are developed by […]

What is ‘Defense in Depth’ and how does it apply to OT?

03/28/2024

Industrial control systems (ICSs) are an integral part of critical infrastructures, helping to facilitate operations in vital industries such as electricity, oil and gas, water, transportation, manufacturing, and chemical manufacturing. The growing issue of cybersecurity and its impact on ICS highlights fundamental risks to the Nation’s critical infrastructure. Efficiently addressing ICS cybersecurity issues requires a […]

What are Industrial Control Systems (ICS)?

03/28/2024

An information system used to control industrial processes such as manufacturing, product handling, production, and distribution. Industrial control systems include supervisory control and data acquisition systems used to control geographically dispersed assets, as well as distributed control systems and smaller control systems using programmable logic controllers to control localized processes.

What is an OT Cybersecurity Strategy?

03/28/2024

The OT cybersecurity strategy: Refines and supplements guidance from the organization-wide risk management strategy to address OT-specific constraints and requirements; Identifies the OT cybersecurity team and personnel; Addresses the OT cybersecurity operation model (e.g., insource, outsource, and/or use managed security services); Outlines the appropriate cybersecurity architecture for the various OT sites within the OT program; […]

What impacts can an OT cyberattack have on your organization?

03/28/2024

A strong OT cybersecurity program is fundamental to a sustainable business operation and can potentially enhance system reliability and availability. This includes minimizing unintentional OT system information security impacts from inappropriate testing, policies, and misconfigured systems. Cyber-attacks can also have other significant impacts, such as: Physical impacts – Including personal injury and the loss of […]

What are some basic cybersecurity “best practices?”

03/28/2024

Using strong passwords, updating your software, thinking before you click on suspicious links, and turning on multi-factor authentication are the basics of what we call “cyber hygiene” and will drastically improve your online safety. These cybersecurity basics apply to both individuals and organizations. For both government and private entities, developing and implementing tailored cybersecurity plans […]

What kind of threats are prevalent in Life Sciences?

03/28/2024

Despite many benefits, technology presents significant security vulnerabilities to the life science enterprise. These vulnerabilities must be managed effectively to avoid existential threat to the enterprise, public health, and national security. Life science labs are in the early stage of transition to the “smart labs” of the future. While some life science enterprises may observe […]

What kind of threats does the Agriculture industry face?

03/28/2024

The Agriculture Sector is critical and vulnerable to cyberattacks, despite having no cybersecurity requirements for control systems used in the food manufacturing process. Ransomware, malware, or other attacks can lead to delays in shipping of perishable items, shortages of necessary product, or even health emergencies (crop manipulation). Disruptions to other sectors may have a direct […]

Why does cybersecurity matter for agriculture and food security?

03/28/2024

(Needs rewrite) Digital technologies have the potential to boost agricultural productivity to meet global food demand. Internet-enabled sensors allow farmers to gather vast amounts of real-time data on growing conditions, drought, and pest control that can inform future decisions. Many farmers in the countries where USAID works also rely on digital services to gain access […]

What is ransomware and what are the impacts?

03/28/2024

Ransomware is an ever-evolving form of malware designed to encrypt files on a device, rendering any files and the systems that rely on them unusable. Malicious actors then demand ransom in exchange for decryption. Ransomware actors often target and threaten to sell or leak exfiltrated data or authentication information if the ransom is not paid. […]