What is an effective tactic for an organization to enhance security against internal threats in an ICS environment?

In an Industrial Control System (ICS) environment, air gapping is an effective tactic to enhance security against internal threats. Air gapping refers to the practice of isolating an ICS network from unsecured networks, especially those that are connected to the internet. By creating a physical or logical separation between the critical control systems and other networks, organizations significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access, malware infections, and data breaches that could originate from within the organization or from external sources.

This isolation prevents unauthorized personnel from easily accessing sensitive systems and data, thereby limiting the potential for internal threats. Since internal threats can arise from malicious insiders or unintentional actions by employees, air gapping fundamentally enhances the security posture by restricting connectivity, thus mitigating the risk of both deliberate and accidental compromises.

While monitoring, employee training, and regular audits are all important components of a comprehensive security strategy, they often do not provide the same level of physical separation and protection offered by air gapping. These practices are essential for ongoing vigilance, education, and compliance but may not directly prevent an internal threat from executing its actions if the systems are not adequately isolated.