Blog Post Archives : Champion Technology Services

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Industrial Data Centers

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Disaster Recovery for OT

In the world of operational technology (OT), a resilient disaster recovery (DR) plan is essential. OT environments are unique, relying on both physical and digital infrastructure, real-time operations, and specialized equipment. A disaster– whether caused by natural events, equipment failures, or cyberattacks– can severely impact these systems, leading to safety risks, production downtime and financial losses.

Unplanned downtime costs industrial manufacturers over $250 million annually.

More Than Just a Plan

A well-planned DR plan can mitigate the impact of disruptions, protect critical assets, and ensure business continuity in the wake of a catastrophic event. However, simply having a plan on paper is not enough. To ensure your DR plan’s effectiveness, it must be tested, regularly maintained, and integrated into your organization's overall risk management strategy.

76% of organizations lack a documented and validated Disaster Recovery plan.

Test and Validate

Regular reviews ensure the DR plan is comprehensive, accurate, and in alignment with the organization’s operations and technology. Further, it can illuminate potential gaps or areas for improvement. Methods include:

Tabletop exercises: Simulated disaster scenarios to test the plan's effectiveness.
Full-scale drills: Real-world tests involving actual equipment and personnel.

Verify

Verification is the process of testing the backup and recovery systems to ensure functionality is as intended. Elements include:

Backup verification: Routine testing of backup processes and files to ensure a reliable recovery path.
Recovery testing: Periodic testing of recovery procedures to ensure systems can be restored quickly and effectively.
Failover testing: Validate the ability of systems to switch to backup resources in the event of a failure.

Provide Training

Ensure that all relevant personnel, from front-line OT operators to IT staff, are thoroughly trained on their roles and responsibilities in the event of a disaster. This includes understanding the DR plan, knowing how to activate it, and being familiar with the procedures for recovering critical systems and functions.

The Takeaway

A robust Disaster Recovery strategy is not a luxury but a necessity. Remember: it’s not if, but when.

From maintaining safe operations to safeguarding your organization’s reputation to mitigating overall impact, the testing and verification of DR plans is essential to ensure your organization is prepared for challenges that will arise.

Ready to learn more? Contact us today to schedule a no-cost consultation.

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Disaster Recovery

Blog Post

Digitalization: The Future of Industry

A global digital revolution is underway, disrupting industries and reshaping our world at an unprecedented pace. The industrial and critical infrastructure sectors are no exception.

What is Digitalization?

Digitalization is the integration of digital technologies to automate processes, optimize workflows, and achieve operational excellence. Gartner describes digitalization as “the process of moving to a digital business.”

This means connecting machines, systems, and people through a digital network to collect, analyze, and utilize data for improved decision-making. Successful digitalization facilitates innovation and creates sustainable value.

Technology and Trends Driving Digitalization

Cybersecurity Enhancements

With the increasing connectivity of OT systems, cybersecurity measures have become critical to protect against cyber threats.

Impact: Advanced cybersecurity solutions, such as anomaly detection and threat intelligence, help secure OT environments from attacks like ransomware and other forms of cyber intrusion.

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)

Integration of sensors, devices, and machinery with internet connectivity, enabling the collection and analysis of real-time data.

Impact: IIoT enhances operational efficiency, predictive maintenance, and real-time monitoring, allowing companies to optimize processes and reduce downtime.

Edge Computing

Edge computing processes data closer to the source (i.e., at the edge of the network) rather than relying on centralized cloud computing.

Impact: Reduces latency and enables real-time decision-making for more reliable and secure data processing in OT environments.

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML)

AI and ML technologies analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns, make predictions, and automate decision-making processes.

Impact: AI/ML drives advancements in predictive maintenance, quality control, and process automation, leading to more efficient and reliable operations.

Advanced Data Analytics

Data analytics tools process and analyze large volumes of operational data to provide insights and support decision-making.

Impact: These tools improve operational efficiency, reduce waste, and help in the identification of trends and potential issues before they become critical.

What’s Next in Digitalization

The future of digitalization holds boundless potential for innovation and growth in OT environments driven by the convergence of IT and OT. Enhanced data analytics and the integration of cyber-physical systems, along with a focus on sustainability, will lead to more autonomous, efficient, and secure operations, further enhancing the resilience and adaptability of OT environments.

By harnessing the power of emerging digital technologies, businesses can achieve significant improvements in efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness with those embracing digitalization leading the way.

Ready to learn more? Contact us today to schedule a no-cost consultation.

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Digital Transformation

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AI and ML: Revolutionizing Cybersecurity

The digital threat landscape can be a battlefield. Hackers’ tactics are constantly evolving, and traditional security measures often struggle to keep up. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are powerful allies in the fight for resilience. From predictive analytics to response and mitigation, this post will explore how these technologies can bolster cybersecurity strategies.

The Evolution of Proactive Defense

Vulnerability management assessment (VMA) and penetration testing (pen testing) are critical to a proactive cybersecurity strategy. The traditional reliance on manual scans and analysis meant these processes were slow and tedious. AI and ML are changing that.

With the ability to quickly analyze vast amounts of data, AI and ML enable accurate threat prediction, prioritization, and mitigation. These models can continuously learn and adapt to new threat intelligence and dynamically respond to the rapidly evolving threat landscape.

Behavioral Intelligence

Today’s cybersecurity measures must account for the rise in interconnected systems and devices and the new opportunities to exploit human fallibility inside this environment. Focusing on external threats alone isn’t an option.

User Entity and Behavior Analytics (UEBA) leverages AI and ML to identify a broader range of threats– such as inside actors, social engineering, and brute-force attacks. By continuously analyzing user behavior patterns, anomalous activity detection is honed and accelerated– allowing for more informed preventative action and enforcement of regulatory compliance.

Answering Alert Fatigue

Teams are often bombarded with cybersecurity alerts– many of which can be false positives– leading to alert fatigue, wasted resources, and delays in addressing critical threats. These delays can trigger cascading security breaches. AI and ML can streamline this process by filtering out false positives, automating threat responses, and highlighting the most critical threats.

Automated responses can address low-risk alerts, block malicious access attempts, and quarantine compromised devices or networks. These measures can minimize the damage of cyberattacks and enable human experts to focus on higher level initiatives and high-priority incidents.

The Takeaway

The future of cybersecurity is inextricably intertwined with AI and ML. As these technologies continue to evolve, so too will their ability to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats. Empowered by AI and ML, security teams can proactively safeguard systems today and prepare for the ever-evolving threat landscape of tomorrow.

Ready to learn more? Contact us today to schedule a no-cost consultation.

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Industrial Cybersecurity

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Why OT Cybersecurity Can’t Wait

The industrial landscape is evolving. The industrial internet of things (IIoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data analytics are unlocking new levels of efficiency and productivity. They’re also introducing a new, complex set of challenges for operational technology (OT) cybersecurity. Cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated, targeting everything from power grids to water treatment facilities.

It's no longer a question of “if” but “when.” Let’s look at some common hurdles to prioritizing OT cybersecurity and explore how a partnership with Champion can help.

Challenges

"Implementing new security measures will disrupt operations or lead to excessive downtime."

By working collaboratively with your team to understand your processes and needs, we will develop a phased approach that integrates seamlessly and minimizes disruption. Ongoing support from our team will bring continuity from implementation to maintenance, ensuring smooth operation.

"Our legacy systems aren’t compatible with modern security tech."

We understand the challenges of securing legacy systems. Our team employs a layered security approach– including network segmentation and access control– to strategically mitigate risk.

"We don’t have the time or resources to design, implement or maintain new cybersecurity measures."

The global cybersecurity talent gap makes building and keeping a top-tier in-house team a constant uphill battle. Partnering with a dedicated solution provider like Champion offers a scalable solution. From meeting compliance standards to implementing cutting-edge tech and innovative strategies, our expert team has you covered.

"Cybersecurity solutions seem expensive, and the return on investment (ROI) isn't always clear."

The cost of a successful cyber attack can be astronomical– encompassing operational disruption, financial loss, and enduring reputational damage.

Recovering a single GB of data from a ransomware attack cost an average of $53,000 in 2023.*

Our risk-based approach and tailored solutions provide measurable improvement in your security posture and maximize your ROI.

The Takeaway

Industrial organizations can no longer afford to overlook cybersecurity. With the ever-evolving threat landscape, a robust security posture is essential for protecting critical infrastructure, ensuring operational continuity, and safeguarding valuable data. Our team is here to keep your operations running safely and securely so you can focus on what you do best.

Ready to learn more? Contact us today to schedule a no-cost consultation.

*The Global OT & IoT Threat Landscape Assessment and Analysis Report, Sectrio, 2024

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Solution Brief

Asset Management

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Network Segmentation to Enhance OT Cybersecurity

The proliferation of digital interconnectivity has yielded an ever-expanding attack surface for critical infrastructure and industrial organizations. Securing these operational technology (OT) systems is paramount to maintaining the integrity, safety, and reliability of operations.

What is Network Segmentation?

Network segmentation involves dividing a network into smaller, isolated segments or subnets, each with its own access controls and security measures. Limiting access to sensitive areas effectively minimizes the attack surface, inhibits the mobility of potential threat actors, and prevents the spread of malware across a network.

6 Key Strategies

1. IT/OT Alignment

Collaboration between IT and OT teams is essential for effective planning and implementation of a network segmentation strategy. This may include employee training and awareness initiatives to ensure all stakeholders understand the importance and benefits of segmentation.

2. Identify Critical Assets

Identifying the most critical assets within your OT environment allows you to prioritize their protection, informing a phased implementation approach that minimizes disruption.

3. Network Mapping

A comprehensive discovery and visualization of all entities linked to a network enables teams to better understand data flows, identify vulnerabilities, and simplify monitoring.

4. Define Network Zones

The segmentation plan should group systems with similar security needs into zones and define strict rules for data movement between them.

5. Implementation

Implement the plan with minimal operational disruption by employing a phased approach, gradually rolling out segmentation measures while closely monitoring the impact on operations.

6. Monitor and Maintain

Continuous monitoring of network activity and segment health, regular updates to security protocols, and routine audits ensure your segmentation strategy remains robust over time.

The Takeaway

In an era where cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, network segmentation is a vital strategy for securing OT environments. By dividing your network into manageable, secure segments, you can protect critical systems, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain operational resilience.

Ready to learn more? Contact us today to schedule a no-cost consultation.

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solution brief

System Hardening

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Securing Legacy OT Systems

Legacy operational technology (OT) systems are still heavily relied on by much of the industrial and critical infrastructure sectors. As digital transformation becomes the new norm, these legacy systems present complex challenges to implementing vital cybersecurity measures.

The Challenge

Legacy systems may include components that are decades old– meaning their designs never accounted for modern cyberthreats and the implications of digital convergence.

As these systems reach end-of-life (EOL), lack of updates and patches, discontinuation of vendor support, and incompatibilities with emerging tech compound the risk of critical disruption.

Best Practice Solutions

Network Segmentation

By isolating critical systems, you can reduce the spread of cyberattacks and limit the potential impact of security breaches.

Cybersecurity Audits

Regular reviews of cybersecurity policies and controls can identify vulnerabilities, ensure regulatory compliance, and uncover inefficiencies.

Access Control

Enforcing strong authentication, authorization, and accountability mechanisms ensure only the necessary personnel have access to critical systems.

Incident Response Planning

Developing and routinely testing an incident response plan enables the efficient identification and mitigation of cyber incidents.

The Takeaway

Integrating new tech into legacy OT systems can seem daunting, but with an informed understanding of the risks and a commitment to implementing best practices, you can protect your organization’s critical systems and stay competitive in the digital age of industry.

Ready to learn more? Contact us today to schedule a no-cost consultation.

Let's collaborate.

Schedule a no-cost consultation today.

solution brief

Disaster Recovery

Blog Post

Software Update: Windows DCOM Changes

At a Glance:

Distributed Component Object Model Remote Protocol (DCOM) is used for communication between applications running in a Windows environment
Microsoft released a Windows update to harden DCOM
This update poses risks to ICS applications dependent on DCOM

What's Happening

In June 2021, in response to a security vulnerability, Microsoft released a Windows update (KB5004442) to harden the DCOM component of Windows. Organizations should be aware that many industrial control system applications utilize DCOM protocols. This update can impact the ability of networked devices to communicate, resulting in effects such as the inability to use HMI or SCADA software, or loss of historical tag data.

Some impacted applications include: RSLogix 5/500/5000, RSLinx Classic, FactoryTalk applications, ThinManager, and KEPServer Enterprise.

Champion recommends that organizations review their installed software for use of DCOM and the potential impact of this update. Most ICS software vendors have published information on their affected software as well as possible mitigations for any impacts from applying these updates. For actively maintained software, vendors are working to deliver patches for their software to work with the update. Until these patches are available, it will be necessary to either postpone installation of the Windows updates or apply mitigations to disable the new DCOM hardening features. Be aware, however, that if the Windows updates are installed, it will not be possible to disable the DCOM hardening features after March 14, 2023.

DCOM Hardening

Blog Post

3 Ways to Mitigate Risk Through Training

Are your operators prepared in the event of an abnormal process situation? Do they know how to actively (and appropriately) respond to alarms?

Mitigate your facility’s risks by providing your operators with training opportunities that improve user confidence and decrease response time to abnormal situations, resulting in using your workforce’s time more effectively.

How, you ask? By empowering your operators by providing them hands-on experience with your specific control system in an isolated/controlled environment, simulating an array of abnormal scenarios that you can’t effectively achieve on-process – and doing so conveniently at your facility or one of Champion’s nearby locations.

Step 1: Identify Risk Areas & Practice Responding

Take a minute to imagine any or all “worst case” scenarios your facility could one day face – that if not handled properly could result in a Health & Safety event, equipment failure, or simply a loss of production. It sounds pretty ominous! But it doesn’t have to. Knowing what these situations are is the first step to mitigating risk and effectively responding – without hesitation and without panic.

Your scenarios typically don’t need to go so far as a “doomsday apocalypse” – often something as simple as a failed sensor or an unrecognized alarm could present risks with untrained personnel.

This is where Champion comes in – to create a “twin” of your control system and operating environment. In this simulated environment, we can introduce any number of scenarios, teaching first how to identify the risk and then how best to respond.

Step 2: Stop “Snoozing” That Alarm

We’ve all done it from the comfort of our bed – “snoozing” that daily alarm for “just a few more minutes.” Regularly doing the same with control system alarms may be an indication you are due for an assessment by one of Champion’s Alarm Management specialists – but that is a topic for another day!

Training your personnel how to properly identify, evaluate, and respond to alarms and responding to abnormal situations in your facility is a big part of mitigating risks. Using the same example of your control system “twin,” Champion can effectively train users based on your process environment. Each possible abnormal scenario can be triggered in a no-risk environment – with users learning in each case how to respond to an abnormal situation in a timely and correct manner.

Step 3: Work Smarter, Not Harder

Training your workforce shouldn’t be a major undertaking – it should be a well-coordinated, preplanned, and efficient use of your personnel’s time. Champion values these goals for all clients, whether providing on-site training at your facility or at one of our strategically located facilities.

Do you have new personnel or a new facility?
Is your existing facility undergoing a control system upgrade?
Do your technical personnel want more flexibility to perform system updates and modifications?

There are plenty of scenarios in which your workforce may benefit from Champion-tailored training solutions for operators, maintenance, and technical personnel. Whether getting everyone up to speed on a new system, comparing changes between a legacy and new system, or learning how to stay agile in the onsite maintenance & updates your site might require.

Ready to learn more? Contact us today to schedule a no-cost consultation.

Let's collaborate.

Schedule a no-cost consultation today.

Functional Safety

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Choosing the Right Control System for Your Facility

Is your control system approaching its end-of-life product lifecycle?
Does your system rely on replacement parts that are increasingly harder to find?
Is it difficult to find personnel experienced with your control system?
It may be time to upgrade.

How do you choose the right system?

When you have identified that it’s time to upgrade your control system, you want to explore all the options that are available to you. It is especially important to find a control system that best fits your application. For example: if you need to upgrade a controller, you will avoid upgrading the entire control system.

Some manufacturers’ control system platforms offer a variety of upgrade and migration solutions and strategies. For some end users, there are migration strategies that may be a better solution than a complete upgrade. In other cases, a complete system upgrade may be the answer. Most of the time the best solution is somewhere in between. Understanding your unique needs and expectations is vital to choosing the proper system. This can be a challenging task if you don’t have the required information.

Some things to consider:

Lifecycle of Existing Assets
Pros/Cons of Technology Solution Options
- Evaluated by an unbiased party with hands on experience
- How will the technology solution better enable you to meet industry requirements and best practices such as safety and cybersecurity (ISA, NFPA, CISA)?
Feasibility and Impact of the Solution
- Technology solution and strategy
- Potential downtime and risk mitigation
Maintenance and Support
- Effort required to maintain the system
- Training of staff to maintain the system
- Identify established partners to provide timely support
Total Cost of Ownership
- Evaluated by an unbiased party with hands on experience

We’re here to help.

Finding a system that meets your needs and understanding how it will function and grow with you can be a challenge. Champion's team specializes in leading clients through the process of choosing a control system that is right for their specific needs – and their budgets. As part of our process, we will work with your team to define your goals and expectations, conduct an assessment, and recommend the best, unbiased solution that aligns with your goals. We can bring your control system from the past to the present while you plan for the future.

Ready to learn more? Contact us today to schedule a no-cost consultation.

Let's collaborate.

Schedule a no-cost consultation today.

Industrial Automation