Why is ongoing risk monitoring important for IACS?

Ongoing risk monitoring is vital for IACS (Industrial Automation and Control Systems) because it enables organizations to identify emerging threats and vulnerabilities quickly. The dynamic nature of cyber threats means that vulnerabilities can arise from various sources, including new attack vectors, evolving tactics employed by attackers, and changes in the technology landscape. Timely identification of these factors allows organizations to develop appropriate mitigative measures or enhance existing security protocols to protect critical infrastructure.

This proactive approach is particularly important in IACS environments, where failure to address an emerging risk can lead to significant operational disruptions, safety hazards, or breaches of sensitive data. Continuous monitoring ensures that security measures are not just effective today but are also adaptive to the changing threat environment.

While ensuring software updates are applied promptly (another choice) is certainly an aspect of maintaining security, it does not encompass the broader view of overall risk management and the necessity to understand and respond to new threats. The notion of maintaining operational efficiency regardless of risk and reducing the frequency of scheduled assessments also falls short of the goal, as they do not prioritize the continuous vigilance required to stay ahead of potential cyber threats specific to IACS environments. Thus, ongoing risk monitoring serves as the cornerstone of a robust cybersecurity posture in these critical systems.