SOP for the 'WannaCry' Scenario in OT Environments

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Scenario: WannaCry Ransomware in OT Sites!

  • Threat Type: Ransomware Attack
  • Impact: Encrypts files on Windows-based OT systems, disrupts OT operations, spreads through SMB vulnerabilities.

THREAT DETECTION & IDENTIFICATION

Step 1: Detect Infection Signs

  • Unusual file encryption & ransom note appearance.
  • Unresponsive OT systems, HMIs, or engineering workstations.
  • High CPU and network usage due to rapid file encryption.

Step 2: Verify Attack Scope

  • Identify affected machines (Windows-based OT systems).
  • Check if the system has SMBv1 enabled (WannaCry exploits SMBv1 vulnerability).
  • Isolate impacted systems immediately.

INCIDENT RESPONSE (IMMEDIATE ACTIONS)

Step 3: Contain & Isolate

  • Physically disconnect affected machines from the OT network.
  • Block SMB communication (ports 445, 139, 135) on OT firewalls.
  • Prevent lateral movement by disabling file sharing services.

Step 4: Activate Incident Response Plan

  • Notify OT Security Team and Incident Response Team.
  • Escalate to CIRT (Cyber Incident Response Team).
  • Check backups for availability and integrity.

THREAT MITIGATION & NEUTRALIZATION

Step 5: Stop the Spread

  • Apply Microsoft patches (MS17-010) on unaffected systems.
  • Disable SMBv1 permanently in all OT Windows machines.
  • Enable network segmentation to block unnecessary traffic.

Step 6: Remove Ransomware

  • Boot affected machines in safe mode and use forensic tools (e.g., Windows Defender Offline, EDR solutions).
  • If encryption is detected, do not reboot—instead, attempt live memory extraction for decryption keys.
  • Restore from clean, offline backups (not connected to infected systems).

SYSTEM RECOVERY & HARDENING

Step 7: Restore & Validate Systems

  • Recover from offline backups (ensure no infections).
  • Revalidate the integrity of OT configurations.

Step 8: Conduct Post-Incident Forensic Analysis

  • Analyze logs from SIEM, IDS, and firewalls to determine root cause.
  • Identify the initial infection vector (phishing, USB, unsecured RDP, etc.).

Step 9: Implement Preventive Measures

  • Patch all Windows-based OT systems with latest security updates.
  • Disable unused protocols (RDP, SMBv1, Telnet).
  • Enforce strict access control with MFA and least privilege access.
  • Conduct cybersecurity training for OT personnel to recognize phishing attacks.

Recap

  • WannaCry spreads through unpatched systems—ensuring patches are applied proactively is critical.
  • Never pay the ransom, as decryption is not guaranteed.
  • Use air-gapped backups and a layered security approach to protect OT environments.

#CPS #OT #XIoT #IoT #IIoT #IoMT #CPSSecurity #OTSecurity #IoTSecurity #CPS보안 #OT보안 #IoT보안

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