Introducing the Critical Infrastructure Secure Operations Centre (CI-SOC): A Breakthrough in Security Monitoring.
By Glenn Ambler
Existing security monitoring methods are not robust enough to safeguard complex Critical National Infrastructure (CNI). Recognising this gap, our expert team embarked on an ambitious project to develop a ground-breaking solution: the Critical Infrastructure Secure Operations Centre (CI-SOC).
The Imperative for Enhanced Security
The need for CI-SOC stems from the critical vulnerabilities present in current cloud-based security solutions. Traditional security monitoring services, designed for standard corporate IT environments, lack the specialised focus required for CNI. An example of a requirement for CI-SOC might be a communication system carrying sensitive information for power grid networks affecting millions. CI-SOC provides a much-needed layer of security.
The Challenge of Using Traditional Security Monitoring Techniques
The existing models of security monitoring reveal several challenges:
- It’s not always possible to link the to Cloud-based SIEMs Focus on standard IT environments, ignoring the nuances of critical infrastructure.
- Potentially easy to misuse by employees, whether intentional or accidental.
- Dependence on pre-set rules set by the vendor that may not align with an organisation’s needs.
- A lack of validation for embedded threats in external less trusted data.
These weaknesses underscore the need for a more robust and tailored approach to security for critical infrastructures.
The Foundational Principles of CI-SOC
To address these challenges, we established a set of core principles to guide the development of CISOC:
- Remote Access by Default: Embracing modern work practices by ensuring primary remote access and remains robust so that the CI-SOC cannot be used as an attack vector.
- Maintaining Isolation: Isolating the critical systems under surveillance from other systems to prevent potential pathways for attacks.
- Targeted Monitoring: Linking monitoring objectives with the specific threats faced by the critical systems and clearly demonstrating direct business relationships.
- Data Exfiltration Prevention: Ensuring sensitive information remains secure by preventing data exfiltration.
- Vetting Third-Party Data: Thoroughly vetting third-party data to ensure its integrity.
- Independence from SaaS: Avoiding the vulnerabilities associated with SaaS models.
- Support for Multiple Clients: Ensuring the solution can support multiple end clients.
By adhering to these principles, CI-SOC offers a secure and flexible working environment for staff while meeting the stringent security controls required by critical infrastructure sectors.
Overcoming Challenges in Developing CI-SOC
Developing CISOC was challenging, including technological decisions, system integration, data quality, and usability. We navigated these uncertainties by iterating over system architecture, conducting comprehensive testing, and innovating on data validation and analyst workflows to create a viable, user-friendly solution.
A Team of Experts for a Complex Challenge
Our team, backed by decades of cybersecurity experience and recognition from the National Cyber Security Centre, leveraged their extensive knowledge and innovative thinking to develop CISOC.
CISOC: A Breakthrough in Secure Operations
CISOC represents a step change in security monitoring for Critical National Infrastructure. This service enhances the protection of core operations and ensures the security service is not a vulnerability.
By offering a more secure, reliable, and tailored approach to security monitoring, CISOC helps protect vital national interests.
Contact us to find out how we can help with a tailored approach to your security monitoring.
You may be interested to read our case studies here.
