ICS/OT Penetration Testing

In IT, confidentiality often comes first; in OT, safe and continuous operation is the priority. Legacy operating systems, unpatchable devices and weakly authenticated protocols such as Modbus, DNP3 and S7 are common. Even a routine network scan can disrupt a sensitive controller, so methods must be chosen carefully.

• Passive testing: Asset inventory, protocol usage and unencrypted communication are analyzed from a traffic copy (SPAN/TAP). No packets are sent to field devices.
• Active testing: Performed only on approved targets, at limited rates and with pre-agreed tools. For critical controllers we prefer a test bench, standby system or planned shutdown where possible.
• Configuration review: Firewall rules, remote access solutions and engineering workstations are assessed through documentation and interviews.

• IT/OT network segregation and zone/conduit design.
• Remote access and vendor connections.
• Engineering workstations, HMIs and historian servers.
• Industrial protocol security and the possibility of sending unauthorized commands.
• Asset inventory accuracy and visibility.

We map attack scenarios to MITRE ATT&CK for ICS techniques.

1. Kick-off: Critical assets and red lines are defined with process engineers and operations.
2. Rules of engagement and authorization: Test windows, stop procedure and contacts are documented in writing.
3. Passive analysis and configuration review are performed.
4. Controlled active testing is carried out on approved targets.
5. Reporting: Findings are mapped to IEC 62443 concepts with recommendations that respect operational constraints.

Operators of industrial control systems in energy, water, manufacturing, chemicals and food, and companies preparing for the cybersecurity requirements of regulators such as EPDK.

• Executive summary and operational risk assessment.
• Asset and communication map built from passive analysis.
• Evidence-backed findings with severity ratings.
• Compensating control recommendations where patching is not possible.
• Improvement roadmap for segmentation and remote access.