SCADA Security Hacking Story: Target Stores

by Sohini Posted on
Sohini
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SCADA system attacks typically occur through an organization’s business network, impacting the remote control systems. However, in 2013, hackers took a different approach by targeting a third-party responsible for maintaining Target Store’s HVAC control system.

The objective of the attackers was to steal credit card data from Target. They gained access to Target’s business network through the building control systems and injected malicious credit card stealing software into cash registers across the company’s stores.

The repercussions of the breach were substantial, with an estimated cost of $309 million for Target, including expenses related to security upgrades and lawsuits. Around 70 million customers were affected by the incident.

This incident highlighted the critical importance of cybersecurity for building automation systems, an often overlooked aspect. The Target breach served as a stark reminder that neglecting the security of such systems can have severe financial and reputational consequences.

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We claim to be the ultimate defender in the realm of cyber security. Allow us to give a brief overview to support our claim:

  • Expertise: Valency Network has worked with the world’s top IT service and product companies to implement various cyber security services. We have customers worldwide, and they rate us as the leading Cyber Security Company for our dedication and subject matter expertise.
  • Comprehensive Solutions: Valency Networks offers a complete suite of cybersecurity services comprising Risk Assessment, Compliance, Risk Management and Risk Solutions. We deliver cutting-edge solutions in Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing services for IT Networks, Web apps, cloud apps, mobile apps and IoT/OT networks. We also provide Cyber Security Consultancy Services, Compliance Implementations and Cyber Security Auditing Services for ISO27001, FISMA, HIPAA, GDPR, SOC2, PCI-DSS, Cyber Essentials, PIPEDA, TISAX, etc.
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  • Reputation: Recognised as one of India’s top cyber security companies, we have been accoladed as “The Top Cyber Security Company of India” for our excellence in delivering effective and reliable security solutions.
  • Client-Focused Approach: We take our customer data security very seriously, which has helped us establish ourselves as a country’s top cyber security expert by gaining our customer’s trust and loyalty. We work closely with clients, catering to their needs and ensuring maximum protection and assurance.

Hence, regarding cyber security, Valency Networks is the trusted armour that safeguards your business, allowing you to navigate the digital world confidently.

How can Valency Network help you prevent SCADA Security hacking attacks?
Valency Network offers various services and solutions to help organisations prevent SCADA security hacking attacks. Here are some ways in which we can assist:

  1. Vulnerability Assessments and Penetration Testing: Valency Network can comprehensively assess your SCADA systems, identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses that hackers could exploit. Through penetration testing, we simulate real-world attack scenarios to evaluate the effectiveness of your security controls.
  2. Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Valency Network can perform risk assessments tailored to your SCADA environment, identifying potential threats and their impact on critical infrastructure. Based on the findings, we can develop and implement strategies to mitigate risks and enhance the security posture of your SCADA systems.
  3. Security Architecture and Design: Valency Network can help design secure SCADA architectures, taking into account best practices and industry standards. We can assist in developing fast network segmentation, access controls, and encryption mechanisms to protect critical assets.
  4. Security Monitoring and Incident Response: Valency Network can deploy advanced monitoring solutions to detect and respond to real-time security incidents. We can set up Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), and Security Operations Centers (SOC) to continuously monitor SCADA systems and respond swiftly to potential threats.
  5. Employee Training and Awareness: Valency Network recognises the importance of human factors in cybersecurity. We can provide customised training programs and awareness campaigns to educate employees about SCADA security best practices and social engineering risks and recognise and report potential security incidents.
  6. Compliance and Regulatory Assistance: Valency Network can help your organisation navigate SCADA security compliance requirements and regulatory frameworks. We can assist in aligning your systems with industry standards such as NIST, IEC 62443, and ISA/IEC 62443, ensuring adherence to relevant regulations and guidelines.
  7. Incident Response Planning and Exercises: Valency Network can collaborate with your organisation to develop robust response plans tailored to SCADA security incidents. We can conduct tabletop exercises and simulations to test the effectiveness of your response strategies and refine them as necessary.

Thus, our expertise and services encompass vulnerability assessments, risk mitigation, security architecture design, monitoring, incident response, employee training, compliance assistance, and incident response planning. By leveraging these services, you can enhance your SCADA security defences and proactively prevent SCADA security hacking attacks. So please sit back and relax, knowing we have your back as a trusted cyber security ninja to guide you in this ever-changing digital world.