Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Industrial penetration testing: How can it help you identify and correct your weaknesses?
Hackmosphere - Booth E367
In the complex world of industrial systems, security is a crucial priority. Have you ever considered the potential vulnerabilities that could compromise the robustness of your infrastructure? That's what we'll explore in this blog post. But before that, imagine:
“An electronics component manufacturing plant. Everything seems to be working normally until an operator notices an unusual alert on the SCADA system. Unbeknownst to him, malware has infiltrated the network via a machine connected to the IT network. Within hours, the automated systems slow down production and cause defects in the finished products. After investigation, the source of the problem is identified: an unpatched vulnerability in a firewall, which could have been detected during a penetration test.”
I. Introduction to penetration testing and its application in an industrial setting
Imagine a cybersecurity expert deploying a suite of sophisticated tests to assess the resilience of your system. This is precisely where penetration testing comes in, essential for identifying and neutralizing vulnerabilities that could jeopardize your industrial IT infrastructure. Let's delve into the fascinating world of penetration testing, into the depths of your industrial IT system.
Cybersecurity in industrial networks
When it comes to the security of industrial systems, it is essential to understand that these environments have unique characteristics compared to traditional networks. Indeed, industrial networks are more difficult to protect, particularly because there are many operational constraints that make updates very challenging. Furthermore, the priority in industrial networks is not data confidentiality but machine availability, adding another obstacle to cybersecurity.
The consequences of a successful attack can be devastating, ranging from lost production to significant physical damage, and even risks to employee safety. Furthermore, businesses are increasingly reliant on their IT infrastructure to ensure their daily operations and competitiveness. However, this increased dependence also exposes these businesses to a growing risk of cyberattacks.
The specifics of penetration testing in an industrial environment – The Purdue model
The Purdue model [External Link] is an architecture commonly used in industrial settings to segment networks into three main levels:
- IT Level (Enterprise) – Levels 4 & 5: Administrative Management.
- OT Level (Workshops) – Levels 3 & 2/3: Supervisory and control systems.
- ICS (Industrial Control) Level – Levels 1 & 2: Automation and critical equipment.
Penetration testing in an industrial environment aims to identify potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious attackers. This primarily involves assessing the resilience of the industrial network to intrusion attempts from the outside.
It is therefore essential to understand how an attacker might attempt to access the industrial network from the IT network or from outside the company, and what security measures are in place to prevent it.
The vulnerabilities that could be identified may be technical in nature, such as software or hardware vulnerabilities, or they may result from human errors, such as weak passwords or misconfiguration of the network.
II. Pentest Methodology in an Industrial Information System
Penetration testing in an industrial information system typically follows a well-defined methodology to ensure accurate and reliable results. This methodology includes several key steps:
- Information gathering: Experts collect information on the target industrial system, including its architecture, hardware and software components, and communication protocols.
- Vulnerability analysis: Experts analyze the various potential vulnerabilities of the industrial system using specialized tools and advanced techniques.
- Vulnerability exploitation: Once vulnerabilities are identified, experts attempt to exploit them to gain access to the industrial system or its sensitive data. Because industrial systems are very fragile, this step is not always carried out within them, but rather in other networks of the target organization.
- Report and recommendations: at the end of the penetration test, a detailed report is usually provided, highlighting the identified vulnerabilities, associated risks and recommendations to strengthen system security.
Pentest methodologies specific to industrial systems
Here are the steps we take to ensure reliable results. As mentioned earlier, these industrial systems are very sensitive, and we must exercise great care. Here is our methodology at Hackmosphere:
- Industrial-oriented organizational audit: enabling the identification of weaknesses in the industrial network as a whole, including the identification of machines with dual ownership (access to both the OT and IT networks) and the existing architecture compared to the Purdue model
- Firewall configuration review: allowing verification of the traffic flows authorized to enter or leave the industrial network
- IT Pentest: aiming to take control of the firewall or dual-owned machines
- Pentest OT: Once all other points have been addressed, we try to proceed very cautiously and in close collaboration with the client.
Examples of vulnerabilities in the industrial network
A penetration test based on this model assesses security at each level and the interactions between them. Here's how it can help identify certain vulnerabilities:
- IT/OT Convergence: The increasing interconnection between IT (traditional networks) and OT (industrial systems) exposes industrial systems to threats from IT environments, such as ransomware or phishing.
- Insecure protocols: Many industrial protocols (Modbus, DNP3, etc.) do not encrypt communications. A penetration tester can exploit this weakness to intercept or manipulate critical data, such as commands to PLCs.
- Uncontrolled access: Critical equipment (PLC, HMI) can sometimes be exposed to default interfaces (password "admin") or via unused open ports, facilitating unauthorized access.
- Missing updates: Industrial systems, often outdated, cannot apply security patches, leaving known vulnerabilities exploitable.
- Inadequate access audits: Misconfigured user rights allow employees or internal attackers to modify sensitive systems.
A pentest based on the Purdue model highlights these vulnerabilities, helping to define a robust security strategy, including segmentation, patch management, and proactive monitoring.
A striking and real-world example of an attack on an industrial system is the Stuxnet virus. This malware, designed to sabotage centrifuges at Iranian nuclear facilities, exploited specific vulnerabilities in SCADA systems. It demonstrated how malicious software can infiltrate isolated networks via infected USB drives and disrupt critical equipment. This attack underscores the crucial importance of penetration testing to detect such vulnerabilities before they are exploited.
III. Analysis of results and recommendations
Once the penetration test is complete, the results must be analyzed in detail to understand the identified vulnerabilities and assess their potential impact on the overall security of the industrial system. This analysis also helps determine the necessary corrective measures to strengthen system security. Recommendations based on the results analysis may include actions such as updating software (if possible), modifying network configurations, strengthening passwords, or adding new security layers to protect the system against future attacks.
Best practices and advice for strengthening the security of industrial information systems (IS)
To strengthen the security of an industrial information system, it is essential to follow certain best practices and advice:
- Since industrial networks are very difficult to protect, it is essential to protect all systems with external access as effectively as possible.
- Whenever possible, regularly update the software used in the industrial system to apply available security patches.
- Use strong and unique passwords for all accounts in the industrial system.
- Restrict physical access to industrial system equipment by implementing appropriate access controls
- Implement continuous monitoring of the industrial system to quickly detect any suspicious activity or attempted intrusion.
IV. Conclusion and Perspectives
In this article, we explored the fascinating world of penetration testing in industrial systems. We saw how this proactive assessment method can help identify vulnerabilities that could compromise the security of an industrial information system. By following the best practices and advice mentioned, you can strengthen the security of your industrial information system and protect your business against modern threats.
Industrial systems are increasingly targeted by malicious attackers, making the protection of these infrastructures all the more crucial. By using methodologies and tools specific to industrial penetration testing, you can assess your system's resilience to attacks and take the necessary steps to strengthen its security. By following best practices and recommended guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of successful attacks against your industrial information system.
Do you want to test the security of your industrial information system? Contact Hackmosphere For a personalized audit and to secure your critical infrastructure.