The unique requirements of manufacturing environments and the prevalence of static IP configurations present distinct challenges for ensuring strong network security, while meeting the operational requirements.
In this blog post, we will discuss i) reasons for the the prevalence of Static IP Configurations in industrial networking, ii) some of the drawbacks of DHCP-based Network Security in industrial networks, and iii) a few capabilities and benefits of implementing a network-agnostic Edge Microsegmentation security solution like Byos for these types of networks.
The use of static IP configurations are common in industrial networks for several reasons:
Industrial environments require consistent and reliable communication between devices to ensure smooth operation of processes and equipment. Static IP configurations provide predictable IP addresses for devices, making it easier to manage and maintain network communication without unexpected changes or disruptions.
Many industrial networks still utilize legacy systems and devices that were designed before the widespread adoption of DHCP. These devices may not support DHCP or have limited compatibility, making static IP configurations a necessary choice for their operation.
Industrial networks often have a simpler topology compared to enterprise networks and often are changed less frequently. Using static IP configurations can simplify network management in such environments, as it allows for easier documentation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of the network.
In industrial networks, real-time communication between devices is often critical. Static IP configurations eliminate the potential delay that can be introduced during the DHCP lease acquisition and renewal process, ensuring consistent low-latency communication between devices.
Static IP configurations can provide a basic level of access control and security by allowing network administrators to define which devices are permitted on the network. By assigning specific IP addresses to known devices, unauthorized devices can be more easily detected and prevented from accessing the network.
However, it's important to note that static IP configurations can also introduce challenges in terms of scalability, management, and security. As industrial networks continue to evolve and adopt modern technologies, such as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), more dynamic and adaptive network management approaches, including DHCP, may become increasingly necessary. In such cases, it's important to implement appropriate security measures and management practices to maintain the reliability and security of the industrial network.
DHCP has a number of advantages over static IP use:
The use of DHCP can provide some operational benefits like reduced administrative workload, centralized management and control. However, since most Operational Technology like Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and SCADA systems in Industrial Networks still rely on static IP addressing, DHCP-based security solutions still have limited effectiveness.
Here are some ways DHCP use in industrial networks can be exploited:
Many ICS and legacy systems were designed before DHCP became widely adopted, resulting in a lack of native support for the protocol. These systems rely on static IP addresses for their deterministic behavior, crucial for maintaining real-time communication and control within the industrial environment, meaning DHCP-based security leaves gaps in protection of OT networks.
The evolution of industrial networks from static IPs to DHCP has brought about increased scalability and flexibility. However, this shift has also introduced challenges in troubleshooting and resolving mismatched addressing structures and duplicate IP assignments. As networks grew in size and complexity, identifying conflicts became increasingly difficult, making it almost impossible to undertake massive architectural projects to redesign the addressing scheme. Instead, network administrators rely on patchwork solutions and workarounds, such as meticulous documentation, strict IP assignment policies, and network monitoring tools. While DHCP offers benefits, the complexities and dependencies within industrial networks make complete overhauls challenging.
Modern industrial networks should not be limited by the underlying networking architecture. The key question to be addressed is “How do I secure my industrial network when I have both DHCP and Static IP devices?” Byos provides a solution that protects any IP-based underlying network architecture that scales across a worldwide network of assets, while bringing consistency and simplicity to how the network is administered by plant-floor network engineering teams. The key aspects of our Byos’ Edge Microsegmentation Solution for Industrial Networks include:
As the landscape of industrial networking continues to evolve, it is essential for manufacturing environments to adopt security solutions that address the unique challenges associated with the use of both static IP and DHCP. To learn more about how implementing Byos improves the security, management, and scalability of your network, start a conversation here.