Assumption #3

By cliangNo Comments
DO NOT ACROOS - implicitly applied to vehicles only When we develop written directive, there might be chance that certain elements are assumed and be implicit. It is essential to engage stakeholders, listen to feedbacks and address opinions rather than dictate what should be done. If you do, you deem to be failed to develop a good policy. ...
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Taxonomy #2

By cliangNo Comments
I have seen cybersecurity directive regarding applicability is to protect OT (Operational Technology) system so as to minimize cyber attacks to energy production. Renewable energy like solar panel or consumer grade wind turbine at household are producing energy with certain OT systems for control. Unfortunately, that organization also markets these equipment. Confusion arises if these OT systems should be under the same set of protection principles unless a precise specific taxonomy is specified in the directive. ...
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Taxonomy

By cliangNo Comments
In policy development, it is essential the coverage of the rule is sufficient and precise to avoid ambiguity. A living creature could be animals, birds, fishes, reptiles and human beings for full coverage. A targeted group might be stipulated as non-human living creatures, or even specific as reptiles when certain situations need more precision. Policy maker needs to understand clearly the scenario when formulating the directive just right in meeting practical implementation. ...
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Policy #7

By cliangNo Comments
The illustrated directive is unclear. Drone, also known as unmanned aerial vehicle, has different form factors. If the sign comes without the icon, then it's pretty clear. With the icon there, it becomes only this type of drone is not allowed. This happens exactly in typical policy statement for network connection where cybersecurity practitioners have implicit assumptions. The issue has been elaborated in earlier blog for network connection. In nutshell, the precise directive is to secure the network with the appropriate controls of layer 3 to layer 7 data flow. ...
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Policy #6

By cliangNo Comments
What and when are allowed? Common pitfalls in writing policies (written directives) are: Embedded assumption by the author that is unknown to other readersFailed to provide clarityMost importantly, failed to listen feedback for adjustment We are hired to make professional judgment. We must not be fraid to challenge if the written directive is clear enough, not just because it has been approved by senior management. We also need to admit policy statement is never 100% perfect as the business environment is changing. An interesting example is the power energy sector. No doubt the power plant and grid are the Critical Infrastructure (CI) assets to secure from cyber-attack in order to maintain reliable supply to customers or comply with regulatory requirements. But we must not forget there are other sources like renewable energy that the "plant" is just a customer own installation outside the CI. How should the policy statement be precise enough to differentiate the cyber protection requirement will be a tough job....
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Governance #2

By cliangNo Comments
Successful cybersecurity posture in an organization requires effective cyber protection of its cyber assets. There is a broad interpretation on cyber protection. In certain extreme cases, people put focus on technical controls and how are these controls implemented sometimes down to specific technology brand name or even model per personal preference. This doesn't hurt as long as Providing transparency on the rationale of the chosen technology vendorPublishing the standard for reference rather than hiding inside one's mindFacilitating end users to procure those specific brandsCommunicating with Teams involved to raise awareness of the requirement That said, it falls into one of the organization governance roles as cybersecurity standarization. The merits are reducing learning curve to manage the control, partnership with vendor for better support and purchase discount, technology roadmap and life cycle management. Like any other tools, it is subject to misuse and then resulting into internal politics. ...
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Defeated Control

By cliangNo Comments
Detective control is blocked (defeated) When designing security controls, it is necessary to determine if the controls can be executed effectively. Somehow due to unexpected situation, controls are defeated. To avoid this pitfall, holistic assessment is required during: Design stage if intended control function is effective without being circumvented, the design effectiveness reviewO&M stage if the control can be operated as per design, the operation effectiveness review The entire life cycle of digital solution shall be: Identify the business value at initiation such that necessary and optimal controls are in place to minimize the business impact; this acts as procurement requirementDetermine proposed controls during design if they are effective and if not, develop necessary compensating controls. A typical example is the guard patrol to validate if CCTV are still operating properlyValidate controls before system goes live; rectify any deviations in the deployed solution from designAssess if controls are effective to combat new threats during O&M regularlyDispose controls securely at retirement of the digital...
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Proper Usage

By cliangNo Comments
Roads connect different destinations in physical world. Every road user (vehicle or any kind, pedestrian or live objects) has to comply with the usage rule for safety. Network connects different hosts or systems as cyber world. Similarly, there are also rules that every user (device, human) must follow to become cyber safe. Even if you are using the information processing facility without any network connection, say a totally isolated computer, you also need to bear the same in mind. This is because it is a usage habit such that you adopt consistently. Like driving habit, you apply the same attitude no matter for work or for leisure. ...
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Connection

By cliang1 Comment
The cyber world is built up by connecting different systems and devices via information highway. Therefore, the key cybersecurity element is to establish the perimeter. In physical world, port control is the location perimeter. You need to go thru immigration, bag scanning at custom before you and your accompanied goods are permitted for entry. Some countries also require going thru immigration before exit. This is easily visualized. In cyber world, controls at the network perimeter will need precise directives (or policies) such that adding new components or functions shall comply with the rules accordingly. That said, the policy must be precise. Most often, "connection" is unclear and need clarity. Using ISO 7 layer concept, network cables are always physically connected to the network devices. For certain cases if network based IPS or IDS is deployed, it will need collecting mirrored traffic from all over the network devices even if these network segments are zoned by design. ...
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Sense of Security

By cliangNo Comments
This is largely based on preception and trust. How do I trust if the infrastructure or system is secure? We need to look at these core elements: Any regulatory mandate in this industry sector? Pick public transportation as example, mandatory insurance coverage, regular inspection for license renewal, periodic operator training, compliance with safety regulations etc.How well is the service provider doing among peers? Let's say, the type and severity or incidents of this provider in past years among others, rating from customer reviews and comments.How does the service provider demonstrate what has been done to secure? Common examples are personal data handling transparency via the published privacy policy, alert end user on login from other rare locations, security tips in their official portal, committed service level pledge. All the above are applied in both the physical and cyber worlds. ...
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