Block Operational Technology Message

Adversaries may block messages between systems and devices in an OT/ICS environment to disrupt processes. Messages typically fall into two categories: (1) reporting messages that contain telemetry data about the current state of systems, devices, and processes and (2) command messages that contain instructions to control systems, devices, and processes. Both types of messages are critical for the proper functioning of industrial control processes and failure of the messages to reach their intended destinations could inhibit response functions or create an unsafe condition that could have physical impacts. Adversaries may block communications by either making modifications to software (System Firmware, Module Firmware, Hooking, and Rootkit) and services (Service Stop, Denial of Service) on systems and devices or by positioning themselves between systems and devices and intercepting and blocking the communications such as the case with an Adversary-in-the-Middle attack.