Feb 06, 2024
Cyber-Physical Systems Security for Semiconductor Industries
In the semiconductor industry, where precision and reliability are paramount, TXOne Networks delivers an indispensable layer of protection against cyber threats. Our Cyber-Physical Systems Security solutions are meticulously designed to safeguard your critical manufacturing equipment and industrial production networks.
The Cyber-Physical Systems Security Challenge in Semiconductor Industries
Semiconductor factories, often referred to as fabs, epitomize the pinnacle of modern engineering. These plants rank among the world’s most sophisticated manufacturing facilities, merging cutting-edge technology with stringent environmental protocols, high automation, and brisk innovation cycles. Precision in semiconductor manufacturing is essential, down to the atomic level. The creation of microchips involves intricate processes such as photolithography, etching, and chemical vapor deposition. These procedures demand exceptional precision to ensure the final product’s functionality and reliability. This exacting attention to detail necessitates the deployment of advanced equipment and meticulous controls, thereby significantly amplifying the complexity of industrial security.
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Supply Chain Threats
In the intricate web of supply chains, cybersecurity is only as robust as its weakest link. This interdependence presents significant risks, particularly when some suppliers lack effective cybersecurity measures. Such vulnerabilities can compromise the entire network, making it imperative for all players in the chain to fortify their cyber defenses.
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Zero Impact Security
In the fast-paced world of semiconductor production, security measures must not hinder operational efficiency. Industry frontrunners emphasize automation to minimize human error and maintain seamless operations. This automation requires that cyber defenses be held to the highest standard, ensuring that even the most complex wafer fabrication processes are protected without compromising productivity.
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Managing Long Equipment Lifecycles
With equipment lifespans extending beyond 20 years, many semiconductor factories operate with legacy systems vulnerable to cyber threats due to outdated operating systems. These systems often miss critical security updates and patches as they reach end-of-life (EOL) status, increasing their exposure to cyber risks as new vulnerabilities emerge.
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Industrial Network Complexity
The vast interconnectedness that characterizes modern industrial networks, while promoting efficiency, also introduces significant security risks. Insecure network connections can provide attackers with pathways to infiltrate sensitive systems. This complexity not only demands advanced security solutions but also a proactive approach to monitoring and protecting these vital connections.
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Complex Patch Management
Patching assets within an operational environment presents significant challenges. Asset owners must navigate compatibility issues, schedule updates during narrow maintenance windows, and achieve consensus among stakeholders—all while ensuring compliance and avoiding disruptions to continuous production.
The Four Cornerstones of Securing High Automation in Semiconductor Foundries
In collaboration with industry leaders, cybersecurity specialists have developed a new management approach that applies the principle of OT zero trust throughout the asset lifecycle in semiconductor foundries. This method is predicated on eliminating inherent trust and assiduously verifying security at every potential threat entry point. This approach not only streamlines compliance with semiconductor industry best practices, but also addresses specific OT cybersecurity challenges, effectively safeguarding fab equipment against cyber threats.
1. Onboarding
Before an asset is shipped to a foundry, suppliers should scan each asset with an inspection tool that proves the equipment is malware-free. In the past, attackers have launched large-scale attacks and disrupted the supply chain by compromising assets prior to shipment. Similar to passing through customs on either side of an international flight, both the supplier and the asset owner must keep a record as they independently confirm device safety and security on their respective sides of the transaction.
2. Staging
Before delivering the assets to the wafer fab, the suppliers’ equipment should go through malicious software and vulnerability scans. Each asset should have a detailed asset inventory created to demonstrate that the equipment doesn’t have any malicious software, high-risk vulnerabilities, or unnecessary network services enabled.
3. Production
Factory managers must be prepared to combat various threats over the network created by attackers exploiting vulnerabilities. The key to network segregation lies in defining necessary or unnecessary communication based on asset attributes and segmenting the organization’s OT network into zones that are more defensible. For example: defining executable commands based on trustworthy industrial communication protocols, or determining which assets can communicate with each other based on specific IP policies. This strengthens the factory network’s access control, enhances packet analysis, and makes it more difficult for hackers to gather information or move within the factory network.
4. Maintenance
From the moment an asset is put into its intended production use, it begins to age and depreciate, and starts to undergo regular maintenance. This includes not just repairs, but also ongoing software configuration changes, system upgrades, and security updates to keep the asset in sync with the ever-changing factory floor. Sometimes, this is also necessary to comply with company security policies.
TXOne Networks Pioneers Sustainable Cybersecurity for Semiconductor Manufacturing
TXOne Networks plays a pivotal role in establishing a comprehensive asset lifecycle defense framework for semiconductor manufacturing and its supply chain. From the initial asset design stages, TXOne incorporates crucial cybersecurity measures to support modern smart factories. Their solutions suite addresses the protection needs of key semiconductor assets throughout their entire lifecycle. With advanced CPSDR (Cyber-Physical Systems Detection and Response) technology, TXOne meets industry demands for deep defense that ranges from process protection to facility security management. This strategic approach safeguards semiconductor facilities throughout the asset lifecycle.
Security Inspection
TXOne’s Element technology ensures asset integrity through rapid, installation-free scans of assets and devices. This method effectively protects air-gapped environments and enhances supply chain security.
Asset Management
TXOne’s ElementOne streamlines asset inspection and auditing, displaying scanner and Safe Port data on a dashboard with asset management capabilities. It organizes information, exports malware-free reports, and provides a detailed overview of assets, including type, OS, missing patches, total numbers, and critical vulnerabilities.
Multi-Method Threat Defense
TXOne's security defenses encompass pattern matching, configuration lockdown, and application use controls, collectively enhancing overall security coverage.
Cyber-Physical Systems Detection and Response
Stellar prevents unintended device alterations - such as malware, unauthorized access, and malicious modifications - by analyzing fingerprints at the device agent level, safeguarding operational stability.
Micro-Segmentation
TXOne Edge is a comprehensive industrial next generation firewall and IPS solution specifically engineered to segment OT networks from other environments or networks, whether it be through logical or physical means. Organizations can easily edit OT protocol trustlists with EdgeOne to enable interactive interoperability between key production assets and conduct in-depth analysis of L2-L7 networks by management group.
Holistic Visibility
SageOne plays a crucial role in enhancing the security posture of industrial and mission-critical environments by combining knowledge of protocols, network behavior, and physical asset characteristics. They contribute to the overall resilience and reliability of cyber-physical systems, ensuring secure and efficient interaction between the digital and physical realms.
Simplifying Compliance for Semiconductor Companies
The SEMI organization released two forward-looking cybersecurity standards in 2022: SEMI E187 and SEMI E188. Both pioneered modernization guidelines for an organization interested in securing semiconductor foundry operations, and we can soon expect to see them implemented across the semiconductor supply chain.
Recommended Practices & Standards
- Standards: Launched in 2022, SEMI E187 and SEMI E188 is the first global cybersecurity standard specifically for semiconductor equipment, addressing the integration of potentially compromised tools and maintenance lapses.
- Assessments: The growing impact of supply chain vulnerabilities has made security management a critical responsibility. The SEMI introduced the ‘SEMI Semiconductor Cybersecurity Risk Rating Service’ to help companies quickly identify and mitigate risks.
- Cybersecurity Architecture: To cope with increased smart production, SEMI proposed the ‘Cybersecurity Reference Architecture for Semiconductor Manufacturing Environment’ in 2023. This framework focuses on safeguarding both production lines and plant facilities, advocating for a unified defense strategy that does not compromise production efficiency while enhancing security.
Understanding the SEMI E187 and SEMI E188 relationship
Why the Semiconductor Industry Trusts TXOne Networks
TXOne Networks stands out as a trusted cybersecurity provider, with five of the top ten global semiconductor fabrication plants relying on their expertise to secure their cyber-physical systems. These plants depend on TXOne for the availability, integrity, and safety of their products, which are critical to societal well-being. Here’s why TXOne Networks is a leader:
1. Industry Influence
TXOne has a significant presence in the semiconductor industry, impacting all production stages from upstream to downstream.
2. Setting of Standards
TXOne has played a crucial role in developing cybersecurity standards such as SEMI E187, contributing extensively to guidelines that shape industry security practices.
3. Industry Engagement
As an active member of the Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI), SEMI Cybersecurity Consortium (SMCC) and the Taiwan SEMI cybersecurity committee, TXOne is at the forefront of cybersecurity discussions and developments.
4. Recognized Excellence
The company’s advanced cybersecurity platform has garnered over ten major awards, validating its effective use of the OT Zero Trust methodology for cyber-physical systems.
5. Broad Adoption
TXOne’s solutions are used by over 4,200 customers globally, including 350 large enterprises, underscoring its widespread acceptance and effectiveness.
“We are delighted to be one of the pioneering suppliers certified by SEMI E187. TXOne’s product design perfectly meets the demands of industrial control, allowing GPM to maintain high efficiency while achieving compliance.”Read the full story
Chungping Liu
Senior Director of IT at GPM
Make Your Next Move
Our Cyber-Physical Systems security solutions are meticulously designed to safeguard your critical manufacturing equipment and industrial production networks. Get in touch with our experts to find out why TXOne Networks is the right choice to secure your operational technology.
