We propose a new methodology for obtaining a quantitative measurement of the risk reduction achieved when a control system is modified with the intent to improve cyber security defense against external attackers. The proposed methodology employs a directed graph called a compromise graph, where the nodes represent stages of a potential attack and the edges represent the expected time-to-compromise for differing attacker skill levels. Time-to-compromise is modeled as a function of known vulnerabilities and attacker skill level. The methodology was used to calculate risk reduction estimates for a specific SCADA system and for a specific set of control system security remedial actions. Despite an 86% reduction in the total number of vulnerabilities, the estimated time-to-compromise was increased only by about 3 to 30% depending on target and attacker skill level.
Citation:
Miles A. McQueen, Wayne F. Boyer, Mark A. Flynn, George A. Beitel, "Quantitative Cyber Risk Reduction Estimation Methodology for a Small SCADA Control System," hicss, vol. 9, pp.226, Proceedings of the 39th Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences (HICSS'06) Track 9, 2006