ICS Hacking 101
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Build Your ICS Home Lab

Setting up an Industrial Control System (ICS) home lab is an excellent way to gain hands-on experience with ICS security. This guide will help you create a safe, virtualized environment for learning and experimentation.

Lab Components

Virtual Machines
Set up VMs to simulate different components of an ICS network.
Beginner

Recommended Tools:

  • VirtualBox
  • VMware Workstation
SCADA Software
Install and configure SCADA software for monitoring and control.
Intermediate

Recommended Tools:

  • Ignition Maker Edition
  • OpenSCADA
PLC Emulators
Use software to emulate Programmable Logic Controllers.
Intermediate

Recommended Tools:

  • OpenPLC
  • Modbus Simulator
HMI Software
Set up Human-Machine Interface software for visualization.
Intermediate

Recommended Tools:

  • Ignition Perspective
  • Wonderware InTouch HMI
Network Simulation
Create a virtual network to simulate ICS communication.
Advanced

Recommended Tools:

  • GNS3
  • Cisco Packet Tracer
Security Tools
Install essential security tools for testing and analysis.
Advanced

Recommended Tools:

  • Wireshark
  • Nmap
  • Metasploit

Essential Tools for Your ICS Home Lab

Virtualization

Software for creating and managing virtual machines.

VirtualBox

Free and open-source hypervisor for x86 computers.

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VMware Workstation Player

Free virtualization software for personal use.

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SCADA and HMI

Software for monitoring, control, and visualization of industrial processes.

Ignition Maker Edition

Free version of Ignition SCADA software for non-commercial use.

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OpenSCADA

Open-source SCADA system.

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Wonderware InTouch HMI

Industry-standard HMI software (trial version available).

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PLC Emulation

Software for simulating Programmable Logic Controllers.

OpenPLC

Open-source PLC runtime and development environment.

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Modbus Simulator

Tool for simulating Modbus devices.

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Network Simulation

Tools for creating virtual networks and simulating network traffic.

GNS3

Graphical Network Simulator for complex networks.

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Cisco Packet Tracer

Network simulation tool (free for educational use).

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Security Tools

Essential tools for security testing and analysis.

Wireshark

Network protocol analyzer for packet capture and analysis.

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Nmap

Network discovery and security auditing tool.

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Metasploit Framework

Penetration testing framework (use responsibly and legally).

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Protocol Analysis

Tools for analyzing and testing industrial protocols.

Wireshark ICS Protocols Dissectors

Plugins for Wireshark to analyze ICS-specific protocols.

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ICS Protocol Fuzzer

Tool for fuzzing ICS protocols to identify vulnerabilities.

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Vulnerability Assessment

Tools for identifying and assessing vulnerabilities in ICS environments.

Nessus

Vulnerability scanner with ICS-specific plugins (free for home use).

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OpenVAS

Open-source vulnerability scanner and manager.

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Industrial Network Monitoring

Tools for monitoring and analyzing industrial network traffic.

SecurityMatters SilentDefense

Network monitoring and threat detection platform for ICS/SCADA networks (demo available).

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Grassmarlin

Open-source ICS network situational awareness tool.

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ICS Specific Exploitation Frameworks

Frameworks designed for testing ICS-specific vulnerabilities.

SMOD

Modbus Penetration Testing Framework.

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ISF (Industrial Security Framework)

Exploitation framework for Industrial Control Systems.

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ICS Security Training Platforms

Platforms providing hands-on ICS security training scenarios.

CyberCity

SANS Institute's virtual city for cybersecurity training (paid).

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Georgia Tech's Cyber-Physical Systems Security Lab

Academic lab providing ICS security training resources.

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Setting Up Your Lab

  1. Plan Your Architecture: Decide on the components you want to include in your lab. Start small and expand as you learn.
  2. Set Up Virtualization: Install VirtualBox or VMware to create virtual machines for your lab components.
  3. Install SCADA Software: Choose a SCADA platform and set it up on a dedicated VM.
  4. Configure PLC Emulators: Install and configure PLC emulation software to simulate industrial controllers.
  5. Set Up HMI: Install HMI software and create basic interfaces for your simulated processes.
  6. Network Configuration: Use virtual networking to connect your VMs and simulate an ICS network.
  7. Add Security Tools: Install and familiarize yourself with essential security tools for ICS environments.
  8. Test and Learn: Start with basic scenarios and gradually increase complexity as you learn.

Lab Exercises

Try these exercises to get hands-on experience with your ICS Home Lab. Mark them as complete as you progress through your learning journey.

Set Up a Virtual PLC
Incomplete
Learn how to set up and configure a virtual Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) using OpenPLC.
Beginner

Steps:

  1. Install VirtualBox on your computer
  2. Download the OpenPLC virtual machine image
  3. Import the OpenPLC VM into VirtualBox
  4. Start the VM and access the OpenPLC web interface
  5. Create a simple ladder logic program
  6. Upload and run the program on the virtual PLC

Expected Outcome:

A functioning virtual PLC running a basic ladder logic program.

Implement Modbus Communication
Incomplete
Set up Modbus communication between a virtual PLC and a SCADA system.
Intermediate

Steps:

  1. Set up OpenPLC as the Modbus server
  2. Install and configure a Modbus client (e.g., Modbus Poll)
  3. Configure Modbus registers in OpenPLC
  4. Establish communication between the client and server
  5. Read and write values to/from the PLC using the Modbus client

Expected Outcome:

Successful Modbus communication between a virtual PLC and a Modbus client application.

Perform a Basic Security Assessment
Incomplete
Conduct a simple security assessment of your virtual ICS environment.
Advanced

Steps:

  1. Install and set up Nmap in a separate VM
  2. Perform a network scan to identify devices and open ports
  3. Use Wireshark to capture and analyze ICS protocol traffic
  4. Attempt to identify potential vulnerabilities in the setup
  5. Document your findings and propose security improvements

Expected Outcome:

A basic security report highlighting potential vulnerabilities and improvement areas in your ICS lab setup.

Safety and Legal Considerations

When setting up and using your ICS home lab, keep the following in mind:

  • Never connect your lab to real industrial equipment or production networks.
  • Ensure your lab network is isolated from your home network and the internet.
  • Use only legally obtained software and respect all licensing agreements.
  • Practice responsible disclosure if you discover vulnerabilities in the software you're using.
  • Be aware of local laws and regulations regarding cybersecurity testing and tools.

Why Build an ICS Home Lab?

  • Gain hands-on experience with ICS components
  • Experiment with security tools in a safe environment
  • Develop and test ICS security strategies
  • Enhance your resume with practical skills
  • Prepare for ICS security certifications

Resources

Ready to Start Your ICS Security Journey?

Explore Our ICS Security Courses