The reconstruction of the country's strategic industries after infrastructure damage is an economic and national necessity; however, the speed of returning to production should not come at the expense of overlooking the security of equipment and the supply chain. Protection of critical infrastructure must begin at the procurement and supply stage and continue through installation, commissioning, and operation. In fact, reconstruction can only lead to increased production capacity and enhanced industrial resilience if safety, security, and technical considerations are taken into account from the outset of the process.
The Importance of Equipment Security Assessment
The explosion of pagers in Lebanon in September 2024 once again drew attention to the importance of supply chain security. This event reminds us of the necessity to examine the authenticity, origin, and integrity of equipment; although it does not in itself justify the tampering of imported equipment used in Iranian industries. The significance of this issue is even greater for precision, communication, automation, and industrial control equipment; where disruptions in operation or unauthorized access can affect safety, production continuity, and the performance of infrastructure, depending on the type of application and level of sensitivity.
Development of a Comprehensive Security Assessment Guideline
In strategic industries, security assessment should not be limited to a superficial examination of equipment, purchase documents, or general certifications. The authenticity of components, the credibility of the manufacturer, traceability of the supply chain, transportation and storage conditions, and compliance of the delivered product's technical specifications with the initial order must all be examined according to the sensitivity level of the equipment. Additionally, equipment should also be assessed post-installation regarding performance, security settings, and compliance with operational requirements. Such an approach can reduce the likelihood of non-compliant equipment or those with unidentified vulnerabilities entering the system.
The "Operational Technology Security" guide from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), with ID NIST SP 800-82 Rev. 3 and published in 2023, emphasizes identifying threats and vulnerabilities in industrial systems and implementing protective measures commensurate with the level of risk. The country's Passive Defense Organization is expected to prioritize the development and issuance of a comprehensive security assessment guideline for sensitive equipment used in reconstruction, in collaboration with ministries, responsible agencies, and operators of strategic industries.
Reconstruction of vital industries presents an opportunity to enhance the security and resilience of the country's infrastructure. Leveraging this opportunity requires that security assessment becomes an integral part of the procurement, installation, and operational processes. Preventing potential hazards should begin before equipment enters the operational cycle; as rapid reconstruction is essential, but secure reconstruction is a strategic necessity.
