Which type of assessment uses tools to discover devices and vulnerabilities of the Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS)?

An active assessment is characterized by its proactive approach to identifying vulnerabilities and assessing the security posture of Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS). This type of assessment often involves tools and techniques that interact directly with networked devices and systems to uncover potential weaknesses and vulnerabilities within the infrastructure. By employing methods such as penetration testing, network scanning, and real-time analysis, an active assessment allows security professionals to simulate attack scenarios, thereby providing a detailed view of the system's defense mechanisms and potential areas of exploitation.

In the context of IACS, this approach is particularly valuable as it enables the detection of not just static vulnerabilities but also the dynamic aspects of system security, such as real-time threats and anomalous behavior. This hands-on method is effective in ensuring that all components of the Industrial Control Systems (ICS) are evaluated for potential risks, allowing for timely remediation actions before any actual breaches can occur.

Passive assessments, while useful in their own right, typically involve collecting and analyzing data without direct interaction with the systems being evaluated. This can result in a less comprehensive view of vulnerabilities as it may miss critical insights that active measures would uncover. Gap assessments focus on identifying differences between current practices and desired security standards, which is more strategic and less hands-on. Cyber risk