Encrypted email refers to the process of encoding the content of an email message to ensure that only authorized parties can read it. This involves using cryptographic algorithms to transform the readable message, or plaintext, into ciphertext, which is unreadable without a specific decryption key.
Understanding Encrypted Email in OT/IT Cybersecurity
In the context of OT/IT cybersecurity, encrypted email is a critical component of maintaining secure communications across networks, particularly in industrial, manufacturing, and critical environments where sensitive information is frequently transmitted. As organizations increasingly face sophisticated cyber threats, the need to safeguard communication channels has become paramount. Email encryption helps protect sensitive data from unauthorized access, data breaches, and other cyber threats.
Email encryption can be implemented through various methods, including Transport Layer Security (TLS), which encrypts emails in transit, and end-to-end encryption, which ensures that only the sender and the intended recipient can decrypt and read the message. Implementing these encryption methods can help organizations comply with cybersecurity standards and regulations, such as NIST 800-171, CMMC, and NIS2, which emphasize the protection of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and other sensitive data.
Relevance to Industrial, Manufacturing, and Critical Environments
In industrial and manufacturing settings, encrypted email is vital for protecting proprietary information, intellectual property, and sensitive operational data. For example, a manufacturing company might use encrypted email to securely share design specifications or production schedules with suppliers and partners. This ensures that such information is not intercepted or altered by malicious actors.
Critical infrastructure sectors, such as energy, water, and transportation, often rely on encrypted email to communicate securely between facilities and external partners. The use of email encryption helps prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information that, if compromised, could have severe implications for public safety and national security.
Standards and Compliance
NIST 800-171
The NIST 800-171 standard provides guidelines for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in non-federal systems and organizations. It emphasizes the importance of protecting the confidentiality of CUI, which can be achieved through secure communication practices, including encrypted email. Organizations adhering to NIST 800-171 must implement adequate protection measures for email communication to comply with these guidelines.
CMMC
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework is designed to ensure that contractors in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) sector protect sensitive information. Email encryption is a crucial aspect of achieving the necessary CMMC level by safeguarding communications involving sensitive government information.
NIS2 Directive
The NIS2 Directive aims to enhance the level of cybersecurity across the European Union. It requires organizations within critical sectors to implement appropriate security measures, including secure communication channels. Email encryption is an effective way to ensure compliance with NIS2 requirements, protecting sensitive data from interception and unauthorized access.
In Practice
Implementing encrypted email can be approached through various technologies and practices. Organizations might choose to use Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) for end-to-end encryption, where each user has a pair of cryptographic keys: a public key, shared with others to encrypt messages, and a private key, kept secret to decrypt messages. Alternatively, organizations might rely on secure email gateways to enforce TLS encryption, ensuring that emails are encrypted while in transit over the internet.
For example, an industrial company might implement a secure email gateway to automatically encrypt outgoing emails containing sensitive data, ensuring compliance with industry standards without requiring significant changes to user behavior. This approach can provide a seamless and user-friendly experience while maintaining a high level of security.
Related Concepts
- Transport Layer Security (TLS)
- Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
- Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
- Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
- Zero Trust Architecture