ot ics security

Implementing Dragos Platform for OT Monitoring

Deploy and configure the Dragos Platform for OT network monitoring, leveraging its 600+ industrial protocol parsers, intelligence-driven threat detection analytics, and asset visibility capabilities to protect ICS environments against threat groups like VOLTZITE, GRAPHITE, and BAUXITE.

dragosicsndrot-monitoringot-securityscadathreat-detectionthreat-intelligence
Install this skill
npx skills add mukul975/Anthropic-Cybersecurity-Skills
Framework mappings

When to Use

  • When deploying an OT-specific network detection and response (NDR) solution for industrial environments
  • When needing threat intelligence-driven detection against known ICS threat groups (VOLTZITE, CHERNOVITE, KAMACITE)
  • When building an OT SOC capability with purpose-built industrial security tooling
  • When requiring asset discovery and vulnerability management alongside threat detection in a single platform
  • When integrating OT security monitoring with an enterprise SIEM (Splunk, Sentinel, QRadar)

Do not use for IT-only network monitoring without ICS components, for endpoint detection and response (EDR) on OT workstations, or for environments standardized on Claroty or Nozomi (see respective skills).

Prerequisites

  • Dragos Platform license and deployment package
  • Network TAP or SPAN port at OT network boundaries (one sensor per monitored segment)
  • Dragos sensor hardware (physical appliance) or virtual appliance meeting minimum specifications
  • Firewall rules allowing sensor-to-Dragos-SiteStore communication (encrypted, outbound only from OT)
  • Dragos Knowledge Pack subscription for threat intelligence updates

Workflow

Step 1: Deploy Dragos Sensors and Configure Monitoring

#!/usr/bin/env python3
"""Dragos Platform Deployment Validator and Integration Tool.
 
Validates Dragos sensor deployment, checks connectivity, and
configures integration with enterprise SIEM for OT alert forwarding.
"""
 
import json
import sys
import csv
from datetime import datetime
from typing import Optional, List, Dict
 
try:
    import requests
except ImportError:
    print("Install requests: pip install requests")
    sys.exit(1)
 
 
class DragosPlatformManager:
    """Interface with Dragos Platform API for OT monitoring management."""
 
    def __init__(self, base_url: str, api_key: str, api_secret: str, verify_ssl: bool = True):
        self.base_url = base_url.rstrip("/")
        self.session = requests.Session()
        self.session.headers.update({
            "API-Key": api_key,
            "API-Secret": api_secret,
            "Content-Type": "application/json",
        })
        self.session.verify = verify_ssl
 
    def get_sensors(self) -> List[Dict]:
        """Retrieve all deployed Dragos sensors and their status."""
        resp = self.session.get(f"{self.base_url}/api/v1/sensors")
        resp.raise_for_status()
        return resp.json().get("sensors", [])
 
    def get_assets(self, asset_type: Optional[str] = None) -> List[Dict]:
        """Retrieve OT assets discovered by Dragos."""
        params = {}
        if asset_type:
            params["type"] = asset_type
        resp = self.session.get(f"{self.base_url}/api/v1/assets", params=params)
        resp.raise_for_status()
        return resp.json().get("assets", [])
 
    def get_notifications(self, severity: str = "high", limit: int = 50) -> List[Dict]:
        """Retrieve threat detection notifications."""
        params = {"min_severity": severity, "limit": limit}
        resp = self.session.get(f"{self.base_url}/api/v1/notifications", params=params)
        resp.raise_for_status()
        return resp.json().get("notifications", [])
 
    def get_vulnerabilities(self, severity: str = "critical") -> List[Dict]:
        """Retrieve OT vulnerabilities with Dragos-specific context."""
        params = {"min_severity": severity}
        resp = self.session.get(f"{self.base_url}/api/v1/vulnerabilities", params=params)
        resp.raise_for_status()
        return resp.json().get("vulnerabilities", [])
 
    def get_threat_groups(self) -> List[Dict]:
        """Retrieve tracked ICS threat group activity relevant to the environment."""
        resp = self.session.get(f"{self.base_url}/api/v1/threat-groups")
        resp.raise_for_status()
        return resp.json().get("threat_groups", [])
 
    def validate_deployment(self):
        """Validate sensor deployment health and coverage."""
        sensors = self.get_sensors()
        assets = self.get_assets()
 
        print(f"\n{'='*65}")
        print("DRAGOS PLATFORM DEPLOYMENT VALIDATION")
        print(f"{'='*65}")
        print(f"Validation Time: {datetime.now().isoformat()}")
 
        print(f"\n--- SENSOR STATUS ---")
        healthy_sensors = 0
        for sensor in sensors:
            status = sensor.get("status", "unknown")
            icon = "[OK]" if status == "connected" else "[!!]"
            print(f"  {icon} {sensor.get('name', 'Unknown')} | Status: {status}")
            print(f"      IP: {sensor.get('ip_address')} | Segment: {sensor.get('monitored_segment')}")
            print(f"      Last Seen: {sensor.get('last_seen')} | Packets/sec: {sensor.get('pps', 0)}")
            print(f"      Knowledge Pack: {sensor.get('knowledge_pack_version', 'N/A')}")
            if status == "connected":
                healthy_sensors += 1
 
        print(f"\n  Sensor Health: {healthy_sensors}/{len(sensors)} operational")
 
        print(f"\n--- ASSET VISIBILITY ---")
        print(f"  Total Assets Discovered: {len(assets)}")
        asset_types = {}
        for asset in assets:
            atype = asset.get("type", "Unknown")
            asset_types[atype] = asset_types.get(atype, 0) + 1
        for atype, count in sorted(asset_types.items(), key=lambda x: -x[1]):
            print(f"    {atype}: {count}")
 
        protocols = set()
        for asset in assets:
            protocols.update(asset.get("protocols", []))
        print(f"  Protocols Observed: {', '.join(sorted(protocols))}")
 
        print(f"\n--- THREAT INTELLIGENCE ---")
        groups = self.get_threat_groups()
        print(f"  Relevant Threat Groups: {len(groups)}")
        for group in groups:
            print(f"    - {group.get('name')}: {group.get('description', '')[:80]}")
            print(f"      Targets: {', '.join(group.get('target_sectors', []))}")
            print(f"      Activity Level: {group.get('activity_level', 'Unknown')}")
 
    def generate_siem_integration_config(self, siem_type: str = "splunk"):
        """Generate SIEM integration configuration for Dragos alerts."""
        configs = {
            "splunk": {
                "syslog_format": "CEF",
                "syslog_port": 514,
                "severity_mapping": {
                    "critical": 10,
                    "high": 7,
                    "medium": 5,
                    "low": 3,
                    "info": 1,
                },
                "index": "ot_security",
                "sourcetype": "dragos:notification",
                "fields": [
                    "notification_id", "severity", "category", "source_ip",
                    "destination_ip", "asset_name", "protocol", "description",
                    "mitre_ics_technique", "threat_group",
                ],
            },
            "sentinel": {
                "connector_type": "Syslog-CEF",
                "workspace_id": "<workspace-id>",
                "log_analytics_table": "DragosOTAlerts_CL",
                "severity_mapping": {
                    "critical": "High",
                    "high": "High",
                    "medium": "Medium",
                    "low": "Low",
                    "info": "Informational",
                },
            },
        }
 
        config = configs.get(siem_type, configs["splunk"])
        print(f"\n--- {siem_type.upper()} INTEGRATION CONFIG ---")
        print(json.dumps(config, indent=2))
        return config
 
 
if __name__ == "__main__":
    manager = DragosPlatformManager(
        base_url="https://dragos-sitestore.plant.local",
        api_key="your-api-key",
        api_secret="your-api-secret",
        verify_ssl=True,
    )
 
    manager.validate_deployment()
    manager.generate_siem_integration_config("splunk")
 
    print(f"\n--- RECENT HIGH-SEVERITY NOTIFICATIONS ---")
    notifications = manager.get_notifications(severity="high", limit=10)
    for n in notifications:
        print(f"  [{n.get('severity', '').upper()}] {n.get('title', 'No title')}")
        print(f"    Category: {n.get('category')} | Time: {n.get('timestamp')}")
        print(f"    Assets: {', '.join(n.get('affected_assets', []))}")
        print(f"    MITRE ICS: {n.get('mitre_technique', 'N/A')}")

Step 2: Configure Detection Analytics and Knowledge Packs

# Dragos Platform Detection Configuration
# Tuned for manufacturing/energy environment
 
detection_configuration:
  knowledge_pack:
    auto_update: true
    update_schedule: "weekly"
    include_threat_groups:
      - "VOLTZITE"    # Targets energy sector, exfiltrates OT diagrams
      - "GRAPHITE"    # New 2025 threat group targeting ICS
      - "BAUXITE"     # New 2025 threat group targeting ICS
      - "CHERNOVITE"  # Developed PIPEDREAM/INCONTROLLER framework
      - "ELECTRUM"    # Linked to Industroyer/CrashOverride
      - "KAMACITE"    # Targets energy sector initial access
 
  detection_categories:
    network_baseline:
      enabled: true
      learning_period_days: 30
      alert_on:
        - "new_communication_pair"
        - "new_protocol_detected"
        - "new_device_on_network"
        - "protocol_anomaly"
 
    threat_detection:
      enabled: true
      alert_on:
        - "known_malware_ioc"
        - "threat_group_ttp"
        - "lateral_movement"
        - "command_and_control"
        - "data_exfiltration"
 
    vulnerability_correlation:
      enabled: true
      alert_on:
        - "active_exploitation_attempt"
        - "vulnerability_with_public_exploit"
 
  protocol_monitoring:
    modbus:
      monitor_writes: true
      baseline_function_codes: true
      baseline_register_ranges: true
    dnp3:
      monitor_control_commands: true
      detect_firmware_updates: true
    s7comm:
      detect_cpu_stop: true
      detect_program_download: true
    opc_ua:
      monitor_method_calls: true
      detect_browsing: true
    ethernet_ip:
      monitor_cip_services: true
      detect_firmware_flash: true
 
  alert_routing:
    critical:
      notify: ["ot_soc_team", "plant_manager"]
      siem_forward: true
      auto_ticket: true
    high:
      notify: ["ot_soc_team"]
      siem_forward: true
      auto_ticket: true
    medium:
      siem_forward: true
    low:
      siem_forward: true

Key Concepts

Term Definition
Dragos Platform Purpose-built OT cybersecurity platform with asset visibility, threat detection, and vulnerability management for ICS environments
Knowledge Pack Dragos threat intelligence update containing detection analytics for new threats, malware, and vulnerability exploits specific to ICS
SiteStore Dragos central management server aggregating data from all deployed sensors across a site
VOLTZITE Dragos-tracked threat group targeting energy sector OT environments, exfiltrating GIS data and ICS network diagrams
PIPEDREAM/INCONTROLLER Modular ICS attack framework developed by CHERNOVITE, targeting Schneider/OMRON PLCs and OPC UA servers
Neighborhood Keeper Dragos community defense program sharing anonymized threat data across participating OT environments

Common Scenarios

Scenario: Detecting VOLTZITE Reconnaissance in Energy Utility

Context: A Dragos sensor deployed at an electric utility detects unusual OPC UA browsing activity and exfiltration of device configuration data from an engineering workstation.

Approach:

  1. Review the Dragos notification for MITRE ATT&CK ICS technique mapping
  2. Identify the source host performing OPC UA browsing (check if it is an authorized engineering workstation)
  3. Check Dragos threat intelligence correlation for VOLTZITE TTPs
  4. Examine the scope of data accessed (GIS data, network diagrams, ICS configuration files)
  5. Isolate the compromised workstation from the OT network
  6. Check for lateral movement indicators to other OT systems
  7. Engage Dragos Professional Services if threat group attribution is confirmed
  8. Report to CISA as a critical infrastructure cyber incident

Pitfalls: Do not ignore OPC UA browsing alerts as false positives -- VOLTZITE specifically uses this technique for pre-positioning. Ensure Dragos Knowledge Packs are current to detect the latest VOLTZITE indicators. Do not reimage the compromised workstation before collecting forensic evidence.

Output Format

DRAGOS OT MONITORING DEPLOYMENT REPORT
==========================================
Site: [Site Name]
Date: YYYY-MM-DD
 
SENSOR DEPLOYMENT:
  Total Sensors: [count]
  Operational: [count]
  Coverage: [percentage of OT segments monitored]
 
ASSET VISIBILITY:
  Total OT Assets: [count]
  PLCs: [count] | HMIs: [count] | Network Devices: [count]
  Protocols: [list]
 
THREAT DETECTION:
  Active Threat Groups Relevant: [count]
  Detection Analytics Loaded: [count]
  Alerts (Last 30 Days): [count by severity]
 
SIEM INTEGRATION:
  Status: [Connected/Disconnected]
  Events Forwarded (Last 24h): [count]
Source materials

References and resources

Everything below is rendered for inspection. Script files are read-only and never run.

References 1

api-reference.md1.5 KB

API Reference: Implementing Dragos Platform for OT Monitoring

Dragos Platform API

import requests
headers = {"Authorization": "Bearer <api_key>"}
base = "https://dragos-platform/api/v1"
 
assets = requests.get(f"{base}/assets", headers=headers).json()
detections = requests.get(f"{base}/detections", headers=headers).json()
vulns = requests.get(f"{base}/vulnerabilities", headers=headers).json()

Monitored OT Protocols

Protocol Port Use Case
Modbus/TCP 502 PLC communication
EtherNet/IP 44818 Industrial automation
DNP3 20000 SCADA/utilities
OPC UA 4840 Industrial IoT
S7comm 102 Siemens PLCs
BACnet 47808 Building automation
IEC 61850 MMS 102 Power grid

Detection Categories

Category Description Severity
New Asset Unknown device on OT network HIGH
Protocol Anomaly Unusual command/response HIGH
Firmware Change PLC firmware modified CRITICAL
Program Change Ladder logic modified CRITICAL
Unauthorized Access IT device in OT zone HIGH

ICS-CERT Vulnerability Feeds

# Dragos WorldView intelligence feed integration
curl "https://dragos-platform/api/v1/worldview/advisories" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $KEY"

References

Scripts 1

agent.py5.8 KB
Display-only source. This catalog never executes bundled scripts.
#!/usr/bin/env python3
"""Agent for implementing Dragos Platform OT network monitoring."""

import json
import argparse
from datetime import datetime

try:
    import requests
except ImportError:
    requests = None


def query_dragos_api(base_url, api_key, endpoint):
    """Query the Dragos Platform API."""
    headers = {"Authorization": f"Bearer {api_key}", "Accept": "application/json"}
    resp = requests.get(f"{base_url}/api/v1/{endpoint}", headers=headers, timeout=30)
    resp.raise_for_status()
    return resp.json()


def get_asset_inventory(base_url, api_key):
    """Retrieve OT asset inventory from Dragos."""
    data = query_dragos_api(base_url, api_key, "assets")
    assets = data.get("data", data.get("assets", []))
    summary = {"total": len(assets), "by_type": {}, "by_zone": {}}
    for asset in assets:
        atype = asset.get("type", asset.get("asset_type", "unknown"))
        zone = asset.get("zone", asset.get("network_zone", "unknown"))
        summary["by_type"][atype] = summary["by_type"].get(atype, 0) + 1
        summary["by_zone"][zone] = summary["by_zone"].get(zone, 0) + 1
    return {"summary": summary, "assets": assets[:100]}


def get_threat_detections(base_url, api_key):
    """Retrieve threat detections from Dragos."""
    data = query_dragos_api(base_url, api_key, "detections")
    detections = data.get("data", data.get("detections", []))
    by_severity = {}
    for det in detections:
        sev = det.get("severity", "unknown")
        by_severity[sev] = by_severity.get(sev, 0) + 1
    return {"total": len(detections), "by_severity": by_severity, "detections": detections[:50]}


def get_vulnerabilities(base_url, api_key):
    """Retrieve OT vulnerabilities from Dragos."""
    data = query_dragos_api(base_url, api_key, "vulnerabilities")
    vulns = data.get("data", data.get("vulnerabilities", []))
    critical = [v for v in vulns if v.get("severity", "").lower() == "critical"]
    return {"total": len(vulns), "critical_count": len(critical), "critical": critical[:20]}


def analyze_ot_protocols(log_path):
    """Analyze OT protocol traffic from exported logs."""
    protocol_counts = {}
    anomalies = []
    with open(log_path) as f:
        for line in f:
            try:
                entry = json.loads(line)
            except json.JSONDecodeError:
                continue
            proto = entry.get("protocol", entry.get("service", ""))
            protocol_counts[proto] = protocol_counts.get(proto, 0) + 1
            if entry.get("anomaly") or entry.get("alert"):
                anomalies.append({
                    "timestamp": entry.get("timestamp", ""),
                    "protocol": proto,
                    "src": entry.get("src_ip", ""),
                    "dst": entry.get("dst_ip", ""),
                    "description": entry.get("description", entry.get("alert", "")),
                })
    return {"protocols": protocol_counts, "anomalies": anomalies[:100]}


def generate_monitoring_config():
    """Generate OT monitoring configuration template."""
    return {
        "monitored_protocols": [
            {"name": "Modbus/TCP", "port": 502, "monitoring": "deep_packet_inspection"},
            {"name": "EtherNet/IP", "port": 44818, "monitoring": "deep_packet_inspection"},
            {"name": "DNP3", "port": 20000, "monitoring": "deep_packet_inspection"},
            {"name": "OPC UA", "port": 4840, "monitoring": "deep_packet_inspection"},
            {"name": "IEC 61850 MMS", "port": 102, "monitoring": "protocol_aware"},
            {"name": "S7comm", "port": 102, "monitoring": "deep_packet_inspection"},
            {"name": "BACnet", "port": 47808, "monitoring": "protocol_aware"},
        ],
        "alert_thresholds": {
            "new_asset_detection": True,
            "protocol_anomaly": True,
            "unauthorized_protocol": True,
            "firmware_change_detection": True,
            "plc_program_change": True,
        },
    }


def main():
    parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description="Dragos Platform OT Monitoring Agent")
    parser.add_argument("--url", help="Dragos Platform base URL")
    parser.add_argument("--api-key", help="Dragos API key")
    parser.add_argument("--log", help="OT protocol log (JSON lines)")
    parser.add_argument("--output", default="dragos_monitoring_report.json")
    parser.add_argument("--action", choices=["assets", "threats", "vulns", "protocols",
                                              "config", "full"], default="full")
    args = parser.parse_args()

    report = {"generated_at": datetime.utcnow().isoformat(), "findings": {}}

    if args.url and args.api_key:
        if args.action in ("assets", "full"):
            r = get_asset_inventory(args.url, args.api_key)
            report["findings"]["assets"] = r
            print(f"[+] Assets: {r['summary']['total']}")
        if args.action in ("threats", "full"):
            r = get_threat_detections(args.url, args.api_key)
            report["findings"]["detections"] = r
            print(f"[+] Detections: {r['total']}")
        if args.action in ("vulns", "full"):
            r = get_vulnerabilities(args.url, args.api_key)
            report["findings"]["vulnerabilities"] = r
            print(f"[+] Vulnerabilities: {r['total']} ({r['critical_count']} critical)")

    if args.action in ("protocols", "full") and args.log:
        r = analyze_ot_protocols(args.log)
        report["findings"]["protocol_analysis"] = r
        print(f"[+] Protocol anomalies: {len(r['anomalies'])}")

    if args.action in ("config", "full"):
        config = generate_monitoring_config()
        report["findings"]["monitoring_config"] = config
        print("[+] Monitoring config generated")

    with open(args.output, "w") as f:
        json.dump(report, f, indent=2, default=str)
    print(f"[+] Report saved to {args.output}")


if __name__ == "__main__":
    main()
Keep exploring