## 4 Results
### Triton
Figure 12: KERNEL32.DLL interaction in Triton malware operations. Figure 13: Triton malware risk level graph. Layered Resilience Strategy for Triton Threat Mitigation  
To counter Triton's threats effectively, this defense strategy employs a comprehensive, layered approach that defines specific objectives, action steps, and resource allocation for each layer. 1. Physical Layer Security
2. Objective: Enhance physical security for SIS components, preventing malware intrusion via unauthorized access or external device usage. 3. Execution Plan: Implement biometric and two-factor authentication access to SIS components. Conduct routine physical access audits and real-time monitoring of sensitive SIS points. 4. Risk Management: Maintain alternative access protocols for lockdown situations, and implement periodic checks for biometric system reliability. 5. Evaluation and Improvement: Regularly update access control metrics, review audit trails, and conduct bi-annual evaluations of physical security effectiveness. 6. Network Layer Isolation and Monitoring
7. Objective: Proactively identify and isolate network-based threats to prevent lateral movement and safeguard SCADA and SIS systems. 8. Action Steps: Implement predictive threat modeling alongside VLAN segmentation, enforce end-to-end SSL/TLS encryption, deploy AI-driven traffic anomaly detection systems, and conduct regular network integrity checks. 9. Risk Management: Integrate fallback VLANs and backup networks in case of isolation protocol errors, ensuring minimal disruption to SCADA operations. 10. Evaluation and Improvement: Regularly assess the anomaly detection accuracy and response efficiency by tracking incidents resolved within predefined timeframes. 11. Control Layer Protocol Security
12. Objective: Maintain the integrity of SCADA commands and prevent unauthorized protocol manipulation. 13. Action Steps: Encrypt the TriStation protocol, apply digital signatures, and conduct regular integrity checks on protocol communications. 14. Resource Allocation: Allocate resources for protocol security tools and hire specialists for continuous monitoring. 15. Application Layer Patch Management and Real-time Monitoring
16. Objective: Mitigate application-level threats by implementing timely updates and real-time monitoring. 17. Action Steps: Regularly update SIS software, apply automated patch management, and establish real-time application monitoring. 18. Resource Allocation: Assign personnel for patch management and set up a data backup system for rapid recovery. According to Figure 14, at the physical layer, Triton gains access to the Safety Instrumented Systems through insider assistance or external devices such as USB drives. To protect against such threats, organizations should enhance physical security by monitoring insider activities and implementing physical safeguards such as USB port blocking. At the network layer, Triton exploits vulnerabilities when the Safety Instrumented Systems and Process Control Systems are connected within the same network. To mitigate this risk, network segmentation or VLAN separation should be employed to isolate the two systems, either physically or logically. Additionally, encrypting all communication with secure protocols such as SSL/TLS is essential for protecting data transmission. Deploying Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems is also critical to monitor and detect abnormal traffic in real time. In the control layer, Triton seeks to disable the safety logic within Safety Instrumented Systems, leading to potential physical damage to industrial equipment. Defenses should include encrypting the TriStation protocol, applying digital signatures to verify command integrity, and ensuring that the Safety Instrumented Systems operate independently from the Process Control Systems. Regular integrity checks should also be performed to detect any unauthorized modifications to safety protocols. At the application layer, Triton targets software vulnerabilities within Safety Instrumented Systems to alter or disable protection functions.