Source: http://patents.com/us-20160241583.html
Timestamp: 2019-04-26 07:43:33+00:00

Document:
This disclosure provides for risk management in an air-gapped environment. A method includes collecting data, by a risk manager system, from a plurality of computing devices in an air-gapped environment. The air-gapped environment includes a control system that is substantially or completely isolated from unsecured external networks. The method includes applying rules to analyze the collected data and identify cyber-security threats to the computing devices in the air-gapped environment. The method includes interacting with a user to display the results of the analysis and the identified cyber-security threats.
1. A method comprising: collecting data, by a risk manager system, from a plurality of computing devices in an air-gapped environment, wherein the air-gapped environment includes a control system that is substantially or completely isolated from unsecured external networks; applying rules to analyze the collected data and identify cyber-security threats to the computing devices in the air-gapped environment; and interacting with a user to display the results of the analysis and the identified cyber-security threats.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the rules are applied by a rules engine.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the rules are applied using a risk management database that stores the rules and data identifying the cyber-security threats.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting the results of the analysis and the identified cyber-security threats to a web-application user interface.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising updating a risk management database to provide contemporaneous awareness of cyber-security threats to the computing devices in the air-gapped environment.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the risk manager system is deployed using physical media.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein updates to a risk management database of the risk manager system are installed using physical media.
8. A risk manager system comprising: a controller; and a display, the risk manager system configured to collect data from a plurality of computing devices in an air-gapped environment, wherein the air-gapped environment includes a control system that is substantially or completely isolated from unsecured external networks; apply rules to analyze the collected data and identify cyber-security threats to the computing devices in the air-gapped environment; and interact with a user to display the results of the analysis and the identified cyber-security threats.
9. The risk manager system of claim 8, wherein the risk manager system further comprises a rules engine, wherein the rules are applied by the rules engine.
10. The risk manager system of claim 8, wherein the risk manager system further comprises a risk management database that stores the rules and data identifying the cyber-security threats, wherein the rules are applied using the risk management database.
11. The risk manager system of claim 8, wherein the risk manager system transmits the results of the analysis and the identified cyber-security threats to a web-application user interface.
12. The risk manager system of claim 8, wherein the risk manager system also updates a risk management database to provide contemporaneous awareness of cyber-security threats to the computing devices in the air-gapped environment.
13. The risk manager system of claim 8, wherein the risk manager system is deployed using physical media.
14. The risk manager system of claim 8, wherein updates to a risk management database of the risk manager system are installed using physical media.
15. A non-transitory machine-readable medium encoded with executable instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processors of a risk manager system to: collect data from a plurality of computing devices in an air-gapped environment, wherein the air-gapped environment includes a control system that is substantially or completely isolated from unsecured external networks; apply rules to analyze the collected data and identify cyber-security threats to the computing devices in the air-gapped environment; and interact with a user to display the results of the analysis and the identified cyber-security threats.
16. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the rules are applied by a rules engine.
17. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the rules are applied using a risk management database that stores the rules and data identifying the cyber-security threats.
18. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the risk manager system transmits the results of the analysis and the identified cyber-security threats to a web-application user interface.
19. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the risk manager system also updates a risk management database to provide contemporaneous awareness of cyber-security threats to the computing devices in the air-gapped environment.
20. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the risk manager system is deployed using physical media, and wherein updates to a risk management database of the risk manager system are installed using physical media.
 This application claims the benefit of the filing date of United States Provisional Patent Application 62/116,245, filed Feb. 13, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
 This disclosure relates generally to network security. More specifically, this disclosure relates to risk management in an air-gapped environment.
 Processing facilities are often managed using industrial process control and automation systems. Conventional control and automation systems routinely include a variety of networked devices, such as servers, workstations, switches, routers, firewalls, safety systems, proprietary real-time controllers, and industrial field devices. Often times, this equipment comes from a number of different vendors. In industrial environments, cyber-security is of increasing concern, and unaddressed security vulnerabilities in any of these components could be exploited by attackers to disrupt operations or cause unsafe conditions in an industrial facility.
 In some embodiments, the rules are applied by a rules engine. In some embodiments, the rules are applied using a risk management database that stores the rules and data identifying the cyber-security threats. In some embodiments, the risk manager system also transmits the results of the analysis and the identified cyber-security threats to a web-application user interface. In some embodiments, the risk manager system updates a risk management database to provide contemporaneous awareness of cyber-security threats to the computing devices in the air-gapped environment. In some embodiments, the risk manager system is deployed using physical media. In some embodiments, updates to a risk management database of the risk manager system are installed using physical media.
 FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a process in accordance with disclosed embodiments.
 The figures, discussed below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present invention in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the invention may be implemented in any type of suitably arranged device or system.
 FIG. 1 illustrates an example industrial process control and automation system 100 according to this disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 100 includes various components that facilitate production or processing of at least one product or other material. For instance, the system 100 is used here to facilitate control over components in one or multiple plants 101a-101n. Each plant 101a-101n represents one or more processing facilities (or one or more portions thereof), such as one or more manufacturing facilities for producing at least one product or other material. In general, each plant 101a-101n may implement one or more processes and can individually or collectively be referred to as a process system. A process system generally represents any system or portion thereof configured to process one or more products or other materials in some manner.
 In FIG. 1, the system 100 is implemented using the Purdue model of process control. In the Purdue model, "Level 0" may include one or more sensors 102a and one or more actuators 102b. The sensors 102a and actuators 102b represent components in a process system that may perform any of a wide variety of functions. For example, the sensors 102a could measure a wide variety of characteristics in the process system, such as temperature, pressure, or flow rate. Also, the actuators 102b could alter a wide variety of characteristics in the process system. The sensors 102a and actuators 102b could represent any other or additional components in any suitable process system. Each of the sensors 102a includes any suitable structure for measuring one or more characteristics in a process system. Each of the actuators 102b includes any suitable structure for operating on or affecting one or more conditions in a process system.
 At least one network 104 is coupled to the sensors 102a and actuators 102b. The network 104 facilitates interaction with the sensors 102a and actuators 102b. For example, the network 104 could transport measurement data from the sensors 102a and provide control signals to the actuators 102b. The network 104 could represent any suitable network or combination of networks. As particular examples, the network 104 could represent an Ethernet network, an electrical signal network (such as a HART or FOUNDATION FIELDBUS network), a pneumatic control signal network, or any other or additional type(s) of network(s).
 In the Purdue model, "Level 1" may include one or more controllers 106, which are coupled to the network 104. Among other things, each controller 106 may use the measurements from one or more sensors 102a to control the operation of one or more actuators 102b. For example, a controller 106 could receive measurement data from one or more sensors 102a and use the measurement data to generate control signals for one or more actuators 102b. Each controller 106 includes any suitable structure for interacting with one or more sensors 102a and controlling one or more actuators 102b. Each controller 106 could, for example, represent a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller or a multivariable controller, such as a Robust Multivariable Predictive Control Technology (RMPCT) controller or other type of controller implementing model predictive control (MPC) or other advanced predictive control (APC). As a particular example, each controller 106 could represent a computing device running a real-time operating system.
 Two networks 108 are coupled to the controllers 106. The networks 108 facilitate interaction with the controllers 106, such as by transporting data to and from the controllers 106. The networks 108 could represent any suitable networks or combination of networks. As a particular example, the networks 108 could represent a redundant pair of Ethernet networks, such as a FAULT TOLERANT ETHERNET (FTE) network from HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
 At least one switch/firewall 110 couples the networks 108 to two networks 112. The switch/firewall 110 may transport traffic from one network to another. The switch/firewall 110 may also block traffic on one network from reaching another network. The switch/firewall 110 includes any suitable structure for providing communication between networks, such as a HONEYWELL CONTROL FIREWALL (CF9) device. The networks 112 could represent any suitable networks, such as an FTE network.
 In the Purdue model, "Level 2" may include one or more machine-level controllers 114 coupled to the networks 112. The machine-level controllers 114 perform various functions to support the operation and control of the controllers 106, sensors 102a, and actuators 102b, which could be associated with a particular piece of industrial equipment (such as a boiler or other machine). For example, the machine-level controllers 114 could log information collected or generated by the controllers 106, such as measurement data from the sensors 102a or control signals for the actuators 102b. The machine-level controllers 114 could also execute applications that control the operation of the controllers 106, thereby controlling the operation of the actuators 102b. In addition, the machine-level controllers 114 could provide secure access to the controllers 106. Each of the machine-level controllers 114 includes any suitable structure for providing access to, control of, or operations related to a machine or other individual piece of equipment. Each of the machine-level controllers 114 could, for example, represent a server computing device running a MICROSOFT WINDOWS operating system. Although not shown, different machine-level controllers 114 could be used to control different pieces of equipment in a process system (where each piece of equipment is associated with one or more controllers 106, sensors 102a, and actuators 102b).
 One or more operator stations 116 are coupled to the networks 112. The operator stations 116 represent computing or communication devices providing user access to the machine-level controllers 114, which could then provide user access to the controllers 106 (and possibly the sensors 102a and actuators 102b). As particular examples, the operator stations 116 could allow users to review the operational history of the sensors 102a and actuators 102b using information collected by the controllers 106 and/or the machine-level controllers 114. The operator stations 116 could also allow the users to adjust the operation of the sensors 102a, actuators 102b, controllers 106, or machine-level controllers 114. In addition, the operator stations 116 could receive and display warnings, alerts, or other messages or displays generated by the controllers 106 or the machine-level controllers 114. Each of the operator stations 116 includes any suitable structure for supporting user access and control of one or more components in the system 100. Each of the operator stations 116 could, for example, represent a computing device running a MICROSOFT WINDOWS operating system.
 At least one router/firewall 118 couples the networks 112 to two networks 120. The router/firewall 118 includes any suitable structure for providing communication between networks, such as a secure router or combination router/firewall. The networks 120 could represent any suitable networks, such as an FTE network.
 In the Purdue model, "Level 3" may include one or more unit-level controllers 122 coupled to the networks 120. Each unit-level controller 122 is typically associated with a unit in a process system, which represents a collection of different machines operating together to implement at least part of a process. The unit-level controllers 122 perform various functions to support the operation and control of components in the lower levels. For example, the unit-level controllers 122 could log information collected or generated by the components in the lower levels, execute applications that control the components in the lower levels, and provide secure access to the components in the lower levels. Each of the unit-level controllers 122 includes any suitable structure for providing access to, control of, or operations related to one or more machines or other pieces of equipment in a process unit. Each of the unit-level controllers 122 could, for example, represent a server computing device running a MICROSOFT WINDOWS operating system. Although not shown, different unit-level controllers 122 could be used to control different units in a process system (where each unit is associated with one or more machine-level controllers 114, controllers 106, sensors 102a, and actuators 102b).
 Access to the unit-level controllers 122 may be provided by one or more operator stations 124. Each of the operator stations 124 includes any suitable structure for supporting user access and control of one or more components in the system 100. Each of the operator stations 124 could, for example, represent a computing device running a MICROSOFT WINDOWS operating system.
 At least one router/firewall 126 couples the networks 120 to two networks 128. The router/firewall 126 includes any suitable structure for providing communication between networks, such as a secure router or combination router/firewall. The networks 128 could represent any suitable networks, such as an FTE network.
 In the Purdue model, "Level 4" may include one or more plant-level controllers 130 coupled to the networks 128. Each plant-level controller 130 is typically associated with one of the plants 101a-101n, which may include one or more process units that implement the same, similar, or different processes. The plant-level controllers 130 perform various functions to support the operation and control of components in the lower levels. As particular examples, the plant-level controller 130 could execute one or more manufacturing execution system (MES) applications, scheduling applications, or other or additional plant or process control applications. Each of the plant-level controllers 130 includes any suitable structure for providing access to, control of, or operations related to one or more process units in a process plant. Each of the plant-level controllers 130 could, for example, represent a server computing device running a MICROSOFT WINDOWS operating system.
 Access to the plant-level controllers 130 may be provided by one or more operator stations 132. Each of the operator stations 132 includes any suitable structure for supporting user access and control of one or more components in the system 100. Each of the operator stations 132 could, for example, represent a computing device running a MICROSOFT WINDOWS operating system.
 At least one router/firewall 134 couples the networks 128 to one or more networks 136. The router/firewall 134 includes any suitable structure for providing communication between networks, such as a secure router or combination router/firewall. The network 136 could represent any suitable network, such as an enterprise-wide Ethernet or other network or all or a portion of a larger network (such as the Internet).
 In the Purdue model, "Level 5" may include one or more enterprise-level controllers 138 coupled to the network 136. Each enterprise-level controller 138 is typically able to perform planning operations for multiple plants 101a-101n and to control various aspects of the plants 101a-101n. The enterprise-level controllers 138 can also perform various functions to support the operation and control of components in the plants 101a-101n. As particular examples, the enterprise-level controller 138 could execute one or more order processing applications, enterprise resource planning (ERP) applications, advanced planning and scheduling (APS) applications, or any other or additional enterprise control applications. Each of the enterprise-level controllers 138 includes any suitable structure for providing access to, control of, or operations related to the control of one or more plants. Each of the enterprise-level controllers 138 could, for example, represent a server computing device running a MICROSOFT WINDOWS operating system. In this document, the term "enterprise" refers to an organization having one or more plants or other processing facilities to be managed. Note that if a single plant 101a is to be managed, the functionality of the enterprise-level controller 138 could be incorporated into the plant-level controller 130.
 Access to the enterprise-level controllers 138 may be provided by one or more operator stations 140. Each of the operator stations 140 includes any suitable structure for supporting user access and control of one or more components in the system 100. Each of the operator stations 140 could, for example, represent a computing device running a MICROSOFT WINDOWS operating system.
 Various levels of the Purdue model can include other components, such as one or more databases. The database(s) associated with each level could store any suitable information associated with that level or one or more other levels of the system 100. For example, a historian 141 can be coupled to the network 136. The historian 141 could represent a component that stores various information about the system 100. The historian 141 could, for instance, store information used during production scheduling and optimization. The historian 141 represents any suitable structure for storing and facilitating retrieval of information. Although shown as a single centralized component coupled to the network 136, the historian 141 could be located elsewhere in the system 100, or multiple historians could be distributed in different locations in the system 100.
 In particular embodiments, the various controllers and operator stations in FIG. 1 may represent computing devices. For example, each of the controllers 106, 114, 122, 130, 138 could include one or more processing devices 142 and one or more memories 144 for storing instructions and data used, generated, or collected by the processing device(s) 142. Each of the controllers 106, 114, 122, 130, 138 could also include at least one network interface 146, such as one or more Ethernet interfaces or wireless transceivers. Also, each of the operator stations 116, 124, 132, 140 could include one or more processing devices 148 and one or more memories 150 for storing instructions and data used, generated, or collected by the processing device(s) 148. Each of the operator stations 116, 124, 132, 140 could also include at least one network interface 152, such as one or more Ethernet interfaces or wireless transceivers.
 As noted above, cyber-security is of increasing concern with respect to industrial process control and automation systems. Unaddressed security vulnerabilities in any of the components in the system 100 could be exploited by attackers to disrupt operations or cause unsafe conditions in an industrial facility. However, in many instances, operators do not have a complete understanding or inventory of all equipment running at a particular industrial site. As a result, it is often difficult to quickly determine potential sources of risk to a control and automation system.
 In some installations, a control and automation system is "air gapped," meaning the system is physically isolated from unsecured networks such as the Internet or other external networks. The isolation may be absolute or nearly absolute. While this approach does provide a way to mitigate some risk, it offers challenges to a risk management solution in that other vulnerabilities may still be exploited. Not only that, but the types and manners of vulnerabilities, exploitations, and associated risks change over time.
 Disclosed embodiments address potential vulnerabilities in various systems, prioritize the vulnerabilities based on risk to an overall system, and automatically categorize and aggregate data for monitored control systems. This is accomplished (among other ways) by using a risk manager 154. The risk manager 154 includes any suitable structure that supports risk management in an air-gapped environment. Here, the risk manager 154 includes one or more processing devices 156; one or more memories 158 for storing instructions and data used, generated, or collected by the processing device(s) 156; and at least one network interface 160. Each processing device 156 could represent a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal process, field programmable gate array, application specific integrated circuit, or discrete logic. Each memory 158 could represent a volatile or non-volatile storage and retrieval device, such as a random access memory or Flash memory. Each network interface 160 could represent an Ethernet interface, wireless transceiver, or other device facilitating external communication (but not, in air-gapped implementations, with "external" systems that are not part of the system 100). The functionality of the risk manager 154 could be implemented using any suitable hardware or a combination of hardware and software/firmware instructions.
 FIG. 2 illustrates an example infrastructure 200 for risk management in an air-gapped environment according to this disclosure. The infrastructure 200 could be supported or implemented using the risk manager 154. The infrastructure 200 here supports operation in an air-gapped environment and allows for updates to a risk knowledge base in order to provide a contemporary representation of risks. Other solutions typically leverage external connections and external sources as enablers for operation and risk awareness.
In accordance with this disclosure, the risk manager 154 is specialized for air-gapped operation. In various embodiments, initial deployment of the risk management solution into the air-gapped environment can be performed in a secure and trusted manner. In some embodiments, the risk manager leverages modern computing mechanisms that allow for operation in an air-gapped environment. Various embodiments use secure and trusted mechanisms for functional and architectural updates into the air-gapped environment. Various embodiments support updates to the risk knowledge base to provide contemporaneous risk awareness.
 Although FIG. 1 illustrates one example of an industrial process control and automation system 100, various changes may be made to FIG. 1. For example, a control and automation system could include any number of sensors, actuators, controllers, servers, operator stations, networks, risk managers, and other components. Also, the makeup and arrangement of the system 100 in FIG. 1 is for illustration only. Components could be added, omitted, combined, or placed in any other suitable configuration according to particular needs. Further, particular functions have been described as being performed by particular components of the system 100. This is for illustration only. In general, control and automation systems are highly configurable and can be configured in any suitable manner according to particular needs. In addition, FIG. 1 illustrates an example environment in which the functions of the risk manager 154 can be used. This functionality can be used in any other suitable device or system.
 In FIG. 2, the risk manager 154 is implemented as an air-gapped control system 200. Control system 200 includes at least one data collection function 210, a rules engine 220, a risk management (RM) database 230, and user interface (UI) web application 240. The devices 250 include any other devices or components of the air-gapped control system 200, such as any of the components in system 100. Air-gapped environment 260 illustrates the physical disconnection or "gap" between air-gapped control system 200 an external systems.
 The data collection function 210 collects data from various computing devices 250 in an air-gapped environment. The rules engine 220 applies rules to analyze the collected data and identify cyber-security threats to the computing devices 250 in the air-gapped environment. The RM database 230 stores rules and data identifying the cyber-security threats. The UI web application 240 allows interaction with the risk manager 154 via a web-based interface. These components function in a closed (air-gapped) environment 260, meaning there is no or virtually no mechanism to access outside capabilities (such as the Internet or cloud-based applications). Thus, information cannot be conveyed via these mechanisms to the risk manager 154 or any other part of control system 200.
 Conventional computers and smartphones typically have access to the Internet and thus external capabilities that provide updates for operating systems, applications, anti-virus components, etc. In contrast, the control system 200 in FIG. 2 is deployed, operated, and updated in an effectively closed environment. Air-gapped systems are not immune to all external threats in that there is always a risk of someone locally injecting malware or some other malicious agent into a system via a USB stick, installing software that is thought to be legitimate but is itself infected, etc.
 In accordance with this disclosure, the RM architecture supports the initial deployment of a risk management solution into an air-gapped environment in a secure and trusted manner. This can be accomplished, for example, using physical media for solution deployment, signed executables, or security certificates.
 The RM architecture also leverages only those modern computing mechanisms that allow for operation in an air-gapped environment. This can be accomplished, for example, using external port blocking, locally deployed applications, or secure user account access to RMS capabilities.
 The RM architecture further supports secure and trusted mechanisms for functional and architectural updates into the air-gapped environment. This can be accomplished, for example, using physical media for update deployment, signed executables, or security certificates.
 In addition, the RM architecture supports updates to the risk knowledge base to provide contemporaneous risk awareness. This can be accomplished, for example, using physical media for update deployment, signed executables, or security certificates.
 Although FIG. 2 illustrates one example of a control system 200 for risk management in an air-gapped environment, various changes may be made to FIG. 2. For example, the functional division of the components in FIG. 2 is for illustration only. Various components could be combined, further subdivided, rearranged, or omitted and additional components could be added according to particular needs.
 FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a process 300 in accordance with disclosed embodiments, that can be performed, for example, by risk manager 154, control system 200, or other device configured to perform as described, referred to generically as the "risk manager system" below.
 The risk manager system collects data from a plurality of computing devices in an air-gapped environment (305). The air-gapped environment includes a control system that is substantially or completely isolated from unsecured external networks. The data collection can be performed by a data collection function.
 The risk manager system applies rules to analyze the collected data and identify cyber-security threats to the computing devices in the air-gapped environment (310). This can be performed by a rules engine. This can be performed using a risk management database that stores rules and data identifying the cyber-security threats. The risk manager system can also update the risk management database to provide contemporaneous awareness of cyber-security threats to the computing devices in the air-gapped environment.
 The risk manager system stores the results of the analysis and the identified cyber-security threats, and interacts with a user to display the results of the analysis and the identified cyber-security threats (315). This can include transmitting the results to a web-application user interface.
 Note that the risk manager 154 and/or the infrastructure 200 shown here could use or operate in conjunction with various features described in the following previously-filed patent applications (all of which are hereby incorporated by reference):  U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/482,888 entitled "DYNAMIC QUANTIFICATION OF CYBER-SECURITY RISKS IN A CONTROL SYSTEM";  U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/036,920 entitled "ANALYZING CYBER-SECURITY RISKS IN AN INDUSTRIAL CONTROL ENVIRONMENT";  U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/113,075 entitled "RULES ENGINE FOR CONVERTING SYSTEM-RELATED CHARACTERISTICS AND EVENTS INTO CYBER-SECURITY RISK ASSESSMENT VALUES" and corresponding non-provisional U.S. patent application ______ of like title (Docket No. H0048932-0115) filed concurrently herewith;  U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/113,221 entitled "NOTIFICATION SUBSYSTEM FOR GENERATING CONSOLIDATED, FILTERED, AND RELEVANT SECURITY RISK-BASED NOTIFICATIONS" and corresponding non-provisional U.S. patent application ______ of like title (Docket No. H0048937-0115) filed concurrently herewith;  U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/113,100 entitled "TECHNIQUE FOR USING INFRASTRUCTURE MONITORING SOFTWARE TO COLLECT CYBER-SECURITY RISK DATA" and corresponding non-provisional U.S. patent application ______ of like title (Docket No. H0048943-0115) filed concurrently herewith;  U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/113,186 entitled "INFRASTRUCTURE MONITORING TOOL FOR COLLECTING INDUSTRIAL PROCESS CONTROL AND AUTOMATION SYSTEM RISK DATA" and corresponding non-provisional U.S. patent application ______ of like title (Docket No. H0048945-0115) filed concurrently herewith;  U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/113,165 entitled "PATCH MONITORING AND ANALYSIS" and corresponding non-provisional U.S. patent application ______ of like title (Docket No. H0048973-0115) filed concurrently herewith;  U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/113,152 entitled "APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATIC HANDLING OF CYBER-SECURITY RISK EVENTS" and corresponding non-provisional U.S. patent application ______ of like title (Docket No. H0049067-0115) filed concurrently herewith;  U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/114,928 entitled "APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DYNAMIC CUSTOMIZATION OF CYBER-SECURITY RISK ITEM RULES" and corresponding non-provisional U.S. patent application ______ of like title (Docket No. H0049099-0115) filed concurrently herewith;  U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/114,865 entitled "APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING POSSIBLE CAUSES, RECOMMENDED ACTIONS, AND POTENTIAL IMPACTS RELATED TO IDENTIFIED CYBER-SECURITY RISK ITEMS" and corresponding non-provisional U.S. patent application ______ of like title (Docket No. H0049103-0115) filed concurrently herewith; and  U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/114,937 entitled "APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TYING CYBER-SECURITY RISK ANALYSIS TO COMMON RISK METHODOLOGIES AND RISK LEVELS" and corresponding non-provisional U.S. patent application ______ of like title (Docket No. H0049104-0115) filed concurrently herewith.
 In some embodiments, various functions described in this patent document are implemented or supported by a computer program that is formed from computer readable program code and that is embodied in a computer readable medium. The phrase "computer readable program code" includes any type of computer code, including source code, object code, and executable code. The phrase "computer readable medium" includes any type of medium capable of being accessed by a computer, such as read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disc (DVD), or any other type of memory. A "non-transitory" computer readable medium excludes wired, wireless, optical, or other communication links that transport transitory electrical or other signals. A non-transitory computer readable medium includes media where data can be permanently stored and media where data can be stored and later overwritten, such as a rewritable optical disc or an erasable memory device.
 It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document. The terms "application" and "program" refer to one or more computer programs, software components, sets of instructions, procedures, functions, objects, classes, instances, related data, or a portion thereof adapted for implementation in a suitable computer code (including source code, object code, or executable code). The term "communicate," as well as derivatives thereof, encompasses both direct and indirect communication. The terms "include" and "comprise," as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The term "or" is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrase "associated with," as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, have a relationship to or with, or the like. The phrase "at least one of," when used with a list of items, means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used, and only one item in the list may be needed. For example, "at least one of: A, B, and C" includes any of the following combinations: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A and B and C.

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