| name | T0861_point-tag-identification |
| description | Adversaries may collect point and tag values to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the process environment. |
| category | information-gathering |
| version | 18.1 |
| author | cyberstrike-official |
| tags | ["mitre-attack","ics","t0861","collection"] |
| technique_id | T0861 |
| tactic | collection |
| all_tactics | ["collection"] |
| platforms | ["ICS"] |
| mitre_url | https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T0861 |
| tech_stack | ["ics"] |
| cwe_ids | ["CWE-200"] |
| chains_with | [] |
| prerequisites | [] |
| severity_boost | {} |
T0861 Point & Tag Identification
High-Level Description
Adversaries may collect point and tag values to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the process environment. Points may be values such as inputs, memory locations, outputs or other process specific variables. Tags are the identifiers given to points for operator convenience.
Collecting such tags provides valuable context to environmental points and enables an adversary to map inputs, outputs, and other values to their control processes. Understanding the points being collected may inform an adversary on which processes and values to keep track of over the course of an operation.
Kill Chain Phase
Platforms: ICS
What to Check
How to Test
Identify Attack Surface
Determine if the target ICS/SCADA environment is susceptible to Point & Tag Identification by examining operational technology systems and network architecture.
Assess Existing Defenses
Review whether mitigations for T0861 are in place. If defenses are absent or misconfigured, this technique may be exploitable in the ICS environment.
Remediation Guide
M0800 Authorization Enforcement
Systems and devices should restrict access to any data with potential confidentiality concerns, including point and tag information.
M0807 Network Allowlists
Use host-based allowlists to prevent devices from accepting connections from unauthorized systems. For example, allowlists can be used to ensure devices can only connect with master stations or known management/engineering workstations.
M0937 Filter Network Traffic
Perform inline allowlisting of automation protocol commands to prevent devices from sending unauthorized command or reporting messages. Allow/denylist techniques need to be designed with sufficient accuracy to prevent the unintended blocking of valid messages.
M0804 Human User Authentication
All field controllers should require users to authenticate for all remote or local management sessions. The authentication mechanisms should also support Account Use Policies, Password Policies, and User Account Management.
