Operational Technology (OT) has become a critical component in all industries. OT refers to hardware and software systems that detect or control changes in physical devices, processes and events in real time. As industries rapidly adopt digital solutions, OT environments become increasingly interconnected with IT systems, heightening the risk of cyber threats.

In recent years, there has been a noticeable uptick in cybersecurity vulnerabilities in OT systems. With the rise of sophisticated cyber-attacks like ransomware, phishing and supply chain attacks, businesses must address the emerging threat vectors that put their OT infrastructure at risk. Integrating new technologies and devices into your infrastructure increases attack surfaces, making it essential to adopt proactive strategies that will defend against evolving cyber threats.

Key Design Considerations in Operational Technology (OT)

The intersection of OT and IT systems creates unique challenges in designing secure, scalable and functional environments. Security in OT is no longer a matter of protecting devices. It also ensures the integrity of interconnected systems remains intact, which requires a balance between security, functionality and scalability.

  • Security and Scalability: One of the main considerations in OT design is scalability. With the advent of IoT devices and smart sensors, OT environments experience rapid growth. This growth presents scalability challenges, especially in integrating new devices into existing infrastructure. However, scaling OT systems without offering security to match it can lead to vulnerabilities. To counter potential issues, companies must implement robust encryption, network segmentation and multi-layered defense strategies as their environments expand.
  • Challenges of Integrating IT with OT: Integrating IT systems (like enterprise networks) with OT systems (like SCADA or PLCs) introduces vulnerabilities. Traditionally, OT systems were isolated from IT networks to prevent unauthorized access. However, digital transformation initiatives drive convergence between IT and OT, often creating security holes. As IT systems bring advanced analytics, remote monitoring and automation, the risk of threat actors targeting them increases. Security breaches such as the 2021 Cyber attack on Florida’s water treatment facility, which exploited insecure remote access to OT systems, demonstrate the need for increased and thorough cybersecurity measures.
  • Lessons from Past Security Incidents: The 2022 Toyota Motors Cyberattack, forced the automaker to suspend operations in 28 production lines across 14 plants causing a 5% reduction in production. The attack honed in on IT through ransomware providing us a reminder of the vulnerabilities in OT environments. Everyone can learn from these incidents, prioritizing network segmentation, real-time threat detection, and incident response strategies to avoid similar breaches.

Visibility and Architecture: The Cornerstones of Robust OT Security

To bolster OT security, organizations must adopt visibility and architecture best practices that support timely detection and efficient threat response. Both aspects play a pivotal role in securing OT environments.

  • Enhance Visibility: Visibility is paramount in OT security. When you don’t understand the network traffic and device behaviors, detecting malicious activity is nearly impossible. Organizations should deploy monitoring tools such as Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solutions, and Network Detection and Response (NDR) systems, which can monitor OT networks for anomalous behavior. These tools can provide real-time alerts about potential vulnerabilities, enabling swift responses to minimize the impact of cyber-attacks.
  • Role of Architecture in Bolstering Security: The architecture of OT systems needs security backed into the design from the beginning. Best practices include adopting a zero-trust architecture, which assumes that no user or device, whether inside or outside the network, should be trusted by default. This framework relies on continuous verification of identity and security posture to prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, building redundancy into critical systems ensures that operations can continue even when a breach occurs. Network segmentation is another key architectural consideration that limits attack spread by isolating critical OT systems from less secure IT networks.
  • Zero-Trust Architecture: A zero-trust reference architecture is a critical strategy for modern OT security. By applying strict access controls and continuous monitoring across all touchpoints within the network, organizations can ensure that threats are detected and neutralized before they can infiltrate critical systems. Implementing micro-segmentation, multi-factor authentication (MFA) and least-privilege access policies further enhance the integrity of the OT environment.

Protecting Your Future: Developing a Security Roadmap

To ensure a considerable OT security posture, organizations must customize their strategies to align with their needs and risks. Just like any discipline within security, continuous improvement and testing is essential. So, what are your next steps? Begin by:

  • Establishing a Risk-Based Framework: Identify the most critical OT systems and apply a risk-based approach to prioritize security efforts.
  • Continuous Improvement: Regularly test, reflect and update security protocols based on known and emerging threats.
  • Create a Security Roadmap: Develop a clear roadmap for addressing gaps in your security posture and implementing quick wins, such as patching vulnerabilities and improving network segmentation.

Using these tips within your Operational Technology (OT) will allow your business to plan for a secure future, solidifying your competitive edge. Verinext is here to provide the expertise and insights you need to leverage enhanced security visibility and architecture to mitigate threats and vulnerabilities. Learn more about OT/IoT Security in our recent briefing guide, or contact us today to learn how we can help you safeguard your critical infrastructure and help you stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.

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