Industrial systems underpin many critical operations and infrastructures today. These environments are becoming increasingly connected and data-driven. As such, the threats to Operational Technology (OT) security also continue to change. Adopting a proactive approach by infusing OT security into industrial systems is essential. It is one of the ways to protect these critical assets.
Understanding the Foundation of OT Security
OT environments face a range of unique issues that need a focused approach to security:
- Legacy systems and proprietary equipment that lack modern security features are common. Upgrading can mean downtime and disruption.
- Visibility into threats and vulnerabilities across operational assets is often limited. OT networks expand through M&A and interconnectivity.
- Prioritizing uptime and output makes security an afterthought. Cultural resistance and misconceptions about impacts exist.
- Lack of in-house expertise in both operations and cybersecurity hinders risk mitigation. Staff shortages exacerbate the skills gap.
- Constraints on time and budget resources challenge security program expansion. The costs of a breach however outweigh investments.
- Compliance with regulations like NERC CIP is obligatory. It needs tailored implementation for OT systems.
Consider these realities when planning OT security solutions and foundations. It is crucial to maximizing resilience and productivity.
Adopting Proactive Strategies to Infuse OT Security
Bridging the human-technology gap requires going beyond reactionary measures. Organizations must infuse security into the very architecture of industrial systems.
Security by Design
Putting in place security from the initial design stage reduces vulnerabilities by 70%. At the same time, it cuts data breach risks by 2.5x. This is according to IBM. This requires adopting best practices like the following from the outset:
- Encryption
- Principle of least privilege
- Redundancy
Adhering to standards like ISA/IEC 62443 also provides architectural guidance.
Risk Assessments and Threat Modeling
Robust risk assessments should analyze:
- Vulnerable legacy systems and unpatched components that enable exploits
- Unsecured endpoints like engineering workstations susceptible to malware
- Lack of enough segmentation between IT and OT networks allowing threats to propagate
- Excessive permissions and inadequate access controls that ease insider risks
- Absence of monitoring controls like log collection, SIEM, and behavioral analytics
Effective threat modeling entails:
- Cataloging critical OT assets, data flows, and trust boundaries
- Identifying potential bad actors from insiders to nation-states
- Mapping threat vectors like phishing, social engineering, MitM attacks
- Defining possible motives from data theft to operational disruption
- Estimating capabilities based on adversary profiles and resources
- Devising impact scenarios balancing likelihood and severity
Focused risk assessments and threat modeling to generate targeted insights to boost resilience.
Access Control and Authentication
Insider threats account for 60% of industrial cyber incidents. This highlights the need for multi-factor authentication. The data came from Verizon. Stringent access controls and authentication mechanisms reduce unauthorized system access. It reduces risks by 99.9% according to Microsoft.
Continuous Monitoring and Incident Response
50% of breaches are detected by external entities. Real-time monitoring and rapid incident response are imperative in industrial environments. The average cost savings from effective incident response is $1.2 million. This is according to the Ponemon Institute.
Issues Faced During Implementation
Limited Collaboration Between IT and OT Teams
Usually, there’s a gap in the collaboration between IT and OT teams in companies. The lack of communication results in security vulnerabilities. The OT staff might not fully comprehend the needed cybersecurity measures. At the same time, IT professionals may not realize the specifics of industrial processes. The gap may end up compromising the creation of effective security strategies. As a result, it will leave OT systems at risk.
Harmonizing IT and OT Systems
The integration of IT and OT systems can boost efficiency. However, it also complicates OT security and widens the attack surface. Converging the priorities, technologies, and operations of these domains is crucial. That’s the way it can prevent vulnerabilities in an area from impacting others.
Utilizing Legacy Systems and Equipment
Many OT environments utilize outdated equipment and operating systems. These can pose great security risks and issues. Legacy equipment often lacks newer security features and updates. As such, they’re easy targets for cyberattacks.
Need for Training and Updated Security Knowledge
OT personnel are industrial-process experts. However, they might lack awareness of new cybersecurity best practices. Such a knowledge gap can lead to unsafe practices. Their responses to security incidents may also prove to be insufficient. Investing in training and ensuring they stay updated is highly recommended.
Internet of Things (IoT) Botnets and Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attacks
The increase of IoT devices in OT networks continues to raise concerns about potential attacks. It’s possible for hackers to use compromised IoT devices to start DDoS attacks. They can cause disruptions and issues to vital systems.
The Use of Cloud Services and the Internet
Cloud service and Internet connectivity have become part of a person’s daily life. The issue is that they can broaden the attack surface. These technologies offer many benefits, like remote tracking and data storage. However, they also create new paths for cyber threats.
Case Studies Demonstrating Successful Implementations
Schneider Electric partnered with Nozomi Networks and Dragos. It is to architect OT security into its EcoStruxure solutions via threat monitoring. It is also through asset tracking and industrial firewalls. This proactive approach minimized downtime and enhanced resilience. This is according to Control Global.
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power used security instrumentation with Honeywell. They integrated authentication and encryption into its critical infrastructure. This security-by-design approach reduced risks while supporting regulatory compliance. This is according to Security Today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common OT vulnerabilities requiring proactive security?
- Legacy devices
- Unpatched systems
- Inadequate access controls
- Poor network segmentation
- Lack of monitoring
How can organizations make OT security integral to industrial processes?
It can be accomplished by:
- Engaging cross-functional teams
- Providing focused OT security training
- Instituting policies and procedures tailored to operational needs
What are the potential consequences of neglecting OT security?
- Operational downtime
- Loss of critical data
- Regulatory non-compliance
- Financial impacts
- Physical safety risks
Conclusion
As industrial facilities digitally transform, prioritizing proactive security is indispensable. Companies need to create OT security into the foundation of their critical systems. It will allow them to protect their most vital assets and unlock the benefits of connectivity without undue risk. With robust strategies, resilient industrial operations can power growth securely into the future.
