The Key to Operational Resilience: OT Cybersecurity

In today's connected world, operational technology (OT) networksface growing cyberthreats. While IT networks have evolved with advanced cybersecurity measures, OT networks have lagged behind, leaving critical infrastructure vulnerable to attacks. As more OT networks connect to the Internet, the risks multiply, posing serious challenges to operational resilience.

In this article, we’ll explore why OT networks are behind in cybersecurity, the unique challenges across industries, and four essential steps to secure your OT networks from cyberattacks—ensuring robust, futureproof operations.

New Opportunities, New Threats

The integration of IT technologies with OT networks opens up vast opportunities for productivity and efficiency gains. However, this connectivity also introduces significant cyber risks.

With the rise of remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, more companies have had to enable remote access to their OT networks. While this shift promotes safety and flexibility, it also exposes these networks to new vulnerabilities. Unlike IT networks, which typically have robust cybersecurity, OT networks often operate with legacy devices that lack modern security features, making them a prime target for hackers.

As OT protocols generally lack encryption and authentication, PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems are increasingly susceptible to attacks. It’s more important than ever for OT operators to take action and secure their networks before it’s too late.

The IT-OT Cybersecurity Gap

Why are OT networks less secure than IT networks? The gap boils down to different priorities:

• Why IT networks are better protected
  IT networks focus on confidentiality and data integrity. Regular updates, patches, and replacements keep IT systems secure in controlled office environments.
• Why OT networks fall behind
  OT networks prioritize availability and uptime over security. These systems are built to manage physical processes and often operate in harsh environments. Updating or patching OT systems can be challenging, leaving them vulnerable to attacks.

Industry-Specific Challenges

OT networks face varying cybersecurity challenges depending on the sector. Here’s a look at some common hurdles:

• Factory Automation
  Factories are often driven by availability and uptime rather than cybersecurity. Depending on their level of modernization, factories may struggle with a lack of network architecture and security awareness.
• Power Utilities
  Government regulations drive cybersecurity in power utilities. However, many networks still lack visibility and protection, as they transition from legacy systems to Ethernet technologies.
• Water Treatment
  With a heavy reliance on legacy devices, water treatment plants have limited asset visibility and weak access control, leaving them vulnerable to cyberattacks.
• Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)
  Distributed networks and varied devices across ITS make centralized cybersecurity management challenging. While ITS follows government regulations, concerns remain about attacks on traffic signals and network access points.

4 Steps to Strengthen OT Network Security

How can OT operators close the gap with IT networks and protect their systems from cyberattacks? Follow these four steps to boost your network’s resilience:

1. Manage Your OT Networks

You can’t protect what you can’t see. Begin by gaining full visibility of your OT networks. Know which devices are connected and establish strict access controls. For example, use Access Control Lists (ACLs) or authentication mechanisms to define who and what can connect to your network. This visibility ensures you can quickly identify and address issues, improving network security and uptime.

2. Segment Your OT Networks

Unlike IT networks, OT networks are often flat, with everything connected. To improve security, segment your OT network:

• Vertical Segmentation: Add an Industrial Demilitarized Zone (IDMZ) between your IT and OT networks to isolate them.
• Horizontal Segmentation: Break your OT network into cells, zones, and sites to limit the spread of cyberthreats.

By segmenting your OT network, you reduce the attack surface and contain any potential threats before they can affect your entire system.

3. Patch Vulnerabilities

Many OT networks rely on legacy systems that are difficult to patch or update. To protect these systems, consider using virtual patching—adding a layer of security between your legacy devices and potential threats. Regularly assess your network for vulnerabilities and apply patches as soon as they become available.

4. Secure Remote Connections

With more remote connections than ever before, securing the data transmitted between remote sites and control centers is crucial. Ensure all remote connections are both authenticated and encrypted to safeguard sensitive data from unauthorized access and cyberattacks.

Conclusion

To build a resilient and secure OT network, operators must manage and segment their networks, patch vulnerabilities, and secure remote connections. By closing the gap between OT and IT cybersecurity, industrial operations can better protect their critical infrastructure from cyberattacks.

Ready to take your OT network security to the next level? Contact us today to learn more about how our solutions can enhance your operational resilience.

‍