What is Operational Technology (OT) Cybersecurity?

What is Operational Technology (OT) Cyber Security?

Operational Technology (OT) security, also known as Industrial Control System (ICS) security, focuses on securing the systems and technologies used to monitor and control physical processes and infrastructure in industrial and critical infrastructure environments.

Unlike Information Technology (IT) systems, which primarily deal with data processing and communication, OT systems control machinery, equipment, and processes in sectors such as manufacturing, energy, transportation, and utilities. Operational Technology networks are computerised systems crucial for controlling physical industrial operations spanning various asset-intensive sectors. They monitor critical infrastructure and manage tasks like controlling manufacturing robots.

As efforts to modernise critical infrastructure intensify, the risk of cyberattacks on OT networks grows. Traditionally, OT systems were isolated from the Internet, but increased digitalisation has led to greater integration with IT, exposing millions of vulnerable OT and Internet of Things (IoT) devices to attacks.

According to the Singapore Cyber Landscape 2020 report, the US Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team (ICS-CERT) observed a 16% year-on-year increase in reported OT vulnerabilities from 2017 to 2020.

Key Aspects of Operational Technology Security

• Asset Inventory: Identification and documentation of all OT assets including industrial control systems, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, actuators, and other devices.
• Network Segmentation: Segregation of OT networks from IT networks to minimise the risk of cyber threats spreading from IT environments to critical OT systems. Implementation of firewalls, access controls, and network segmentation techniques to isolate and protect OT assets and data.
• Vulnerability Management: Regular assessment and patch management of OT systems to identify and remediate vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cyber attackers. Consideration of unique challenges such as system downtime constraints and compatibility issues when applying patches and updates.
• OT Cyber Security Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of OT networks and systems for signs of suspicious activities, anomalies, or unauthorised access. Deployment of intrusion detection systems (IDS), intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and security information and event management (SIEM) solutions to detect and respond to security incidents.
• Access Control: Implementation of strong authentication mechanisms, access controls, and least privilege principles to restrict access to critical OT systems and data. Management of user privileges and permissions to ensure that only authorised personnel can access and modify OT assets and configurations.
• Incident Response: Development and implementation of incident response plans and procedures tailored to OT environments to effectively detect, respond to, and recover from security incidents. Coordination with internal and external stakeholders including IT security teams, operational personnel, vendors, and regulatory authorities to manage and mitigate the impact of security breaches.
• Physical Security: Protection of physical assets, control rooms, and industrial facilities from unauthorised access, tampering, sabotage, and theft. Implementation of access controls, surveillance systems, alarms, and physical barriers to prevent unauthorised entry and ensure the integrity and availability of critical OT assets.

Importance of Operational Technology Security

• Safety and Reliability: Ensuring the safety, reliability, and availability of industrial processes, equipment, and infrastructure to prevent accidents, downtime, and disruptions.
• Protection of Critical Infrastructure: Safeguarding critical infrastructure sectors such as energy, water, transportation, and manufacturing from cyber security threats and physical attacks that could have severe consequences for public safety and national security.
• Compliance and Regulations: Meeting regulatory requirements and industry standards related to OT security, safety, and resilience to avoid fines, legal liabilities, and reputational damage.
• Business Continuity: Maintaining operational continuity and business resilience by protecting OT assets and systems from cyber incidents, natural disasters, and other disruptive events.
• Supply Chain Security: Securing the supply chain and vendor ecosystem to mitigate the risk of supply chain attacks, unauthorised access to OT systems, and compromise of critical infrastructure components.

Operational technology security is critical for protecting industrial control systems, infrastructure, and processes from cyber threats, physical risks, and operational disruptions. By implementing comprehensive security measures, organisations can ensure the safety, reliability, and resilience of their OT environments and safeguard critical infrastructure assets and operations.

Discover more about securing operation technology in industrial environments in our free brochure.

Why is Operational Technology Security Important?

Operational technology (OT) security is paramount due to its direct impact on the safety, reliability, and resilience of critical infrastructure and industrial processes. Unlike traditional IT systems, OT systems control physical machinery, equipment, and processes in sectors such as energy, manufacturing, transportation, and utilities. The convergence of IT and OT networks has introduced new cyber security risks, making it imperative to address the unique challenges of securing OT environments.

First and foremost, OT cyber security is essential for ensuring public safety and preventing potential catastrophic events. A breach or compromise of OT systems can lead to physical damage, environmental disasters, and even loss of life. For example, a cyberattack targeting a power grid or a water treatment facility could result in widespread blackouts, contamination, or infrastructure damage with far-reaching consequences. By implementing robust security measures and controls, organisations can mitigate the risk of cyber threats and safeguard critical infrastructure assets from malicious actors.

OT cyber security is also crucial for maintaining operational continuity and business resilience in the face of evolving threats and disruptions. Industrial processes are increasingly reliant on interconnected OT systems and technologies, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks, malware, and other forms of exploitation. A breach or disruption in OT operations can lead to production delays, downtime, and financial losses for organisations. By investing in OT security measures such as network segmentation, vulnerability management, and incident response planning, businesses can minimise the impact of security incidents and ensure the uninterrupted operation of critical infrastructure systems.

Read our blog to discover more about the critical role of Cybersecurity in safeguarding industrial control systems in the OT environment.

Operational Technology Security Challenges

Operational technology (OT) security faces several unique challenges that stem from the distinct characteristics of OT environments and the convergence of IT and OT networks. These challenges include:

1. Legacy Systems and Complexity: Many OT systems are built on legacy technologies with limited or no built-in security features. Complex and heterogeneous OT environments comprising diverse devices, protocols, and vendors make it challenging to implement consistent security measures and controls.
2. Connectivity and Convergence: The increasing connectivity of OT systems to IT networks, the internet, and third-party systems expands the attack surface and introduces new risks. Convergence of IT and OT networks blurs the boundaries between traditionally isolated environments, leading to potential cross-domain security threats and vulnerabilities.
3. Vulnerability to Cyberattacks: OT systems are susceptible to a wide range of cyber threats, including malware, ransomware, phishing, and supply chain attacks. Exploiting vulnerabilities in OT systems can have severe consequences, including physical damage, operational disruptions, and safety incidents.
4. Safety and Reliability Concerns: Ensuring the safety and reliability of OT systems is paramount as any compromise or disruption can result in accidents, equipment failures, or environmental disasters. Balancing security requirements with operational imperatives such as real-time control and response presents a significant challenge for OT security practitioners.
5. Lack of Security Awareness: Limited awareness and understanding of cybersecurity risks among OT personnel, including operators, engineers, and maintenance staff, pose a significant challenge. Addressing the human factor in OT security requires comprehensive training, awareness programs, and cultural changes to foster a security-conscious mindset.
6. Compliance and Regulatory Requirements: Meeting regulatory requirements and industry standards related to OT security, safety, and resilience is challenging due to the dynamic and evolving nature of OT environments. Compliance with regulations such as NERC-CIP, IEC 62443, and NIST SP 800-82 requires ongoing efforts to assess, implement, and maintain security controls.
7. Limited Visibility and Monitoring: Limited visibility into OT networks and systems hampers effective monitoring, detection, and response to security incidents. OT-specific monitoring tools and techniques are often lacking or insufficient to provide comprehensive visibility and situational awareness.
8. Operational Constraints and Downtime: Operational constraints such as system uptime requirements and production schedules restrict the implementation of security measures and maintenance activities in OT environments. Balancing security objectives with operational imperatives and minimising disruptions to critical processes is a delicate balancing act for OT security teams.

Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach that combines technical solutions, organisational initiatives, and industry collaboration to enhance the security posture of OT environments and safeguard critical infrastructure assets.

The Future of OT Cyber Security

As organisations adopt new technologies like data analytics, machine learning, and distributed control systems (DCS) virtualisation, the complexity and intensity of Operational Technology (OT) threats are expected to rise.

Virtual machines and cloud-hosted SCADA services introduce additional security challenges that require a zero-trust security approach. While quantum computing offers improved system performance, it also poses risks by enabling adversaries to break traditional encryption more easily. Additionally, blockchain technology presents opportunities for OT systems, such as ensuring transaction authenticity through immutable ledgers, although its adoption in OT is still in early stages with potential for various new use cases to emerge.

As stated in KPMG’s recent report, ‘Only time will tell how OT security will evolve, but what is clear is that businesses must be prepared to adapt quickly to stay ahead of ill-intentioned adversaries.”

What is OT Security Managed Services?

Network infrastructure managed services refer to outsourcing the management, monitoring, and maintenance of an organisation’s network infrastructure to a third-party service provider. Instead of relying solely on in-house IT teams, businesses can leverage the expertise and resources of managed service providers (MSPs) to ensure the efficient operation and security of their network environments.

Key Components of OT Managed Services

Operational technology (OT) security managed services provide organisations with outsourced expertise and resources to effectively manage and protect their industrial control systems and critical infrastructure assets. Key components of OT security managed services include:

• Asset Inventory and Risk Assessment: Identification and documentation of all OT assets including industrial control systems (ICS), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, sensors, actuators, and other devices. Conducting comprehensive risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities, assess the likelihood and impact of potential threats, and prioritise mitigation efforts.
• Network Segmentation and Access Controls: Designing and implementing network segmentation strategies to isolate OT networks from IT environments and other untrusted networks. Deploying access control mechanisms such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and authentication protocols to restrict access to critical OT systems and data.
• Continuous Monitoring and Threat Detection: Establishing security operations centers (SOCs) or leveraging managed security service providers (MSSPs) to monitor OT networks and systems 24/7 for signs of suspicious activities, anomalies, or security breaches. Utilising advanced security analytics, threat intelligence, and behavioural analysis techniques to detect and respond to cyber threats in real-time.
• Incident Response and Forensic Investigation: Developing and implementing incident response plans and procedures tailored to OT environments to effectively detect, contain, and recover from security incidents. Conducting forensic investigations to identify the root cause of security breaches, assess the impact, and implement measures to prevent recurrence.
• Vulnerability Management and Patching: Performing regular vulnerability assessments and patch management activities to identify and remediate security vulnerabilities in OT systems and applications. Applying patches and updates to OT systems in a timely manner, considering operational constraints and minimising disruption to critical processes.
• Security Awareness and Training: Providing ongoing security awareness training and education programs for OT personnel to raise awareness about security risks, policies, and best practices. Conducting phishing simulations, tabletop exercises, and security drills to enhance the effectiveness of security awareness initiatives.
• Compliance and Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards related to OT security, safety, and resilience. Conducting regular audits, assessments, and compliance checks to verify adherence to applicable regulations and standards and mitigate the risk of fines or legal liabilities.
• Vendor Management and Third-party Risk Assessment: Managing relationships with third-party vendors and suppliers to ensure the security of outsourced services and products. Conducting third-party risk assessments and due diligence to evaluate the security posture of vendors and mitigate potential risks to OT environments.

By leveraging these key components of OT security managed services, organisations can enhance the resilience, reliability, and security of their industrial control systems and critical infrastructure assets while minimising the operational burden and resource constraints associated with managing OT security internally.

Benefits of Operational Technology Security Managed Services

• Expertise and Specialised Skills: Access to a team of experienced OT security professionals with specialised knowledge and skills in securing industrial control systems and critical infrastructure assets. Leveraging the expertise of managed security service providers (MSSPs) or dedicated security teams to implement best practices, industry standards, and cutting-edge technologies for OT security.
• Proactive Threat Detection and Response: Continuous monitoring of OT networks and systems for signs of suspicious activities, anomalies, or security breaches, enabling rapid detection and response to cyber threats. Utilisation of advanced security analytics, threat intelligence, and behavioural analysis techniques to identify and mitigate security incidents in real-time, minimising the impact on operations.
• Enhanced Risk Management and Compliance: Conducting comprehensive risk assessments and vulnerability management activities to identify and prioritise security risks in OT environments. Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards related to OT security, safety, and resilience through regular audits, assessments, and compliance checks.
• Reduced Operational Burden and Resource Constraints: Offloading the day-to-day management of OT security tasks and responsibilities to external experts, allowing internal IT and OT teams to focus on core business activities and strategic initiatives. Minimising the need for hiring and training in-house security personnel, as well as investments in specialized tools, technologies, and infrastructure for OT security.
• Improved Incident Response and Recovery: Development and implementation of incident response plans and procedures tailored to OT environments to effectively detect, contain, and recover from security incidents. Leveraging the expertise and resources of managed security service providers (MSSPs) to coordinate incident response efforts, conduct forensic investigations, and implement measures to prevent recurrence.
• Scalability and Flexibility: Ability to scale OT security services up or down according to changing business needs and requirements, ensuring that organisations can adapt to evolving threats and operational challenges. Flexibility to select and customise OT security services based on specific business objectives, budget constraints, and compliance requirements.
• Cost Efficiency and Predictable Budgeting: Predictable monthly costs and reduced capital expenditures associated with outsourcing OT security management tasks to managed security service providers (MSSPs). Avoidance of unexpected expenses related to hiring and training in-house security personnel, as well as investments in specialised tools, technologies, and infrastructure for OT security.

In summary, operational technology security managed services offer organisations a comprehensive solution for managing and protecting their industrial control systems and critical infrastructure assets, providing expertise, proactive threat detection, enhanced risk management, reduced operational burden, scalability, and cost efficiency. By partnering with experienced OT security providers, organisations can strengthen their security posture, minimise risk, and ensure the resilience and reliability of their OT environments.

OT vs IT

Operational Technology (OT) primarily controls physical processes in industrial and critical infrastructure sectors, employing specialised systems like industrial control systems (ICS) and SCADA systems with a focus on real-time control and safety. IT, on the other hand, manages digital information and communication within organisations using general-purpose systems and standard protocols, emphasising data processing and security. While OT prioritises reliability and safety over confidentiality, IT emphasises the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of digital assets. Understanding these differences is crucial for developing effective security strategies tailored to the unique requirements of each domain.

OT Security Compliance

Industry frameworks created to guide OT owners and critical infrastructure operators on their security journey are:

• NIST SP 800-82 Guide to Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Security offers recommendations on how to “secure ICS, including Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, Distributed Control Systems (DCS), and other control system configurations such as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), while addressing their unique performance, reliability, and safety requirements.”
• NIST IR 8183 Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) Manufacturing Profile provides CSF implementation guidance specifically developed to help reduce cyber risk in the manufacturing industry.
• American Water Works Association (AWWA) Water Sector Cybersecurity Risk Management Guidance includes guidelines to protect water sector Process Control Systems (PCS) from cyber attacks.
• Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) 08-09 provides guidance for nuclear power plant operators on how to create and implement a Cyber Security Plan required by Title 10 Part 73 Section 73.54 “Protection of Digital Computer and Communication Systems and Networks” of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR 10 73.54) as part of the licensing process.
• CISA Recommended Cybersecurity Practices for Industrial Control Systems identifies the areas for OT owners to focus on when implementing a defense-in-depth strategy.

Below are the industry regulations and standards OT and critical infrastructure organisations need to adhere to:

• North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards outline mandatory requirements for operators of Bulk Electric Systems (BES) in North America. NERC CIP includes 11 standards subject to enforcement related to cybersecurity of the power grid — from security management controls to personnel and training to supply chain risk management.
• ISA/IEC 62443 standards provide a framework to address and mitigate security vulnerabilities in industrial automation and control systems (IACSs).
• CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program “identifies and regulates high-risk facilities to ensure security measures are in place to reduce the risk that certain dangerous chemicals are weaponised by terrorists.” CFATS applies to “facilities across many industries — chemical manufacturing, storage and distribution; energy and utilities; agriculture and food; explosives; mining; electronics; plastics; colleges and universities; laboratories; paint and coatings; healthcare and pharmaceuticals.” Facilities subject to CFATS must meet Risk-Based Performance Standards (RBPS) that include the following:
  • Cyber-security requirements related to security policies, plans, and procedures
  • Access control
  • Personnel security (e.g. user roles and accounts and third-party access)
  • Awareness and training
  • Monitoring and incident response
  • Disaster recovery and business continuity
  • System development and acquisition
  • Configuration management

How can Axians UK help?

Axians UK is an experienced partner that can help you navigate the many OT network security pitfalls, protect your organisation’s critical systems and sensitive information from digital attacks, and help you take even greater advantage of digital technologies.

Download our OT Brochure.

And as part of the wider Vinci group, our network of over 200,000 colleagues means you can rely on our global OT network and security knowledge and local expertise that connect technology to business outcomes and deliver revolutionary projects for ambitious organisations.

We offer a comprehensive service above and beyond simple industrial control systems security solutions that combines a team of security experts, vendor-agnostic technology, and best practice processes.

Our skilled engineers have experience across the prevention, detection, investigation, and remediation of cyber-threats. They rapidly deal with fast-paced and rising attacks, keeping organisations’ OT security postures robust and up to date.

Contact the Axians team today to find out more about how we can secure your network.