Critical infrastructure systems, including power plants, water treatment facilities, transportation networks, and factories, rely on operational technology (OT) for their functionality. While OT systems are designed to manage physical devices and processes, traditional IT systems focus primarily on safeguarding data and information. This fundamental difference presents significant challenges in securing OT environments, challenges that have been exacerbated as OT networks increasingly integrate with IT networks. Such integration heightens vulnerability to cyber threats. Consequently, there is a growing demand for strategies to secure these OT frameworks effectively. According to a 2023 cybersecurity report, over the past two years alone 70% of critical infrastructure companies experienced at least one security breach within their OT environment. A statistic underscoring the urgent need for robust plans aimed at protecting vital public services.
Challenges Faced by OT Security
There are several challenges that make OT security difficult to manage. Firstly, many OT systems rely on outdated technologies lacking modern security features, making them highly susceptible to cyberattacks. Upgrading or replacing these systems can be costly and time-consuming, particularly for businesses that require constant uptime. Secondly, efforts in OT cybersecurity often encounter obstacles from hidden networks and the absence of real-time tracking. Many companies struggle with effectively monitoring all devices and control systems within their OT environments, increasing the risk of overlooking vulnerabilities. Finally, insufficient training for employees on robust cybersecurity practices further exacerbates risks as human error remains a leading cause of incidents in OT security.
Businesses are employing OT network protection strategies that encompass both preventative and responsive cybersecurity measures to address these challenges. To safeguard critical computer systems from escalating cyber threats. We require solutions such as intrusion detection systems, specialized OT firewalls, and continuous monitoring.
What is Operational Technology (OT) Cybersecurity?
- Ensuring cybersecurity for Operational Technology is crucial to maintaining the safety, security, and continuous operation of critical infrastructure and industrial environments.
- OT security protects technological assets and processes from cyberattacks in sectors such as manufacturing, food and beverage, oil and gas, mining, chemicals, and utilities.
- OT cybersecurity ensures compliance with stringent regulatory standards, which is vital for safeguarding critical processes.
- The expansion of the attack surface is due to increased OT connectivity, IT-OT convergence, and the advancement of cyber-physical systems. As a result, robust security measures have become even more crucial.
- To prevent major security issues, safeguarding trade secrets, ensuring public safety, and maintaining the continuity of industrial processes within critical infrastructure (CI) is essential.
- Organized crime groups and state-sponsored actors seeking financial gain, information, or advantages in cyberwarfare often target industrial organizations and critical infrastructure (CI).
- Cyberattacks on operational technology (OT) networks are increasingly frequent, with malicious actors specifically targeting internet-connected OT assets.
- The NSA and CISA emphasize the immediate necessity of implementing measures to reduce risks in operational technology (OT) and control systems. They highlight the critical importance of safeguarding essential infrastructure assets promptly.
What are OT Network Protection Solutions?
Operational technology (OT) networks are essential for managing and supervising industrial processes and critical infrastructure. To safeguard these networks, specialized cybersecurity measures known as OT network protection solutions have been developed. These solutions aim to shield OT systems from cyber threats, ensuring that industrial operations proceed smoothly without any disruptions. Key strategies for securing OT networks include:
- Network Segmentation: Isolating OT and IT networks to prevent threats from migrating between them, thereby reducing the impact of cyberattacks.
- Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) play a crucial role in bolstering OT security by detecting and preventing cyber threats as well as unauthorized access to operational technology environments.
- Access Control and Authentication: Robust access control protocols, such as multi-factor authentication, ensure that only authorized individuals can access critical OT systems.
- Endpoint Protection: Security measures such as antivirus software and endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools help prevent malware and other cyber threats from infiltrating individual devices within the OT network.
- Real-time Monitoring and Threat Detection: Continuous monitoring tools are essential for identifying unusual activities, potential breaches, or vulnerabilities within OT systems, thereby enhancing the speed of incident response.
- Asset Management: Monitoring and managing OT assets enables the identification and protection of vulnerable devices. Also ensuring that outdated or unsupported systems are not exploited for malicious purposes.
- Data encryption ensures the privacy of critical operational information by securing it during transmission and storage, thereby preventing unauthorized access.
- Incident Response and Recovery Plans: Developing and implementing tailored incident response and disaster recovery strategies specific to OT environments enables businesses to effectively manage cyber incidents while minimizing downtime.
By integrating these solutions, businesses can enhance their defenses against emerging threats and ensure that their OT networks remain secure from disruptions.
OT Security Challenges and Solutions for Critical Infrastructure Protection
Understanding the distinction between risks and challenges: Threats are adversaries that require additional resources or highlight existing weaknesses in a particular area. Conversely, challenges are issues that can be resolved using the tools already at hand.
Here are the top 10 challenges in OT security and their solutions:
Old technology and legacy systems
- Problem: Many operational technology systems rely on outdated platforms lacking modern security features, rendering them vulnerable to cyberattacks.
- Solution: Upgrade outdated systems and promptly apply security updates. Implement network segmentation along with other protective strategies to isolate legacy systems that cannot be removed from the rest of your infrastructure.
OT networks that are hard to see
- Problem: The lack of visibility in OT systems makes it challenging to identify and respond promptly to potential risks or unusual behaviors.
- Solution: Implement intrusion detection systems (IDS) and network monitoring to gain visibility into OT networks, allowing for the early identification of unusual activity.
Putting together IT and OT networks
- Problem: The integration of IT and OT networks expands the attack surface, creating additional vulnerabilities and risks.
- Solution: Implement network segmentation to isolate IT and OT systems while ensuring secure and reliable communication between them.
IoT devices in OT environments don’t have enough security
- Problem: IoT devices utilized in operational technology (OT) security environments often lack robust security measures, potentially providing hackers with a point of entry.
- Solution: Ensure IoT devices are equipped with robust authentication and encryption measures, and regularly update the software to address known vulnerabilities.
Not enough security awareness among OT staff
- Problem: OT employees may lack sufficient training in cybersecurity best practices, increasing the likelihood of errors and insider threats.
- Solution: Provide OT staff with regular cybersecurity training and educational programs to enhance their understanding of security risks and effective strategies for managing them.
Attacks by Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) on OT
- Problem: Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) frequently target Operational Technology (OT) systems and can remain undetected for extended periods, causing significant damage before they are discovered.
- Solution: Employ advanced tools for threat detection and conduct regular penetration testing along with vulnerability assessments to identify weaknesses in your defenses before they can be exploited.
Vendor Risks from a Third Party
- Problem: Many OT systems rely on external companies for maintenance and support, potentially exposing the supply chain to threats.
- Solution: Implement robust access controls, closely monitor third-party activities, and ensure they adhere to your safety protocols.
Attacks by ransomware on OT systems
- Problem: Ransomware attacks on operational technology (OT) security systems can halt factory operations, incur significant financial losses, and jeopardize people’s safety.
- Solution: To safeguard against ransomware threats, implement multiple layers of security by encrypting your data, regularly backing up files, and monitoring systems in real time.
Not enough plans for how to handle incidents in OT
- Problem: Many companies lack incident response plans tailored specifically for Operational Technology (OT) environments, leading to potential delays and inefficiencies in responding to security breaches.
- Solution: Develop and regularly update incident response and recovery plans tailored for OT environments. This will enable swift and coordinated action in the event of a cyberattack.
Reporting and following the rules
- Problem: Adhering to the stringent regulations imposed by authorities for OT security can be difficult, particularly as those regulations evolve.
- Solution: Stay current with regulatory changes and utilize automated compliance tools to ensure adherence to security standards.
By addressing these issues effectively, businesses can enhance the safety and resilience of their OT environments, safeguarding critical assets against emerging threats.
Conclusion
Addressing OT security issues is crucial for the safety and reliability of essential infrastructure. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, safeguarding operational technology demands a proactive strategy. Which includes robust network defenses, employee training, and tailored security solutions. By implementing comprehensive OT cybersecurity measures, organizations can better protect their systems, prevent disruptions, and ensure continuous operations.
