Now more than ever, the security of Operational Technology (OT) systems is more critical than ever. These systems, encompassing hardware and software that monitor and control industrial equipment, form the backbone of our infrastructure. Brad Bussie, CISO for e360 and a leading voice in cybersecurity, sheds light on the vulnerabilities and solutions in the realm of OT security. This is from the 13th episode of the State of Enterprise IT Security Edition.
The OT Landscape and Its Vulnerabilities
Operational Technology, or OT, is a term that might not be familiar to everyone, but it plays an integral role in our everyday lives. "OT is operational technology and it refers to hardware, software, and this typically monitors and controls devices, processes, and infrastructure," explains Brad. This technology is crucial in industrial settings, such as SCADA systems and transportation systems, where it detects or causes changes in physical systems.
However, the increasing cyberattacks on these systems pose a significant threat, not only leading to financial losses but also affecting essential services. "One in four organizations shut down OT operations due to cyberattacks," Brad points out, highlighting the severe impact of these security breaches. The Colonial Pipeline attack serves as a stark reminder of how such incidents can cripple essential infrastructure and disrupt critical supplies to both public and private sectors.
The Path to Enhanced OT Security
Brad offers a comprehensive strategy to fortify OT systems against cyber threats. He emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach that includes:
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Network Mapping and Connectivity Analysis: Understanding the network's architecture and how systems are connected is crucial. "Have a network map and do a connectivity analysis," advises Brad, underlining the first step towards securing OT systems.
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Robust Security Controls: Implementing stringent security measures and ensuring secured access to OT systems are fundamental. This approach helps in mitigating risks associated with the expansive attack surface these systems often have.
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Detection of Suspicious Activities: Continuous monitoring to detect anomalies and potential threats is vital. "Make sure you understand the exposures, what that surface looks like," Brad suggests, advocating for vigilant surveillance of OT environments.
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Implementing a Zero Trust Framework: Adopting a zero-trust model, where trust is never assumed and verification is required from everyone trying to access the system, is key. "I think it's definitely important," Brad states, highlighting the significance of this strategy.
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Aligning Remote Access Controls and Tools: Ensuring that remote access is securely managed prevents unauthorized access and potential breaches.
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Controlling Identity and Access Management: Properly managing who has access to what parts of the OT system can significantly reduce the risk of insider threats or accidental breaches.
Brad also shares a "bonus" strategy: having an Incident Response (IR) plan complemented by a resilient backup and recovery strategy. This preparation ensures that, in the event of an attack, the organization can recover with minimal damage.
The Urgency of Action
As OT systems become increasingly interconnected with IT networks, their exposure to cyber threats grows. The sophistication of attacks, capable of causing not just data breaches but physical damage to equipment, calls for a renewed focus on securing these vital systems. Brad's insights provide a roadmap for organizations to bolster their defenses, emphasizing that proactive measures are not just beneficial but essential for maintaining the integrity of critical infrastructure.
Episode thirteen of the "State of Enterprise IT Security" podcast is available now. For more insights into how technology shapes our world, stay tuned to our blog for the latest in enterprise IT security and beyond.
