What is OT Cybersecurity?
OT Cybersecurity focuses on protecting the hardware and software that manage and control physical processes across industries such as manufacturing, energy, transportation, and utilities. Unlike traditional information technology (IT) systems, which primarily handle data and communications, OT systems directly watch over machines and industrial environments, making their security critical to both safety and reliability.
These systems include programmable logic controllers (PLCs), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, and distributed control systems (DCS). They serve as the core of industrial operations, making sure that manufacturing plants, power grids, transportation networks, and other critical infrastructure run safely and continuously.
For a comprehensive framework, refer to NIST, Guide to Operational Technology Security.
Effective OT device security involves complete OT device visibility, making sure that all assets within the network are accounted for and actively monitored. Without this visibility, security teams may overlook critical vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers. By prioritizing OT device security, organizations can better defend against threats and minimize risks to their operational processes.
The Evolution of Industrial Revolutions
Traditionally, OT Cyber Security was unnecessary. OT systems were not connected to the internet, leaving them relatively insulated from external threats. However, as digital innovation (DI) initiatives expanded, IT and OT networks converged. Organizations often bolted on specific point solutions to address particular vulnerabilities. These approaches resulted in a complex web of solutions. They struggled to communicate and share information, leading to poor OT device visibility and gaps in OT Cyber Security.
The First Industrial Revolution began in the 18th century. Today, as technology evolves even more, we are experiencing the Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as Industry 4.0. Industry 4.0 has introduced Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) as crucial components of modern infrastructure. These systems integrate IT and OT networks to automate and improve industrial processes, enhancing resource allocation, efficiency, and productivity. While connectivity enhances performance, it also increases vulnerabilities. as OT systems become more interconnected, they rely more heavily on robust OT security to protect the physical processes they control.
Why is OT Security Important?
Cisco defines Operational Technology (OT) as the hardware and software used to monitor and control physical processes. OT includes essential components like valves, pumps, sensors, and industrial control systems. These components support core operations in industrial environments.
OT is closely linked to Industrial Control Systems (ICS), which automate and manage industrial processes. It also relates to the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), which uses IoT technologies for data collection and analysis in complex environments.
Critical infrastructure relies on OT, and we, as nations, rely on critical infrastructure for national security. Hence, the continuous operability of OT is essential to maintaining operational security. Such dependency makes OT assets an extremely valuable target, a target that has become more accessible since converging with IT. The increased vulnerability is very worrying as any OT downtime causes subsequent disruptions to critical infrastructure… Recent incidents like the Colonial Pipeline and JBS Foods attacks highlight the significant national security risks posed by threats to critical infrastructure. To protect these assets, organizations must adopt comprehensive OT Cyber Security strategies, coupled with enhanced OT device visibility to manage security risks effectively.
Malware and State-Sponsored Attacks on OT
OT systems are frequently targeted by malware attacks, due to their disruptive potential. There are several hackers with differing motives whom would wish to sabotage OT environments. One such player is state-sponsored groups, who seek to undermine an adversary’s national security to advance their agenda. Cyberwarfare is becoming a more viable tactic, with nation-backed actors using advanced resources to disrupt critical infrastructure.
Terrorist organizations also see OT as a prime target. OT disruptions, with 45% posing physical safety risks, create societal fear and doubt in government’s ability to maintain operational security. Even without fatalities, such attacks still achieve the primary goal of terrorism. Generating widespread fear and irrational reactions. Financially motivated hackers, too, see value in attacking OT. Critical infrastructure entities cannot tolerate downtime and are often incentivized to meet monetary demands to resume operations. To learn more about the current state of OT and cybersecurity, check out the 2024 State of Operational Technology and Cybersecurity.
Security Risks of IT/OT Convergence
Industry 4.0 has increased OT accessibility. The integration of IT and OT means that IT can serve as a gateway to OT. An attack on the IT environment can also, intentionally or not, affect the OT environment. Hardware-based attacks are one such threat taking advantage of IT/OT convergence. Hardware attack tools, require physical access, and the countless endpoints in the IT environment all act as an entry point to OT. Worryingly, research by Honeywell found that 79% of threats originating from removable media are capable of disrupting OT Security.
Because of these risks, organizations must not only harden existing environments but also make informed choices when adopting new OT products and solutions. Security should be treated as a critical factor in procurement, ensuring that devices and systems are resilient by design. To support this effort, the NSA & CISA Joint Guidance on Secure OT Product Selection provides best practices for evaluating and selecting OT solutions that reduce risk and enhance resilience against modern threats.
OT Device Security Vulnerabilities
Hardware attack tools can bypass security controls like Network Access Control (NAC), Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), and IoT security. They do this by exploiting a lack of visibility at Layer 1. Spoofing devices and hidden implants can evade detection, compromising even the most stringent security operations.
A recent study by ESET found that 100% of attacks compromising air-gapped networks did so using a weaponized USB device. Of course, IT/OT convergence has seen a decline in air-gapping as the two contradict each another. However, even Zero Trust, which is often relied on as a robust defense mechanism against the cybersecurity risks associated with Industry 4.0, is insufficient in defending against hardware-based attacks.
By exploiting the physical layer blind spot, rogue devices manipulate access controls to gain network access, move laterally, and circumvent microsegmentation policies. To counteract this, enhanced OT device visibility is critical in identifying and mitigating potential hardware-level threats within the network infrastructure.
OT Device Security
The primary challenge in OT device security is the lack of visibility into existing network assets. As a result, security operations and policy enforcement become ineffective without comprehensive knowledge of the devices operating within the infrastructure. Therefore, OT device visibility is the foundation for securing critical infrastructure and keeping security operations running smoothly.
Sepio’s asset risk management platform fills the visibility gap in networks by offering complete OT device visibility. By doing so, it ensures that no device goes unmanaged by identifying, detecting, and handling all IT, OT, and IoT devices. Consequently, this visibility strengthens policy enforcement and enables Rogue Device Mitigation by instantly detecting and blocking unapproved hardware through automated third-party tools. In addition, the Zero Trust Hardware Access (ZTHA) approach protects the first line of defense and prevents the bypassing of Zero Trust security protocols.
Sepio operates without the need for hardware resources or traffic monitoring. Within 24 hours, it delivers complete network asset visibility and identifies previously undetected rogue or vulnerable devices. This capability strengthens OT security by providing organizations with real-time threat detection and mitigation tools.
Enhance your OT Device Security
Given that national security is at risk, critical infrastructure providers must therefore take immediate action to prevent harmful attacks. Rather than waiting for symptoms to appear, organizations should proactively address the root cause of the problem with Sepio. By doing so, they can enhance their OT device security and ensure that security operations remain resilient even in the face of sophisticated cyberattacks.
For more detailed guidance on best practices and principles for securing OT systems, see the Principles of OT Cybersecurity.
Ensure that all known and shadow network assets are visible, while effectively prioritizing and mitigating cybersecurity risks. Schedule a demo to learn more about Sepio’s patented technology and take the first step in securing your critical infrastructure.
