In an enterprise, operational technology refers to the hardware and software that change, monitor, or control physical devices, processes, and events. As opposed to traditional Information Technology (IT) systems, OT systems directly affect the physical world. The unique nature of OT security architecture contributes to additional cybersecurity considerations not typically present in conventional IT security architectures.

Bringing together IT and OT

Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) have traditionally operated in separate silos, each with its own set of protocols, standards, and cybersecurity measures. In recent years, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has brought these two domains closer together. While this convergence increases efficiency and data-driven decision-making, it also exposes OT systems to the same cyber threats as IT systems.

Cybersecurity considerations for operations technology

The need for real-time information

As a result of the nature of Operations Technology systems, they operate in real-time and are unable to tolerate delays. An OT system that’s experiencing a delay could result in a significant operational issue or even pose a safety risk. OT cybersecurity measures, such as multifactor authentication, just-in-time access request workflows, and monitoring session activity, may not be appropriate for OT environments because of their latency. Depending on how the PAM solution is configured, these features may have a different impact on system performance. For this reason, PAM solutions should be thoroughly tested in a real-time environment to ensure that they meet performance and security requirements.

The legacy systems and connectivity associated with them

There are still a lot of old Operational Technology systems around. Customized and proprietary, they are designed to meet the needs of longevity and resilience in harsh environments. Due to the lack of priority given to cybersecurity, legacy OT systems are vulnerable to contemporary OT cybersecurity threats. Modernizing these systems presents significant challenges in terms of cost, operational disruptions, and compatibility issues, since they may lack basic security capabilities such as encryption, authentication, and multi-factor authentication (MFA). It may be impossible to understand the design and code if people with knowledge and skills are not available. Because these systems are increasingly integrated into IT networks and, occasionally, the internet, they are more vulnerable to cyber threats. Their vulnerability escalates as a result of this connectivity, despite its benefits for efficiency.

Some examples of unique security challenges include:

• Outdated Hardware and Software: Obsolete hardware and software introduce significant security challenges due mainly to incompatibility with modern off-the-shelf security solutions and best practices. This exposes legacy OT systems to unauthorized surveillance, data breaches, ransomware attacks, and potential manipulation.
• Lack of Encryption: Encryption is crucial for safeguarding sensitive data and communications. Nonetheless, older OT systems might not have the capability to support encryption, which exposes them to attacks that could jeopardize the confidentiality and integrity of data.
• Insecure Communication Protocols: Legacy OT systems may use insecure communication protocols that attackers can exploit. For example, Modbus, a widely used communication protocol in legacy OT systems, does not include authentication or encryption, making it vulnerable to attacks.
• Limited Ability to Implement Cybersecurity Controls: Traditional OT systems frequently have a restricted capacity to apply cybersecurity measures. For example, they might have been provided before the importance of cybersecurity was recognized and managed by OEMs, complicating their security.
• Third-Party Remote Connections: Older OT systems might support remote connections from third parties to manage OT devices linked to an internal network. Intruders can target a network established by a vendor and exploit it to contaminate other devices.
• Lack of Security Awareness: Operators and technicians who manage legacy OT systems may lack security awareness and training, making them vulnerable to social engineering attacks.
• Embedded or Easy-to-Guess Credentials: Certain OT devices, such as those in the IoT category, might possess inherent or predictable passwords, along with other potential design shortcomings.

Prioritizing Safety and Reliability: Cybersecurity for Operational Technology

The world of Operational Technology (OT) operates with a distinct focus compared to traditional IT environments. Here, the top priorities are ensuring the safety and reliability of the physical processes being controlled. This stands in stark contrast to IT, where data confidentiality and integrity reign supreme.

Why Safety and Reliability Take Center Stage in OT:

• Real-world consequences: OT systems directly control physical processes. A malfunction in a power plant’s control system, for instance, could lead to a complete shutdown or even a disaster. Guaranteeing the safety of these systems is paramount.
• Minimizing downtime: Smooth operation of physical processes hinges on the constant availability and proper functioning of OT systems. Any downtime translates to significant disruptions and financial losses.

Data Security Takes a Backseat, But Not Entirely:

While data confidentiality (keeping information out of unauthorized hands) and integrity (ensuring data accuracy) are important, they often come secondary to safety and reliability. Cybersecurity measures implemented need to reflect this prioritization. A security patch that fixes a vulnerability (enhancing data integrity) might be deemed unsuitable if it destabilizes the system (compromising reliability).

Cybersecurity Best Practices for OT:

Many established cybersecurity practices and frameworks can be adapted for OT environments. For example, the OWASP Top 10 addresses common web application security concerns like injection attacks, weak authentication, and data exposure. These vulnerabilities are also prevalent in OT systems, and OWASP even offers a separate list for the Internet of Things (IoT), a frequent component of OT environments.

Balancing Act: Designing Secure OT Systems:

Designing a cybersecurity strategy for OT involves a delicate balancing act. It requires meticulously balancing the need for safety and reliability with the need for data confidentiality and integrity. This often necessitates a different approach than traditional IT security, focusing more on minimizing disruptions to physical processes. It’s a complex task that demands a thorough understanding of both operational processes and potential cyber threats.

Securing OT: A Unique Challenge:

Securing OT environments demands a distinct approach compared to traditional IT security. It compels us to understand the unique characteristics and requirements of OT systems while designing cybersecurity measures that protect them without hindering their operations.

The Growing Importance of OT Cybersecurity:

As the boundaries between IT and OT continue to blur, the significance of OT cybersecurity will only escalate. Encryption plays a crucial role in safeguarding sensitive data and communication within OT systems. However, older OT systems might lack the capability to support encryption, leaving them vulnerable to attacks that could compromise data confidentiality and integrity.