Bridging IT and OT: the boost in industrial security through integration of IT and OT systems

Bridging IT and OT: the boost in industrial security through integration of IT and OT systems

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the convergence of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) systems in industrial operations has introduced a new dimension to cybersecurity risks. These risks, once purely digital, now pose physical safety and availability concerns. To address this challenge, a cooperative approach between IT and OT teams is essential.

Establishing Strong Communication

The foundation of this collaboration lies in establishing strong communication and consultation protocols. Key stakeholders, including the C-suite and board, must be involved to ensure aligned risk tolerance, threat intelligence sharing, and coordinated risk mitigation strategies.

Cross-Functional Teams

Cross-functional teams, bringing together engineering, safety, and cybersecurity experts, are crucial. These teams foster mutual understanding and shared ownership of OT cybersecurity risks and outcomes, bridging cultural and operational differences.

Aligning Security Goals

Integrating OT security as a core operational objective is vital. Emphasis should be placed on availability, safety, and confidentiality, while harmonizing cybersecurity with operational excellence and equipment maintenance in financial and operational terms visible to plant managers and executives.

Implementing Specific Controls

Specific OT security controls, such as network segmentation, strict access management, continuous vulnerability assessments, safety instrumented systems, and incident response plans tailored to OT's uptime and safety priorities, are essential. These controls acknowledge the legacy and proprietary nature of many OT systems.

Developing Mature OT Cybersecurity Programs

Mature OT cybersecurity programs, going beyond traditional IT perimeter defenses, are necessary. They should focus on deep visibility, continuous risk assessment, governance adapted to OT environments, and secure remote access, while accounting for legacy system constraints and modern cyber threats like ransomware and supply chain attacks.

Promoting Skills Development and Joint Training

Skills development and joint training are crucial. Combining IT, engineering, and process safety expertise ensures OT security professionals understand both ICT and industrial process requirements for effective control implementation.

Utilizing Reference Models and Standards

Reference models and standards, such as ISA-95 for clarity in communication and IEC 62443, NIST SP 800-82 for security frameworks, help formalize roles, responsibilities, and communication protocols in IT-OT convergence efforts.

Adopting a Proactive, Risk-Based Approach

Adopting a proactive, risk-based approach, leveraging threat intelligence, predictive technologies, and continuous monitoring integrated with IT security platforms, is key. This approach helps identify and prioritize vulnerabilities according to their impact on critical industrial processes.

As industrial operations increasingly digitize, the need for a collaborative approach between IT and OT teams becomes more pressing. Coordinating IT and OT decision-making, finding solutions that can address all aspects of the OT environment, and determining who is responsible for OT cybersecurity purchase decisions are all critical challenges.

However, the future looks promising. Most respondents are certain that in the long-term, OT and IT security will be seamlessly integrated and managed by the same solutions. The threat landscape for industrial operations is expanding, but with a cooperative approach between IT and OT teams, these challenges can be effectively addressed.

Collaboration demands the development of mature OT cybersecurity programs, incorporating cross-functional teams, aligning security goals, implementing specific controls, promoting skills development, and utilizing reference models and standards, such as ISA-95 and IEC 62443. Additionally, a proactive, risk-based approach that leverages predictive technologies and continuous monitoring is essential to identify and prioritize vulnerabilities.

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