Cybersecurity Considerations for Operational Technologies (OT)

Operational Technology (OT) includes hardware and software used to modify, monitor, or control physical devices, processes, and business events. Unlike Information Technology (IT) systems, OT systems directly impact the physical world. This unique characteristic brings with it additional cybersecurity considerations not typically present in traditional IT security architectures.

The convergence of IT and OT

Historically, IT and OT have operated in separate silos, with distinct protocols, standards, and cybersecurity measures. However, with the advent of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), the two fields are converging. This advancement improves efficiency and supports data-driven decisions, but it exposes OT systems to the same cyber threats that affect IT.

Unique Cybersecurity Considerations for OT

Real-time requirements

OT systems often operate in real time and cannot tolerate delays. A slowdown can cause significant operational problems or even security risks. For this reason, cybersecurity measures such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), temporary access request flows, or session activity monitoring may not be suitable. It is essential to test any privileged access management (PAM) solution in real-world environments to ensure it meets performance requirements without compromising security.

Legacy systems and connectivity

Many OT systems are obsolete, designed to last and withstand harsh conditions. Because cybersecurity wasn't a priority when they were first created, they lack protection against today's threats, increasing the risk of attack. Furthermore, integration with IT networks and the internet amplifies their vulnerability.

Main challenges:

• Outdated hardware and software: Their incompatibility with modern security solutions makes them susceptible to breaches, ransomware, and manipulation.
• Lack of Encryption: Lack of encryption exposes sensitive data to confidentiality and integrity breaches.
• Insecure communication protocols: Protocols such as Modbus, which lack authentication or encryption, are vulnerable to attacks.
• Difficulty implementing controls: Many legacy systems do not support modern cybersecurity measures.
• Third-party remote connections: External connections can become entry points for attacks.
• Lack of security awareness: Operators may be vulnerable to social engineering techniques.
• Default or Predictable Credentials: Many OT devices use pre-set or easy-to-guess passwords.

Safety and reliability

In OT contexts, the priority is maintaining the security and reliability of physical processes, in stark contrast to IT environments, where data confidentiality and integrity are paramount.

• Safety: OT systems control physical processes with potentially serious consequences in the event of malfunctions, as in the case of power plants.
• Reliability: The proper functioning of OT systems is essential to avoid operational disruptions and economic losses.

Cybersecurity measures that protect data but compromise the reliability of OT systems may be deemed inadequate. For example, a security update that fixes a vulnerability may be avoided if it causes instability.

Balancing safety and functionality

Cybersecurity strategies for OT environments must balance data security and business continuity, often adopting different approaches than traditional IT security. This requires:

1. Understand the unique features of OT systems.
2. Design measures that protect without compromising operation.

For example, the OWASP Top 10 for the web also applies to OT, while the OWASP IoT list specifically addresses common vulnerabilities in OT systems integrated with IoT devices.

The growing importance of OT cybersecurity

As IT and OT continue to converge, OT cybersecurity will become increasingly critical. Adopting practices such as encryption and modernizing legacy systems will be essential to protecting data and infrastructure while ensuring the security and reliability of operational processes.

Source: The Hacker News