Emerging Risks in OT Environments and Proactive Cybersecurity Measures for Manufacturers

Emerging Risks in OT Environments and Proactive Cybersecurity Measures for Manufacturers

The convergence of Information Technology (IT), Operational Technology (OT), and Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized industrial operations, bringing unparalleled efficiency and connectivity. However, this fusion has also created a fertile ground for cyber threats, with sophisticated attackers exploiting every available vulnerability. From supply chain compromises to stealthy living-off-the-land tactics, the risks are evolving faster than many organizations can adapt. To safeguard their operations, manufacturers must stay ahead of these threats with a strategic and proactive approach to cybersecurity. This article delves into the emerging risks in OT environments and outlines effective measures manufacturers can take to enhance their cybersecurity posture.

Emerging Risks in OT Environments

• Supply chain attacks are a significant threat, as attackers target vendors to compromise legitimate software and gain access to multiple OT systems.
• The convergence of IT, OT, and IoT technologies makes it challenging to develop a cybersecurity strategy that encompasses all aspects.
• Directly connecting devices to the internet is a major vulnerability, providing attackers with an easy entry point to OT environments.
• Lack of visibility into devices and their software components makes it difficult to identify and address vulnerabilities.
• Living-off-the-land techniques, where attackers use legitimate tools and traffic patterns, are becoming increasingly common and challenging to detect.

Proactive Measures for Manufacturers

• Implement a robust asset inventory, regularly updated and comprehensive, to understand the devices and software within the environment.
• Prioritize network segmentation to prevent unauthorized access and limit the impact of attacks.
• Demand Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs) from vendors to understand the components of software and identify potential risks.
• Adopt a universal cybersecurity strategy that encompasses IT, OT, and IoT systems, recognizing their convergence.
• Employ a combination of automated tools and manual code reviews to ensure code integrity and identify vulnerabilities.
• Secure the build environment to prevent tampering during the software development process.
• Implement secure communication protocols and authentication mechanisms for devices to protect data in transit.
• Stay informed about emerging regulations and standards, such as IEC 62443 and the EU CRA, to ensure compliance and enhance security.

Industry Collaboration and Action

• Collaboration between manufacturers, system integrators, and operators is crucial to establish secure practices and frameworks.
• A concerted effort is needed from industry groups and government entities to address the issue of devices directly connected to the internet.

As the industrial landscape continues to evolve, addressing emerging risks in OT environments requires a comprehensive and proactive approach. By focusing on asset visibility, network segmentation, secure development practices, and industry collaboration, manufacturers can navigate the complexities of cybersecurity and protect their critical operations from potential threats.

This article was written based on the insights provided by Ellen Boehm, SVP of Global IoT Strategy & Operations, Keyfactor, Megan Samford, VP, Chief Product Security Officer – Energy Management, Schneider Electric, and Eric Byres, CTO and Board Member, aDolus, during the IIoT World Manufacturing Days. The “Fortress Factory: The Critical Importance of Cybersecurity in the IIoT Era” session was moderated by Patrick C Miller, CEO, Ampyx Cyber. For more insights, watch the video. The article was generated using notebooklm and chatGPT based on the video transcript. It was edited by the IIoT World’s team.

Watch the video.