Strengthening OT Supply Chain Security: Key Insights from S4 Conference

Strengthening OT Supply Chain Security: Key Insights from S4 Conference

The evolving landscape of cyber threats poses significant risks to industrial operations, particularly the supply chain. At the recent S4 Conference, experts highlighted critical strategies for enhancing supply chain security in operational technology (OT). This interview with Eric Byres, Senior Vice President of Cyber Supply Chain Integrity at Exiger, reveals key insights into effectively mitigating these risks.

Understanding the Role of Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs)

SBOMs have gained attention as a potential solution for supply chain security, but misconceptions abound. Byres likened SBOMs to the ingredient list on a can of soup: they provide transparency into software components but don’t inherently indicate risks. “SBOMs are a necessary information feed into your risk analysis,” he explained, emphasizing that risk analysis must accompany SBOMs to identify potential threats.

Proactive Detection of Supply Chain Risks

Detecting second- and third-tier supply chain risks before operational impact requires proactive measures. Byres advocated for a thorough software analysis before deployment, including:

• Dissecting software to identify all components.
• Tracing origins to uncover potential vulnerabilities from open-source or third-party code.

He noted that in OT environments, 70-90% of software often originates from external sources, making this step critical. “We’ve seen cases where analysis revealed vulnerabilities from the 35th tier of the supply chain,” he added.

The Growing Threat of Malicious Software Components

Supply chain risks aren’t solely accidental; they can also be intentional. Byres shared an alarming discovery involving an open-source optical character recognition (OCR) software maintained by individuals linked to the Chinese military. Further inspection revealed a hidden remote-access component designed to exfiltrate data.

This example underscores the importance of scrutinizing software origin and maintainer practices, particularly in critical infrastructure sectors.

Practical Steps for Risk Mitigation

To address these challenges, organizations should:

1. Conduct Comprehensive Software Audits: Analyze all software components before deployment.
2. Implement Network Segmentation: Isolate high-risk systems to prevent potential exfiltration.
3. Utilize Threat Intelligence: Stay informed about emerging threats and known malicious actors.
4. Foster Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Engage IT, OT, and procurement teams in supply chain security efforts.

The Emerging Risks of Open Source Software

While open-source software is integral to modern applications, it also introduces unique risks. Byres cautioned against dismissing open-source tools entirely, as reputable projects undergo extensive testing and scrutiny. However, he advised organizations to assess:

• The background of contributors and maintainers.
• Update frequency and security patching practices.
• Community engagement and transparency.

Looking Ahead: Building Resilience in OT Supply Chains

The interview concluded with a sobering reminder: supply chain threats are growing more sophisticated. Byres emphasized the need for continuous vigilance, stating, “If we don’t have the tools to defend against these risks, we’re sitting ducks.”

By adopting a proactive, informed, and collaborative approach, industrial organizations can significantly enhance their supply chain security and protect critical infrastructure from evolving cyber threats.

Stay tuned for more expert insights at upcoming IIoT World Days events, where industry leaders will continue to share best practices and innovative solutions for OT security.

About the author

Lucian Fogoros is the Co-founder of IIoT World.