This blog post outlines five practical strategies to prepare for the future of OT security:
- Adopt a programmatic approach
- Focus on endpoint security
- Leverage AI and automation
- Implement secure remote access
- Develop a comprehensive asset management plan
These strategies, grounded in industry best practices and real-world case studies, are a roadmap for organizations looking to enhance their OT security posture and help protect their critical assets now and in the future.
Adopt a Programmatic Approach
A structured, programmatic approach to OT security is essential for building a robust defense against cyber threats. Implementing frameworks such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) helps create a comprehensive OT security program that covers multiple critical aspects, from asset identification and protection to detection, response, and recovery.
By implementing frameworks like NIST CSF, organizations can quantify benefits like measurable reduction in risk exposure, which leads to cost savings associated with potential downtime or data breaches. This structured approach also helps demonstrate due diligence to stakeholders and adhere to the increasingly stringent compliance requirements.
Key Actions:
- Framework adoption: Utilize industry-standard frameworks like NIST CSF to guide your OT security efforts. These frameworks provide a structured approach to managing and reducing cybersecurity risk.
- Comprehensive coverage: Ensure your program addresses all aspects of security, including people, processes, and technology. This holistic approach helps in creating a balanced and resilient security posture.
- Continuous improvement: Regularly review and update your security program to adapt to new threats and technologies. Continuous improvement enables your security measures evolve in line with the changing threat landscape.
Focus on Endpoint Security
Endpoints, such as sensors, controllers, and workstations, are often the most vulnerable points in an OT environment. Securing these endpoints is critical to helping protect your OT assets from cyber threats.
An example of endpoint security in action is our close work with a leading North American power company. The power company wanted to quickly lower its risk of vulnerabilities with immediate actions at the endpoint. Endpoint security allowed the plant to gain visibility into its assets. This enabled proactive vulnerability management and reduced risk exposure. It also facilitated the identification and removal of dormant accounts that could’ve provided future risk exposure.
Key Actions:
- Endpoint Protection Tools: Implement anti-malware, antivirus, and other endpoint protection tools to help safeguard your devices from malicious software.
- Secure Configurations: Regularly update and secure configurations for all endpoints. This includes disabling unnecessary services and confirming that all devices are configured according to best practices.
- Patch Management: Maintain a rigorous patch management process so that devices are up to date with the latest security patches. Regular patching helps in mitigating vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers.
Leverage AI and Automation
AI and automation are great tools to enhance your OT security posture by identifying threats, automating responses, and managing large volumes of data more efficiently. These technologies provide predictive insights and streamline security operations.
Key Actions:
- AI-Driven Tools: Invest in AI-driven cybersecurity tools to improve detection and response. AI helps identify patterns and anomalies that may indicate a cyberattack.
- Automation: Automate repetitive and time-consuming security tasks to free up valuable resources. Automation helps in areas such as log analysis, incident response, and vulnerability management.
- Predictive Maintenance: Use AI for predictive maintenance to identify and address potential vulnerabilities before they are exploited. Predictive maintenance helps in proactively managing the health and security of your OT assets.
Implement Secure Remote Access
The shift towards remote work, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has introduced new security challenges. Maintaining secure remote access is essential to protect your organization from potential breaches and maintain operational integrity.
Key Actions:
- VPN and MFA: Ensure remote workers use Virtual Private Networks (VPN) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) for secure access. These measures provide an additional layer of security by encrypting data and requiring multiple forms of verification.
- Strong Home Networks: Educate employees on securing their home networks and avoiding public Wi-Fi for work-related activities. Secure home networks are less vulnerable to attacks.
- Third-Party Access: Implement strict policies and procedures for third-party vendors accessing your network to ensure that they follow your security protocols. Third-party access should be closely monitored and controlled to help prevent unauthorized access.
Develop a Comprehensive Asset Management Plan
Effective asset management is foundational to OT security. Knowing what assets are in your network, their configurations, and their vulnerabilities is essential for maintaining a secure environment.
Key Actions:
- Asset Inventory: Maintain a detailed and up-to-date inventory of all OT assets. An accurate asset inventory helps in identifying and managing devices in your network.
- Regular Audits: Conduct regular audits to identify and address any discrepancies or security gaps. Audits help in ensuring that all assets are properly managed and secured.
- Vulnerability Management: Implement a robust vulnerability management plan to continuously monitor and mitigate risks associated with your assets. A vulnerability management plan helps in prioritizing and addressing vulnerabilities based on their criticality.
Help Secure Your Future with OT Proactive and Comprehensive Strategies
Preparing for the future of OT security requires a proactive and comprehensive approach. By adopting a programmatic approach, focusing on endpoint security, leveraging AI and automation, implementing secure remote access, and developing a comprehensive asset management plan, organizations can significantly enhance their security posture and mitigate risks effectively. Embracing these strategies will help you navigate the evolving landscape of OT security, and help your organization remain resilient against emerging threats.
Ready to secure your OT’s future?
