Operational Technology (OT) refers to the hardware and software used to modify, monitor, or control the company’s physical devices, processes, and events. Unlike traditional information technology (IT) systems, OT systems have a direct impact on the physical world. This unique feature of OT brings with it additional cybersecurity considerations typically not found in conventional IT security architectures.
The convergence between IT and OT
Historically, IT and operational technology (OT) have operated in separate silos, each with its own set of protocols, standards, and cybersecurity measures. However, these two fields are increasingly converging with the advent of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). While beneficial in terms of increased efficiency and data-driven decision making, this convergence also exposes OT systems to the same cyber threats that IT systems face.
Unique cybersecurity considerations for OT
Real-time requirements
Operational technology systems often operate in real time and cannot afford delays. A delay in an OT system could lead to significant operational issues or even security risks. Therefore, OT cybersecurity measures that introduce latency, such as multi-factor authentication, just-in-time login request workflows, and session activity monitoring, may not be suitable for OT environments.
Please note that the impact of these features on system performance may vary depending on the specific PAM solution and how it is configured. Therefore, it is critical to thoroughly test any PAM solution in a real-time environment to ensure it meets performance requirements while still providing the necessary security controls.
Legacy systems and connectivity
Many operational technology systems are still old. They are proprietary and customized to meet the needs for longevity and resilience in harsh conditions. Cybersecurity was not a high-priority consideration for legacy OT systems, so they lack resilience against contemporary OT cybersecurity threats, resulting in high risk.
They may lack basic security features such as encryption, authentication, and multi-factor authentication (MFA). Modernizing these systems presents significant challenges in terms of cost, operational disruption and compatibility issues. People with knowledge and skills may not be available, making it impossible to understand the project and code.
As these systems increasingly integrate into IT networks and occasionally the Internet, their susceptibility to cyber threats is amplified. While beneficial to operational efficiency, this connectivity inadvertently expands the attack surface, thus increasing their vulnerability.
Some examples of unique security challenges include:
- Outdated hardware and software: Outdated hardware and software introduce significant security challenges primarily due to incompatibility with modern security solutions and standard best practices. This exposes legacy OT systems to unauthorized surveillance, data breaches, ransomware attacks and potential manipulation.
- Lack of encryption: Encryption is essential to safeguard sensitive data and communications. However, older OT systems may not have the ability to support encryption, which exposes them to attacks that could jeopardize data confidentiality and integrity.
- Insecure communication protocols: Legacy OT systems may use insecure communication protocols that attackers can exploit. For example, Modbus, a communications protocol widely used in legacy OT systems, does not include authentication or encryption, making it vulnerable to attacks.
- Limited ability to implement cybersecurity controls: Traditional OT systems often have limited ability to apply cybersecurity measures. For example, they may have been provided before the importance of cybersecurity was recognized and managed by OEMs, complicating their security.
- Third-party remote connections: Older OT systems may support third-party remote connections to manage OT devices connected to an internal network. Intruders can target a network established by a vendor and exploit it to contaminate other devices.
- Lack of security awareness: Operators and technicians managing legacy OT systems may lack security awareness and training, making them vulnerable to social engineering attacks.
- Embedded or easy-to-guess credentials: Some OT devices, such as those in the IoT category, may possess inherent or predictable passwords, along with other potential design shortcomings.
Safety and reliability
In operational technology environments, the primary goal is to maintain the safety and reliability of the physical processes they control. This is a significant change from traditional IT environments, where the focus is often on data confidentiality and integrity.
- Safety: OT systems control physical processes that can have real-world consequences if they malfunction. For example, in a power plant, a failure in the control system could lead to a shutdown or even a catastrophic event. Therefore, ensuring the security of these systems is crucial.
- Reliability: OT systems must be available and functioning properly to ensure the smooth operation of physical processes. Any downtime can lead to significant operational disruptions and financial losses.
By contrast, in OT environments, confidentiality (preventing unauthorized access to information) and integrity (ensuring data remains accurate and unaltered) often take a back seat. While these elements are significant, they usually do not carry the same weight as safety and reliability.
This order of priority can influence the implementation of cybersecurity measures. A cybersecurity action that safeguards data (increasing confidentiality and integrity) but jeopardizes the reliability of an OT system may not be deemed suitable. For example, a security patch might fix a known vulnerability (improving integrity), but you might consider it unsuitable if it causes system instability (compromising reliability).
While many cybersecurity best practices and frameworks focus on traditional IT environments, OT can benefit from them as well. For example, OWASP Top 10 addresses web application cybersecurity issues such as injection, broken authentication, sensitive data exposure, and security misconfigurations, which are common vulnerabilities that can also be found in OT environments. OWASP also has a separate listing for the Internet of Things (IoT), which is often a significant component of OT environments.
Cybersecurity strategies in OT environments must be carefully designed to balance the need for security and reliability with the need for data confidentiality and integrity
Therefore, cybersecurity strategies in OT environments must be carefully designed to balance the need for security and reliability with the need for data confidentiality and integrity. This often requires a different approach than traditional IT security, focusing more on minimizing disruption to physical processes. It’s a delicate balancing act that requires a deep understanding of operational processes and potential cyber threats.
Securing OT environments requires a different approach than traditional cybersecurity. You need to understand the unique characteristics and requirements of OT systems, and design cybersecurity measures that can protect them without compromising their operation.
As IT and OT continue to converge, the importance of OT cybersecurity will only increase. The use of encryption is essential to safeguard sensitive data and communications. However, older OT systems may not have the ability to support encryption, which exposes them to attacks that could jeopardize data confidentiality and integrity.
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