The Need For OT-centric Cyber Security Strategies

Cyber security is consistently hailed as a top global concern for governments, individuals and businesses alike. However, most rhetoric on the subject focuses on securing information technology (IT), rather than operational technology (OT). Today, organisations need a different approach.

Cyber security has experienced an image transformation in the last two decades. No longer is it seen as a technical enigma handled only by the most senior specialists, but it is now an essential part of every businesses operation. Indeed, according to some estimates, there could be up to 4 million openings for cyber security related jobs worldwide, with information security analyst being the tenth fastest growing occupation over the next decade. 

However, the next generation of cyber security specialists must understand the stark differences between IT and OT security. 

The OT Challenge

OT is typically defined as the hardware and software that manages the operation of a process or processes. In an industrial setting, this describes industrial control systems and their connected equipment - think programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), plus any form of automation such as pumps, fans and compressors. Put simply, OT is the technology that keeps plants running. 

While the basic purpose of IT and OT cyber security are the same: to protect devices, networks, systems and users, there are some significant differences, and as such, significantly different consequences to their failures. 

Among the most crucial areas of cyber security in OT is the protection of critical infrastructure. According to data released by the Organization of American States and Trend Micro, 54 per cent of critical infrastructure suppliers surveyed had reported attempts to infiltrate their industrial control systems, and the problem is not unique to the United States. The most high-profile example of an attack on critical infrastructure came in the form of the Stuxnet virus that targeted PLCs of the Iranian nuclear program back in 2010. Since then, there have been countless examples of cyber attacks on OT. In fact, during 2021 the number of cyber attacks on OT that lead to physical consequences increased by 144 per cent compared to the previous year, according to data by ICS Strive.  
Moreover, the problem is intensifying. A damning report published by the Financial Times, demonstrated that while three quarters of manufacturing companies claim they are aware of cyber risks and can deal with most of them, many actually lack the skills and security practices to do so.

There is an urgent need to improve cyber security for OT and this must start with education and research.

 The Future Of OT Security

 There are already some promising examples of organizations investing in OT security research and development. The Josef Ressel Centre ISIA is a newly developed research institute based in Salzburg, Austria. Built to investigate the future of digitalisation and industrial automation, the centre will focus specifically on the potential of digital assistants for industrial machines through systems architectures, artificial intelligence and cyber security. 

The centre has been funded by a trio of industrial partners: B&R Industrial Automation, SIGMATEK and COPA-DATA. As a cyber security specialist, COPA-DATA will be predominately involved in research into cyber security for OT. The goal of the investment is to avoid the common pitfall of research institutes: the challenge of finding partners that can industrialize the result of the project. 

While the Josef Ressel Centre is set to make significant advancements in the realm of OT security, more must be done ensure OT-centric cyber security is prioritised by industry.

As manufacturers and critical infrastructure suppliers become increasingly digitalized, the extent of sophistication from hackers will grow. As a minimum, we must ensure that OT cyber security strategies grow at a faster pace.

Reinhard Mayr is Head of Information Security & Research at automation software supplier COPA-DATA

You Might Also Read: 

Operating Technology Security Issues Are Increasing:

 

« Chinese Hackers Steal $20m US Covid Relief Benefits
US Defense Contractors Don't Meet Basic Cyber Security Standards »

CyberSecurity Jobsite
Perimeter 81

Directory of Suppliers

Jooble

Jooble

Jooble is a job search aggregator operating in 71 countries worldwide. We simplify the job search process by displaying active job ads from major job boards and career sites across the internet.

ManageEngine

ManageEngine

As the IT management division of Zoho Corporation, ManageEngine prioritizes flexible solutions that work for all businesses, regardless of size or budget.

Perimeter 81 / How to Select the Right ZTNA Solution

Perimeter 81 / How to Select the Right ZTNA Solution

Gartner insights into How to Select the Right ZTNA offering. Download this FREE report for a limited time only.

DigitalStakeout

DigitalStakeout

DigitalStakeout enables cyber security professionals to reduce cyber risk to their organization with proactive security solutions, providing immediate improvement in security posture and ROI.

Clayden Law

Clayden Law

Clayden Law are experts in information technology, data privacy and cybersecurity law.

ACME Communications

ACME Communications

ACME Communications specialises in the field of data centre, implementation, maintenance & operation and all aspects of other IT service.

Cyber Security Academy - University of Southampton

Cyber Security Academy - University of Southampton

An industry/University partnership established to advance cyber security through world class research, teaching excellence, industrial expertise and training capacity.

Cypress Semiconductor

Cypress Semiconductor

Cypress is a semiconductor design and manufacturing company providing embedded devices for secure IoT applications.

Sepior

Sepior

Our vision is to make Sepior the leading provider of cloud-encryption software in the world.

herdProtect

herdProtect

herdProtect is a second line of defense malware scanning platform powered by 68 anti-malware engines in the cloud.

Oneconsult

Oneconsult

Oneconsult provides cyber security services focusing on penetration tests / ethical hacking, ISO 27001 security audits and incident response & IT forensics.

HKCERT

HKCERT

HKCERT is the centre for coordination of computer security incident response for local enterprises and Internet Users in Hong Kong.

SafeLogic

SafeLogic

SafeLogic provides strong encryption products for solutions in mobile, server, Cloud, appliance, wearable, and IoT environments that are pursuing compliance to strict regulatory requirements.

Lepide

Lepide

LepideAuditor is a powerful Data Security Platform that enables you to reduce risk, prevent data breaches and prove regulatory compliance.

GulfTalent

GulfTalent

GulfTalent is the leading job site for professionals in the Middle East and Gulf region covering all sectors and job categories, including cybersecurity.

Foreseeti

Foreseeti

Foreseeti is Europe’s leading provider of Automated Threat Modeling and Attack Simulation solutions.

SOOHO

SOOHO

SOOHO helps to detect security vulnerabilities earlier. Our blockchain security platform audits from smart contracts to on-chain transactions.

DataExpert Singapore

DataExpert Singapore

DataExpert Singapore provide solutions and services in the areas of Digital Forensics, Data Recovery, Data Duplication, Data Degaussing & Wiping, Data Destruction, and IT Disposal.

Cegeka

Cegeka

Cegeka is a family-owned IT company providing end-to-end IT solutions, services & consultancy.

Managed IT Services

Managed IT Services

Managed IT Services is a managed IT Services Company offering a diverse range of Cyber Security services and IT solutions.

Numen Cyber Technology

Numen Cyber Technology

Numen Cyber Technology is committed to becoming a Threat Discovery and Response expert for corporate customers.