How to Safeguard Your Operational Technology From Cyberattacks

The OT cyberattack threat has never been more pressing. With attacks that target OT systems increasing in frequency and sophistication, it's crucial to have the right tools to protect your OT network.

The key to preventing OT attacks is understanding the threat landscape. To better prepare yourself, consider these cybersecurity best practices:

Implement a Zero-Trust Framework

A Zero Trust framework is a strategic cybersecurity model designed to protect the modern digital business. It's a new approach that shifts away from the traditional network security layer to focus on identity-based access control. The core concept is that all access should be vetted, validated, and approved before access to critical systems and data, including commercial access control system used for building security and IoT devices.

It considers that hackers exist inside and outside the network, allowing them to take any path into an organization's infrastructure. The framework uses advanced technologies like risk-based multi-factor authentication, next-generation endpoint security, and cloud workload technology to ensure that everyone and everything granted access is who they say they are. It also ties all access activity to an audit trail's specific time and location.

Using these technologies, the framework eliminates trust exceptions for all users, all devices, and all applications - even on mobile. It improves security posture, boosts productivity, and offers a smooth and easy-to-use user experience. Additionally, when you forgot your voicemail password, the zero-trust framework ensures that access to sensitive communication systems remains secure by implementing stringent identity verification measures.

Implementing a zero-trust framework immediately is the best way to safeguard your operational technology. It will mitigate threats from hostile governments, disgruntled employees, or malware, prevent the loss of critical information, and reduce the cost of data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other cyberattacks that can impact the bottom line.

Install a Firewall

Firewalls are software, hardware, or cloud-based systems that isolate network nodes from egress and ingress data traffic. They work by inspecting data packets that enter and leave a device and then checking the information in those packets against a database of known threats. If the data packet matches a threat, the firewall prevents it from entering your private network, protecting your devices and applications from cyberattacks.

Recognizing the potential for severe real-world damage, from operational disruptions to financial losses and even public safety threats, manufacturers must actively address the vulnerabilities of their OT systems and take decisive steps in securing operational technology from cyberattacks.

Companies need to take decisive action in securing operational technology from cyberattacks and aggressively repair the vulnerabilities in their OT systems, given the severe consequences that could arise in the real world, including operational interruptions, financial losses, and even hazards to public safety.

A firewall is a fundamental first line of defense, but it's only effective when appropriately configured and monitored regularly. Many threats constantly evolve and bypass traditional firewall protection if not updated to defend against the latest malware and viruses. Firewalls must also be protected against users who try to change their configurations, which is why granting only authorized administrators access to do so is crucial.

A firewall cannot prevent a malicious user from physically taking your device or accessing your computer and personal information. That is why you should always use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication. Installing an anti-malware program and regularly updating your web browser, operating system, and security software is also essential.

Upgrade Your Software

A slew of new vulnerabilities emerged in 2018, and some of the most dangerous are tied to legacy software. This software needs to be easily updated, which creates a gap that hackers can exploit. While many organizations follow the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" philosophy with their OT systems, this approach can have dire consequences.

Many of these systems control industrial environments and critical infrastructure. They also require compliance with strict regulatory standards. Therefore, These systems are attractive targets for nation-state hackers, cybercriminals, and hacktivists.

The most sophisticated nation-state attackers are Russia and China, which have shown an eagerness to jumpstart their economies through the theft of commercial intellectual property. They are also believed to be behind the attack on the Office of Personnel Management that left data about 20 million federal employees exposed. North Korea is less sophisticated but has still launched a slew of high-profile attacks. These include the 2012 "Shamoon" virus unleashed on Saudi ARAMCO and the 2014 "WannaCry" attacks that paralyzed parts of Ukraine's electric grid.

These threats are growing in sophistication, and the U.S. must take action to protect its vital interests. It should leverage the market's power and motivate private-sector companies to invest in continuous, dynamic cybersecurity improvements. That means implementing a Zero-Trust framework, installing a firewall, and upgrading your OT system's software.

Invest in Security Monitoring

In addition to implementing technical controls like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and privileged access management, OT teams should also invest in security monitoring. This will help them quickly detect threats as they enter the OT network and identify vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them. Security monitoring solutions like next-generation firewalls can scan data packets as they stream into OT networks, allowing them to discard any associated potentially malicious activity.

These tools can help OT teams detect threats, which can then be flagged for review and further analysis by IT security teams. A sound SIEM system will have a vast library of threat signatures that can be used to flag potentially malicious activities in OT environments. This can be particularly helpful for protecting against ransomware attacks and other threats that disgruntled employees or state-sponsored attackers typically target for geopolitical reasons or espionage.

While some of these threats are easier to quantify than others (such as loss of revenue or equipment damage), OT teams need to consider the full range of costs related to cybersecurity incidents. Using this information to create a suitable reaction plan, they can preserve operations and safeguard their assets against cyberattacks.

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