Operational Technology (OT) systems play a crucial role in industries such as energy, manufacturing, transportation, and water management. These systems are responsible for managing everything from power grids and water treatment plants to industrial robots and building management systems.
However, nowadays, these systems pose additional cyber risks that could have major effects on critical infrastructure as they become increasingly linked to IT networks and the internet.
According to Business Wire, over the last five years, industrial cybersecurity risks have grown by 60%, and cybercriminals have mostly targeted vital infrastructure. Among other key concerns, rising ransomware, supply chain vulnerabilities, and state-sponsored assaults underscore the urgent need for improved OT cybersecurity.
The Expanding Attack Surface in OT Systems
Unlike conventional IT networks, OT systems were not first intended with cybersecurity in mind. Cybercriminals often find these systems appealing because they rely on outdated systems and lack modern security mechanisms.
By combining IT and OT, the attack surface has been expanded, and industrial control systems (ICS) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems have been exposed to cyber vulnerabilities that were once contained within IT networks.
Events such as the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack, which disrupted fuel supplies across the U.S. East Coast, highlight how combining IT and OT systems without proper segmentation and OT resilience can expose vulnerabilities and trigger preemptive shutdowns.
Traditionally, OT systems were isolated from the internet and IT networks to reduce cybersecurity risks. However, as modern industrial environments adopt connected OT to IT for remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, cloud analytics, and much more, the increase in exposure to cyber threats is much larger than before.
Other Vulnerabilities
OT systems are highly dependent on third-party vendors for hardware, software, and maintenance. Unlike traditional IT, where software can be more easily secured and patched, OT networks rely on specialized industrial components and vendors that provide critical updates, diagnostics, and ongoing support. This reliance introduces a significant security challenge—supply chain attacks.
In March 2020, hackers compromised the SolarWinds’ Orion software update process by inserting a backdoor (SUNBURST malware) into legitimate software updates. This incident demonstrated how supply chain vulnerabilities can impact OT networks by exploiting vendors and suppliers that may lack strong cybersecurity protections.
Another vulnerability in OT systems is the rapid acceptance of IIoT devices, or the Industrial Internet of Things, in industrial environments. Many IIoT devices are readily targeted by cybercriminals who use them as access points into OT networks, since many lack appropriate authentication mechanisms and are typically online and exposed.
Although IIoT enhances operational efficiency, predictive maintenance, and automation, it also expands the attack surface in OT systems. Most IIoT devices lack strong authentication mechanisms, use outdated or unpatched firmware, or employ weak or no encryption, which increases cyber risks.
Resolving the OT Cybersecurity Challenge
As IT and OT systems continue to converge in today’s industrial environment, the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats has never been more pressing.
As stated by Dr. Tom Holt, Director and Professor in the School of Criminal Justice at Michigan State University, “The Colonial Pipeline breach demonstrated how ransomware attacks can significantly impact supply chains, how critical infrastructure can be an attractive target for cybercriminals, and how it is a necessity to have cybersecurity systems and protocols in place to prevent and respond to these types of attacks.”
Companies have to be proactive in improving OT security to help reduce these new risks, such as:
- Use network segmentation to isolate OT networks from outside and IT connections, reducing exposure.
- Establish rigorous access controls, ongoing authentication, and least-privilege restrictions for every user and device in accordance with Zero Trust Principles.
- Many OT systems use antiquated software; companies should develop a robust patching plan to address security flaws.
- Improve issue response procedures unique to industrial operations and apply security monitoring solutions designed for OT environments.
- Enhance supply chain security by conducting cybersecurity analyses of external suppliers and ensuring demand adheres to security guidelines.
By prioritizing security as an integral part of OT operations, industries can protect their assets, customers, and national security interests from cyber threats.