OT Security: How to Keep Your Operational Technology Safe
What is Operational Technology (OT)?
Operational Technology (OT) refers to the hardware and software used to control and manage industrial devices. Examples include systems operating a factory conveyor belt, sensors at a water barrier, or signals along railways. These systems are essential for efficient operations but also present unique security challenges.
The Challenges of OT Security
Securing OT is not as simple as applying IT security measures. It requires a tailored approach that considers different priorities and risks. Here are the two main aspects to keep in mind for OT security:
- Longer Lifespan of OT Equipment
While laptops and smartphones are replaced every few years, OT systems often last decades. As a result, today’s OT environments must remain compatible with 20-year-old equipment. This can make implementing modern encryption standards significantly more complicated. - Availability is the Top Priority
Continuity is critical in OT environments. A system failure caused by an update can halt production lines or even cause damage, leading to high costs. In IT environments, security updates can often be tested in a staging environment or rolled back. In OT, these luxuries are often unavailable, making updates too risky to implement, resulting in essential updates sometimes being skipped altogether.
Traditional Approach: A Closed OT Environment
The classic approach to OT security focuses on isolating the environment as much as possible: no access means low risk. However, if an attacker gains access, they could take over or disable systems.
In practice, this "lock it all down" method is becoming harder to implement due to:
- Cloud-connectiviteit
Modern OT systems are connected to the cloud for remote monitoring and management. - Vendor Access
Vendors often need internet access to maintain OT systems.
These connections create more entry points into OT systems, requiring a shift beyond just isolation.
How Computest Security Secures OT Systems
At Computest Security, we understand the complexities of OT security and have extensive experience conducting security assessments in OT environments. We implement strategies that align with your organization’s goals and environment. Using recognized standards like IEC 62443, we ensure your OT environment remains secure without compromising continuity. Here’s how we help:
1. Access to the OT Environment
When direct testing on OT systems is too risky, we focus on accessing systems with indirect connections, such as servers in your IT environment. This approach ensures the safety of your operational systems while uncovering vulnerabilities that attackers might exploit to reach OT systems.
2. Mapping Connections
What connections exist to, from, and within your OT environment? There may be more “doors” in the “wall” than you realize. To identify vulnerabilities, we map these connection points and secure them accordingly. Through consultations with administrators and technicians, as well as passive methods like network monitoring, we gain a clear understanding of your OT architecture without directly testing OT systems.
Why Choose Computest Security?
OT security requires tailored solutions and expertise. At Computest Security, we combine deep technical knowledge with practical solutions suited to your environment.
Interested in securing your OT environment? Contact us at info@computest.nl or call +31 (0)88 733 13 37, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
