Global cybercrime is expected to escalate by 15% annually over the next five years, reaching a staggering $10.5 trillion per year by 2025. Operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) systems are major targets for cyber threats. A cyber attack on an OT system can shut down production, resulting in significant downtime and financial losses potentially amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars. That’s why IT leaders are tasked with strengthening their organization’s OT cybersecurity posture.
Historically, OT systems have not been considered significant threats due to their perceived isolation from the Internet. Organizations relied on physical security measures, such as door locks, access codes and badge readers, to protect against hands-on access and disruption of physical operational processes. However, the advent of the 4th Industrial Revolution, or Industry 4.0, has introduced smart technologies and advanced software to optimize efficiency through automation and data analytics. This digital transformation has connected OT and IT systems, creating new attack vectors that allow adversaries to exploit and access sensitive data.
The infamous Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack underlines the critical importance of IT/OT security. In May 2021, the Georgia-based oil pipeline system suffered a ransomware attack on its IT infrastructure. In an abundance of caution, the company has preemptively shut down its OT systems and halted all pipeline operations to contain the attack. This incident highlighted the vulnerabilities of interconnected systems and the widespread societal impact of such breaches.
Common misconceptions and emerging trends in cybersecurity
Many organizations are unaware that their internet-connected OT systems often lack proper password protection or secure remote access, making them easy targets for hackers. Some organizations mistakenly believe they are immune to attacks, while others are overwhelmed by the task of regularly updating passwords.
Cybercriminals have refined their tactics and become increasingly sophisticated at penetrating network systems. Instead of deploying malware, they often steal employee credentials to gain unauthorized access. The use of generative AI to create deepfakes or phishing emails is a growing threat as attackers manipulate individuals into revealing sensitive information or transferring money. In 2023 alone, nearly 300,000 individuals reported being victims of phishing attacks, a number that continues to rise as threat actors improve their techniques.
Best practices for strengthening OT cybersecurity
Fortunately, there is now more publicly available information about cyber attacks and response strategies. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission recently introduced the Cybersecurity Disclosure Rule, which requires publicly traded companies to disclose all breaches, including breaches of OT systems. Failure to disclose could result in severe financial penalties, asset seizures, or even jail time for the parties responsible. This transparency promotes greater visibility and accountability in cybersecurity practices.
Securing OT systems is not as difficult as it seems. By implementing a number of best practices, organizations can significantly improve their cybersecurity position and reduce their vulnerability window.
First, security leaders must isolate OT networks from IT networks and the Internet to limit the attack surface and verify that the networks are segmented. This must be monitored 24/7 to ensure the effectiveness of network segmentation and the proper functioning of security controls. This containment strategy helps prevent lateral movements within the network during a breach.
Real-time network monitoring and appropriate alert escalation (often notifying the plant supervisor or controls engineer who is best positioned to verify that access or a configuration change is appropriate and planned, and not the IT SOC) helps in the rapid detection and response to threats. Then, make sure you conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and mitigate potential weaknesses. This proactive approach helps maintain a robust security posture and reduces the chance of future cyber attacks.
Many breaches could be avoided by simply educating employees about cybersecurity best practices and the importance of being vigilant. Training programs should cover phishing awareness, password management and incident reporting. Finally, IT teams should develop and regularly update an incident response plan to ensure a rapid and coordinated response to cyber incidents. The plan should outline clear roles and responsibilities, communication protocols, and recovery procedures.
In an era where cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, the convergence of OT and IT systems presents both opportunities and challenges. By embracing proactive cybersecurity measures, IT leaders can not only protect their organizations from potentially devastating attacks, but also drive innovation and resilience in their operations. The stakes are high, but with the right strategies, companies can turn cybersecurity from a daunting challenge into a competitive advantage, ensuring a secure and prosperous future in the digital age.
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