Top 5 Commonly Found Risks in OT Cyber Security

As operational technology becomes increasingly reliant on internet-facing systems, its cyber security risks have grown more severe and complex. While cyber security experts have been warning about these risks for years, the adoption of adequate measures has been relatively slow, resulting in numerous incidents affecting critical systems and infrastructure.

Here are the main five risks that jeopardize OT cyber security:

1. Insufficient Network Segmentation

Network segmentation is a core practice to improve network efficiency and security. Yet, the Cyber Security and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Security Agency (NSA) found that many OT environments had unknown or accidental network connections, which allowed outsiders to gain access.

The main goal of network segmentation is to prevent the spread of cyber threats throughout the network. Instead, if a security breach occurs, it will be contained, with virtual barriers preventing it from spreading laterally. 

In OT environments, network segmentation must enable centralized, virtual separation without physical equipment relocation. Solutions should offer intuitive interfaces, allowing easy drag-and-drop zoning by personnel of any skill level without necessitating network re-engineering or causing downtime. 

2. Third-Party Vendor Risk

A recent report found that 90% of the world’s largest energy organizations experienced a vendor-related data breach. Today, OT organizations deal with hundreds of vendors, who also have hundreds of other vendors. This third-party ecosystem is very difficult to navigate, as a single vendor vulnerability can affect multiple layers of the supply chain.

To secure OT environments, organizations must develop and strictly enforce strong security policies, guarantees, and mandates for their third-party relationships. A neutral risk assessment is also necessary to provide an unbiased evaluation of a vendor’s security posture and practices. Lastly, organizations should limit the network access vendors have to only the resources necessary for that particular relationship.

3. Lack of Security Awareness and Training

OT personnel generally lack sufficient training regarding cyber threats and how attackers can exploit this ignorance to infiltrate and compromise critical infrastructure systems. Contrary to popular thought, sophisticated and highly technical exploits aren’t the main entry point for attackers. Instead, they rely on human error and social engineering attacks.

The positive thing about this is that equipping OT staff with the knowledge and skills to recognize phishing attempts and other social engineering tactics can significantly improve the organization’s security posture.

Security awareness training (SAT) is critical to bolstering cyber security’s human element. By providing regular, updated training sessions that cover cybercriminals’ latest tactics, organizations can create a proactive security culture.

4. Legacy Systems Vulnerabilities

Legacy systems are an integral part of most industrial control system (ICS) environments. These systems have a lifespan of 10 to 20 years, which is a very long time in the rapidly evolving world of technology. Since replacing them is costly and leads to disruption, they’re often kept in place. However, these aging systems have outdated hardware, software, and protocols.

Legacy systems are often incompatible with modern security solutions, requiring a unique approach to cyber security. Network segmentation, which we discussed in more detail above, is crucial to isolate legacy systems from the rest of the network. Organizations should also consider replacing these systems altogether, which would require evaluating pros and cons, including a cost-benefit analysis.

5. Inadequate Incident Response Plans

An incident response (IR) plan is a set of rules for detecting, responding to, and recovering from cyber incidents. Unfortunately, from what we’ve seen in several high-profile attacks on OT infrastructure, most organizations dealing with OT have inadequate IR plans. This is evident by how unprepared certain organizations looked when faced with a cyberattack, struggling to contain the breach effectively.

Creating an incident response plan is a serious undertaking. Organizations must clearly understand their operational and technological stack and identify ways to ensure business continuity in the face of cyber incidents. The plan should also include communication strategies for stakeholders and engagement with authorities.

Combating Cyber Risks in Operational Technology

• Many OT environments lack proper segmentation, allowing cyber threats to spread easily.
• The complex ecosystem of vendors and their subcontractors poses a significant risk, as vulnerabilities in one can compromise the entire network.
• The human element is often the weakest link in cyber security. Regular, comprehensive security awareness training can significantly enhance an organization’s defense against cyber threats, particularly those involving social engineering and phishing.
• The outdated hardware, software, and protocols of legacy systems make them particularly vulnerable to attacks. While replacing these systems can be costly and disruptive, network segmentation and targeted security measures are necessary to protect them.
• The lack of prepared and practiced incident response plans leaves organizations vulnerable to prolonged disruptions during cyber incidents. Developing a detailed IR plan, with clear roles and communication strategies, is crucial for rapid and effective response and recovery.