10 Ways to Protect OT Systems from Cyber Attacks

In today’s interconnected world, protecting your Operational Technology (OT) systems is more important than ever. OT systems control critical infrastructure such as power grids, manufacturing equipment, and transportation networks. 

Ensuring the security of these systems from cyber threats is very important because attacks on the OT systems will cause significant disruptions, loss of revenue, and even safety hazards. 

While cyber threats are scary, there are simple ways organizations can fortify their OT systems. The following takes a deep dive into 10 practical ways to ensure OT systems are safe from cyberattacks.

1. Regular Update of Software and Systems

The most basic but effective ways to protect OT systems include the updating of all software, firmware, and systems. These criminals usually look for exploits in aged systems to deliver attacks. Regular updates help patch vulnerabilities, securing all your OT environment systems overall. 

Ensure that you have a procedure in place to monitor and install updates, note that in some cases, you can set up automatic updates so you won’t miss any important security patches.

2. Implement Strong Access Controls

Limit access to critical OT systems. They must be safeguarded against tampering by unauthorized individuals. Set strong passwords and insist on using MFA for people accessing your systems. 

Even if someone gains access to a password, they cannot easily bypass one-time codes or biometric scans required to gain greater access. Reduce user access based on their roles; only provide access levels that are necessary to perform the required task. This decreases the risk of human mistakes and insider threats.

3. Monitor Systems Continuously

Monitoring your OT systems in real-time allows you to see suspicious activity before it blossoms into a serious issue. With automated alerts and having dedicated security personnel on hand, you can quickly identify when something is wrong. 

Regular monitoring will also help you identify patterns or behaviors that could indicate a breach or a weakness in your systems. Though OT systems often operate in isolated environments, a continuous monitoring system can track both internal and external threats.

4. Train Employees on Security Best Practices

Employees serves as the first line of defense against cyberattacks. Regular training in security awareness builds understanding and vigilance among employees as to risks and possible threats. 

Instruct your staff on how to identify phishing attacks, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and report unusual activity. OT systems often rely on operators to run machinery or infrastructure, equipping your team with such skills can be priceless in stopping an attack.

5. Backup Strategy

 No system is completely impenetrable to cyberattacks, so a backup strategy needs to be developed in advance. Regularly back up your critical OT systems and retain the backups in safe, isolated locations. 

This means that in the event of a cyberattack-with-held ransomware attack, you can restore the affected systems without ever having to pay the attackers or risk losing valuable data. Physical and cloud-based locations should be used for storing the backups. These will add layers to the security.

6. Segment Networks for Added Protection

OT systems often share a network that might be used to connect other systems in the organization. To prevent an attack on your entire network, segment your OT network from your IT network. 

This means the segmentation of parts of your system as isolated units. Thus, even though a cybercriminal manages to breach your IT network, it will not be easy to have direct access to your OT systems.

7. Limit Remote Access

While remote access to OT systems is convenient, particularly when troubleshooting or performing maintenance work, it also renders the door open to cybercriminals. If remote access is needed, ensure that it is done securely, using VPNs or secure remote desktop services. 

Limit the number of people who can access your systems remotely and ensure that every such access session is logged for auditing purposes. The fewer the number of people with access, the lower the risk of unauthorized tampering.

8. Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems

Firewalls act as barriers between your OT systems and the outside world, blocking unwanted traffic and preventing cyber criminals from easily accessing your networks. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) can help monitor network traffic for any unusual or suspicious activity. 

Both tools can be incredibly helpful in detecting potential cyberattacks and preventing them before they can do any harm. Consider implementing these systems at all points of entry into your OT systems to provide robust protection.

9. Perform Routine Security Audits and Evaluations

A security audit helps you evaluate how effective your current security measures are and, therefore, what areas must be improved. Regular audits ensure that your OT systems have the latest protocols in place for security and that your defense measures are working properly. 

Consider hiring outside professionals to do the audits, as they can detect vulnerabilities that you may not have missed. Regular reviews and audits keep you proactive, not letting you slumber at the heels of the continuously evolving cyber threats.

10. Work with Security Experts

In case your organization doesn’t have in-house expertise that you can rely on in managing OT system security, work with people who specialize in cybersecurity. It’s very comforting to know that systems will be monitored and protected by professionals if you partner with security experts or a managed security service provider. 

Such experts will give you guidance on the latest security trends, enable you to make a customized security plan, and rapidly respond in case of a breach. Taking a security expert aboard for businesses operating in high-risk industries is a smart investment.

Conclusion

Securing OT systems from cyberattacks isn’t an easy endeavor, but quite necessary for the safety of your organization, employees, and customers. By applying the following 10 strategies, such as frequent updates with the latest software, forceful access controls, and continuous monitoring, cyberattacks on OT systems will be minimized and the chances of a cyber-enabled shutdown will also be reduced. 

Another strategy to further solidify your defense is through employee training, developing a backup strategy, and ensuring proper network segmentation. No business in today’s connected world can afford to ignore OT system security. 

FAQs

1. What is Operational Technology (OT)?

Operational Technology is hardware and software systems to track and control physical devices, and processes, for example, manufacturing, energy, and transportation, amongst others.

2. Why is it so important to protect OT systems from cyber-attacks?

Protection of OT Systems is crucial because a cyber attack could interrupt infrastructure, and bring loss to the company financially in addition to posing a risk to safety.

3. How can employee training help secure OT systems?

Employee training helps by educating employees on security risks and best practices, therefore reducing the risk of human error and allowing a security breach.