What is Operational Technology (OT) Security?

OT cybersecurity, or operational technology cybersecurity, refers to the integration of both hardware and software for controlling and supervising physical processes, devices, and infrastructure. This technology is essential across various asset-intensive industries and is crucial in everything from overseeing critical infrastructure to managing robotic systems in manufacturing environments. OT is extensively utilized in sectors such as manufacturing, oil and gas, power generation and distribution, aviation, maritime, rail transport, and utilities, highlighting its diverse applications in different fields. 

OT cybersecurity refers to the practices and technologies that protect OT systems connected to Industrial IoT environments. As industrial operations increasingly rely on digital solutions for automation and remote monitoring, securing these systems becomes crucial. OT security helps safeguard operational technology systems against cyber-threats to ensure that critical infrastructure stays safe and operational. By implementing robust security measures, organizations can enable secure remote access to their OT systems, safeguarding operational and informational assets. This protection is vital for maintaining the integrity and efficiency of interconnected industrial environments.

OT and IT security use similar tools but differ significantly in their application. When considering IT vs. OT, OT systems primarily interact with machine systems, such as industrial control systems (ICS), to ensure operational continuity and uptime. In contrast, IT security focuses on protecting data and systems used by people.

OT security concentrates on the long life cycles of industrial equipment, which often span decades, and safeguards legacy systems for which patches may not be available. In addition, OT security stresses the safety and reliability of physical processes, which is distinctly different from IT security's data-centric focus. 

OT cybersecurity architecture is essential to safeguard operations and ensure operational continuity in industrial sectors such as transportation, energy, and manufacturing. In an increasingly digitized landscape, the convergence of OT and IT has resulted in new security challenges that require a collaborative approach between the two systems.

OT and IT integration challenges

While IT focuses primarily on data and user-operated systems, OT security architecture emphasizes protecting industrial control systems, which requires a different approach. Challenges of digitizing operational technology include knowledge deficits among IT teams, who often lack understanding of how to manage OT security systems without disrupting operations. In addition, globally dispersed locations can increase the complexity of implementing consistent security strategies.

While IT and OT teams may never merge, it is essential for them to develop a strong alliance. By developing a thorough understanding of the priorities and operations of each, teams can find common ground and work in a symbiotic manner.  

Key components of a robust OT security structure

Ensuring the integrity and security of infrastructure sectors requires a comprehensive OT security framework that includes the following:

• A comprehensive risk assessment: This is needed to proactively identify vulnerabilities and threats in the OT landscape.
• A complete asset inventory: Assets must be fully documented and listed in order of importance to operations.
• Proper segmenting of the OT network: Segmentation strategies can combine several approaches and should reflect manufacturing operations.
• Strict local and remote access controls: To prevent unauthorized access, strong access control measures, such as role-based access controls (RBAC) and multifactor authentication (MFA), must be applied.
• Regular patch management and updates: It is essential to develop strategies for regularly testing OT systems and applying updates. Policies and mechanisms must also be in place to isolate systems that cannot be patched.
• Robust monitoring tools and anomaly detection: The use of AI self-learning platforms can monitor network traffic and detect irregular or suspicious activity that proactively identifies potential system intrusions or threats.
• A clear OT incident response plan: A well-formulated, precise response and recovery plan must be in place to ensure minimal downtime and the fastest possible threat mitigation and recovery.
• Specialized cybersecurity training for employees: Increased awareness among OT staff is key to creating a security-conscious culture.
• Adherence to industry standards: Industry regulatory bodies mandate frameworks and controls for OT security architecture for specific operations. It is essential to check that any OT security strategy fully complies with set regulations to ensure resilience and avoid penalties.
• Regular security audits and tests: Proactively testing and scrutinizing systems for weaknesses and vulnerabilities within the OT infrastructure enhances incident readiness in critical operational environments.
• Routine data backups: Regularly backing up essential OT data creates robust recovery processes that are easier to follow and implement in case of security breaches.
• Ongoing evaluation and modification: Changes and improvements must be made in response to past incidents, technological advancements, and increasingly sophisticated cyber-threats.

Meeting the future of OT security architecture

Robust operational technology security architecture requires a dynamic strategy that keeps up with changing technologies and threats. Advanced data analytics and AI platforms are integral to effectively countering threats and continuing to safeguard businesses' interests. Darktrace addresses these challenges by providing continuous, real-time threat detection and responses tailored to the unique needs of manufacturing operations.

Securing operational technology (OT) environments poses several unique challenges, even with the advent of various OT threat detection tools and software in recent years. These challenges include: 

Lack of bespoke skills: There is a noticeable gap in cybersecurity expertise within operational teams and a lack of manufacturing knowledge in Security Operations Centers (SOCs). This skills mismatch complicates effective OT cybersecurity management.

Changing adversarial tactics: Cyber-threats are dynamic and constantly evolving, with adversaries continuously advancing their techniques. This makes it challenging to stay ahead and effectively counter these threats in OT environments.

Passive, manual tooling: The sensitive nature of ICS environments often requires tools to be passive. This means they are not configured to automatically trigger a shutdown in the absence of a verified failure, which can delay response times in crisis situations.

Old equipment, exposed endpoints: Many OT environments operate with legacy equipment, which, coupled with vendor restrictions, limits the coverage of endpoint security tools. This leaves older systems more vulnerable to cyber-attacks. 

With increasing connectivity between OT networks and the internet, there is a growing need for proactive security systems that identify and mitigate vulnerabilities to prevent disruption and losses in industrial settings. Operational technology security tools are designed to protect critical infrastructure and industrial environments from cyber-attacks and ensure the safety and continuity of operations.

Common OT security tools

Cybersecurity tools tailored for OT environments include intrusion detection systems and vital network segmentation processes to isolate IT and OT networks. Implementing these OT tools enhances resilience against cyber-attacks and strengthens the organization's overall security posture. Three types of OT tools are common.

1. Network tools

AI technology has made it possible to deploy OT security monitoring tools that continuously scan the network for subtle deviations, such as malware infections and attempts to access without authorization. Advanced solutions from Darktrace proactively defend against evolving attacks. Well-known OT cybersecurity network tools include:

• Firewalls
• Intrusion detection systems (IDS)
• Virtual private networks (VPNs)

2. Endpoint security tools

Endpoints often serve as access points to vital infrastructure systems in OT environments. To mitigate risks and ensure operational continuity, it is essential that they are secured. Some common endpoint security tools include:

• Antivirus software to protect against malware.
• Application allowlisting, which only allows approved applications to run.
• Host intrusion prevention systems (HIPS), which monitor application behavior.

3. Threat detection and response tools

OT threat detection and response tools use advanced AI self-learning systems to analyze data and detect unfamiliar patterns that could indicate a cyber-attack. An early detection system provides a timely warning of potential threats which could threaten or disrupt operations. Some of these OT cybersecurity tools include:

• Behavioral analytics programs that provide real-time threat alerts.
• Security information and event management (SIEM) tools that provide centralized visibility.
• Anomaly detection solutions that flag deviations from familiar patterns.

The convergence of IT and OT systems and the adoption of IoT, secure remote access, and cloud technologies have exponentially expanded the cyber-attack surface.

IT and OT security solutions should collaborate to ensure comprehensive protection for interconnected environments. While IT focuses on data security, OT security safeguards OT systems that manage industrial processes. With the convergence of IT and OT, specialized OT security solutions are essential for monitoring and protecting these systems.

OT systems require tailored IoT and OT security solutions to remotely manage and monitor industrial operations while defending against cyber-threats. This integration enhances efficiency and productivity and necessitates robust security measures to protect both systems and data from vulnerabilities inherent in interconnected environments. 

Historically, OT systems were not connected to the internet, shielding them from online threats such as malware and cyber-attacks. However, the progression toward digital transformation and the blending of IT and OT systems has led many organizations to integrate additional solutions into their infrastructure to tackle new and unique security challenges. This evolution has given rise to intricate network structures that lack cohesive information sharing, reducing overall system visibility for OT cybersecurity professionals. 

ICSs — which include devices, controls, and network systems managing OT — are crucial for maintaining operational continuity and revenue generation. Commonly used industrial systems include SCADA, DCS, and tailored applications, which are at risk of compromise if threats traverse from IT to OT. OT vulnerabilities can lead to operational downtime, reputational damage, and extensive harm to critical infrastructure used in everyday life, such as drinking water and energy. This makes OT systems a prime target for cyber-attacks. 

Enhanced visibility 

One of the primary advantages of effective OT security is enhanced visibility across the entire network. This involves discovering and identifying every device connected to the OT system and assessing their trust levels. By defining the attack surface, OT security teams can continuously monitor device behavior and traffic patterns, ensuring anomalies are detected and addressed quickly. Enhanced visibility enables security teams to profile traffic accurately, dictate allowed protocols, applications, and services, and enforce strict security measures. This comprehensive view helps in making informed decisions and maintaining robust security postures across both IT and OT environments. 

Continuous monitoring 

Effective OT security involves continuously monitoring network activities to identify and mitigate OT vulnerabilities in real time. Continuous monitoring allows security teams to gather intelligence on known and unknown threats, providing a detailed analysis of behaviors within the OT system. Centralized security tools assist in logging, reporting, and analyzing activity across the network. This continuous analysis helps in early threat detection, ensuring that cyber-threats are neutralized before they can cause significant damage. Additionally, continuous monitoring supports security information and event management (SIEM) and security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR) capabilities, which are crucial for maintaining continuous protection in an ever-evolving threat landscape. 

System and subsystem control

Another significant advantage of effective OT security is the enhanced control over systems and subsystems. OT systems often manage critical industrial processes, making it essential to ensure that each system and subsystem performs its designated function without interference. Multifactor authentication (MFA) ensures that only authorized personnel have access to specific areas of the network. Network segmentation and micro-segmentation create zones of control, providing a layered security approach that isolates critical systems and prevents lateral movement of threats. Sandboxing techniques detect potential threats, and automated quarantine measures prevent these threats from causing damage, ensuring the integrity and reliability of industrial operations.

Creating an effective OT security strategy involves several best practices to ensure comprehensive protection against cyber-threats. Here are the key components: 

Mapping the network environment 

Begin by mapping your entire OT environment. Identifying all devices and their digital locations in real time is essential for understanding your attack surface and pinpointing sources of issues. Many security vendors offer enhanced device monitoring features. See more information here.

Monitoring for suspicious activity

Continuous monitoring of the entire OT ecosystem for unusual activity is crucial. This includes monitoring service provider and vendor traffic to identify suspicious or abnormal behaviors. Effective monitoring helps reduce security risks and retain a robust security posture. 

Adopting a zero trust framework 

Implementing a zero trust framework is vital for OT security. This approach assumes that any outside entity could be a threat until it is authenticated. Threats can include users, devices, or networks. Multifactor authentication (MFA) and vulnerability management are core elements of zero trust strategies, ensuring that only verified entities can access critical systems. 

Leveraging access management 

Access management is critical in OT environments. Identity management and access controls are paramount to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive systems. Proper access management can prevent physically destructive compromises and protect human safety. 

Enacting application-level microsegmentation

Microsegmentation differs from traditional flat network segmentation in that this application level restricts users, including malicious insiders, from locating and using applications beyond their authorization. This adds an additional layer of security by isolating critical applications from potential threats. 

An effective OT security strategy combines these practices to protect OT systems from evolving cyber-threats, ensuring operational continuity and safety. By integrating comprehensive monitoring, zero trust principles, and robust access management, organizations can secure their OT environments against a wide range of security challenges. 

With the increasing sophistication and volume of technical and social engineering attacks in various industrial environments, artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as a pivotal tool in enhancing OT cybersecurity. Many vendors will claim to use AI, so it is essential to know which AI types should be applied for each use case:

‍‍‍Supervised machine learning: This is the most commonly used technique in AI cybersecurity. It's trained on historical threat intelligence and recognized cyber-attack methods to identify known attacks.‍

Natural language processing (NLP): This model applies computational techniques to process and understand human language. It can be used in threat intelligence, incident investigation, and summarization.

Large language models (LLMs): This type of AI is used in generative AI tools and applies deep learning models to comprehend, condense, and create new content. The integrity of the output depends upon the quality of the data on which the AI was trained.

Unsupervised machine learning: This AI model learns continuously from unstructured, raw data to detect slight differences that indicate anomalies. With the correct models, this AI can use anomaly-based detections to identify all kinds of cyber-attacks, including entirely unknown and novel ones.

Behavioral Analysis Through Machine Learning: AI can analyze vast amounts of data (millions of security events) and detect patterns, enhancing the ability to prevent cyber-attacks and improve response times compared to traditional methods. 

Monitoring and Optimizing Industrial Processes: AI can predict maintenance needs and help avoid equipment failures that lead to unscheduled production downtimes, thereby preventing substantial losses. 

Automation of Security Tasks: AI can automate tasks such as network monitoring, security patching, asset identification, and updating firewall rules. This not only improves efficiency but also allows security analysts to focus on more complex and strategic tasks.

Although implementing robust OT security systems is essential, cyber-threats continue to evolve and become more sophisticated. The increased convergence of OT and IT systems increases the opportunities for risk exposure between the two. OT incident response plans are a strategy to equip organizations with the skills and tools necessary to respond effectively to cyber-threats if they arise.

What is the purpose of an operational technology incident response plan?

Coordinated incident response planning (CIRP) involves developing strategies and processes to manage and mitigate cyber-attacks in the shortest possible time frame. Techniques such as simulated threat scenarios and guided recovery playbooks can prepare security teams to handle incidents if they occur, minimizing downtime and asset losses.

Having a well-planned OT incident response process in place has several key benefits. It ensures:

• Faster response times: The longer a cyber-attacker has access to a system, the greater the impact.
• Better security posture: A well-rehearsed OT incident response plan provides insights into potential security weaknesses and vulnerabilities.
• Structure at critical times: A proactively formulated OT incident response plan ensures cybersecurity breaches are handled methodically and according to a set action plan.
• Greater trust: An established OT response plan demonstrates to customers, partners, and stakeholders that measures are in place to mitigate threats and safeguard sensitive data.
• Compliance: Many critical industries must have detailed OT response plans in place as part of their compliance requirements.

What does an operational technology incident response plan entail?

Effective OT incident response plans quickly respond to and mitigate cybersecurity incidents. Following a structured approach means containing threats quickly and minimizing their impact. The phases of a thoroughly prepared, coordinated OT response plan include:

1. Threat detection and identification through continuous monitoring and data analysis.
2. Limiting scope and impact by isolating segments of the network or systems to contain threats and mitigate their effects.
3. Neutralizing threats by addressing vulnerabilities and removing malicious entities.
4. Restoring affected systems and applying enhanced security measures to prevent repeat attacks.
5. Incident analysis and detailed documentation of the scenario to fine-tune future response processes.

Successful OT incident response plans involve a process of continuous training based on past learnings and new threats.

‍Darktrace / OT is a comprehensive security solution built specifically for critical infrastructure. It implements real time prevention, detection, and response for operational technologies, natively covering industrial and enterprise environments with visibility of OT, IoT, and IT assets in unison.

Using Self-Learning AI technology, Darktrace / OT is the industry's only OT security solution to scale bespoke risk management, threat detection, and response, catching threats that traverse network- and cloud-connected IT systems to specialized OT assets across all levels of the Purdue Model.

Rather than relying on knowledge of past attacks, AI technology learns what is 'normal' for its environment, discovering previously unknown threats by detecting subtle shifts in behavior. The playbooks used in our incident response plans are dynamic and tailored to specific organizations, so they don’t need to be manually updated. This is a significant differentiator that sets us apart from other incident response platforms.

This gives engineering and security teams the confidence to evaluate workflows, maintain security posture, and effectively mitigate risks from a unified platform in less time.

Read more about Darktrace / OT in our solution brief here.