Navigating the Business & Cybersecurity Implications of Integrated OT and IT Networks
Operational Technology (OT) is equipment used to provide automation to daily functions–from hospital MRIs, to traffic control systems. The integration of Operational Technology (OT) into Information Technology (IT) networks is a decision that dates back decades. A strategic move aimed at simplicity and cost-effectiveness, avoiding the complexities and expenses of maintaining separate, hardwired networks for OT. However, this integration has not been without its consequences. With attacks happening continuously, the operation of IT and OT services on the same networks has significantly expanded an adversary’s ability and impact to attack. This leads to exposing critical infrastructures and cyber threats that were once isolated from network-based attacks. Instead of data loss, an attack on OT can degrade food, water, communications, energy, and transportation systems.
The Easy Option: Looking back, the decision to integrate IT and OT networks opened up a Pandora’s box of vulnerabilities, as OT systems, traditionally designed to be isolated, were now exposed to the full spectrum of internet-based threats. This hindsight brings us to a crucial realization: the easy option is not always the right one, especially when it comes to cybersecurity.
Organizations were once only dealing with data loss and information theft, now we are grappling with potentially life-threatening consequences of this decades-old decision.
Four Steps Organizations Can Take:
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Conduct a Systematic Process of Asset/Equipment Inventorying and Auditing
An accurate tracking and understanding of your equipment assets reduces costs, aligns budgets, and supports business financials in general.
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Adopt a Zero Trust Architecture
Despite its slow adoption in the private sector, “Zero Trust” is a security model that assumes no trust is given to assets or user accounts, regardless of their location in regards to the network perimeter. Implementing Zero Trust requires strict identity verification, micro-segmentation of networks, and least privilege access controls–which can significantly reduce the attack surface.
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Implement Cybersecurity Best Practices and Incident Response (IR) Frameworks
Organizations should adhere to established cybersecurity frameworks like NIST and SANS, which provide structured approaches to preparing for, detecting, containing, and recovering from data breaches.
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Utilize Cyber Battle Management Command, Control, and Information (BAMCIS)
In this age of cyber warfare, this military-inspired approach is a critical missing methodology for consistent, repeatable, defensible decision support for the IT and cybersecurity domain. From budget right-sizing to incident response, it emphasizes speed, efficiency, and mission success. By adopting Cyber BAMCIS, organizations can streamline their response to incidents, enabling them to identify and mitigate threats more rapidly. One report from a senior executive in charge of incident response said using Cyber BAMCIS reduced their response time from 2-3 hours to 15 minutes to resolution. The implementation of cyber BAMCIS can significantly accelerate an organization’s ability to prepare, protect, respond to, mitigate, and recover from cyber incidents.
The integration of OT into IT networks is a clear example of how taking the easy route can lead to complex, more costly challenges down the line. As we continue to navigate the evolving threat landscape, it’s imperative that organizations reassess their cybersecurity strategies, prioritize robust security measures like Zero Trust, and adopt comprehensive IR frameworks to enhance their resilience against cyber threats. Only by acknowledging past decisions and adapting to current realities can we hope to secure our digital future.