How do I secure my OT?
Operational Technology (OT) has been a core part of industrial processes for years. This includes machines and systems that, for example, control production processes in factories, manage energy networks, or support transport infrastructures. Although OT has been around for a long time, we see that its security often lags behind, especially when compared to traditional IT systems. This poses risks that go far beyond just data loss: it can lead to serious disruptions in critical infrastructures.
But why should OT security be approached differently than IT, and why is it so important to keep these environments separate? An important part of the answer lies in Identity and Access Management (IAM).
The fundamental differences between IT and OT
Although both OT and IT use systems and networks, the goals and priorities of these two worlds are very different. This is what makes OT security fundamentally different from IT security:
Goal and priorities:
– IT systems focus on managing data and information flows. The main goal is the protection of data (CIA principle: Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability), where data protection and network security come first.
– OT systems, on the other hand, focus on physical processes and their control, such as regulating power plants or production lines. The highest priority here is availability and safety of the physical processes. A minor disruption can lead to production standstill or even life-threatening situations.
Lifespan of systems:
– IT systems generally have a shorter lifespan and are regularly updated.
– OT systems, on the other hand, can last for decades, often without the ability to be regularly updated or patched. This means that OT systems often run on outdated technology that was not designed with cybersecurity in mind.
Consequences of cyber attacks:
– An attack on an IT system can lead to data loss or financial damage.
– However, an attack on an OT system can have serious physical consequences, such as power outages, disruption of transportation, or even damage to infrastructure and human lives.
Why OT and IT must remain separate
While many organizations tend to connect OT and IT for easier management and monitoring, this comes with serious security risks. If an attacker gains access to the IT network and uses this connection to gain access to OT systems, the consequences could be catastrophic.
By keeping OT and IT separate (both physically and logically), you limit the chance that an attack in one domain will have an impact on the other domain. In addition, you can better tailor security measures to the specific needs of OT, without making concessions to the protection of IT systems.
The role of IAM in OT security
Identity and Access Management (IAM) plays a crucial role in securing both IT and OT, but its application in OT requires a different approach. Here are some key ways IAM strengthens OT security:
Restrict access:
As with IT, least privilege is an essential principle in OT security. Only employees who need specific access to OT systems should be given that access. This minimizes risks and prevents malicious parties from gaining unauthorized access to critical systems via a stolen or compromised identity.
Strong authentication:
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is just as important in OT as it is in IT. Implementing MFA adds an extra layer of security, which is especially crucial in OT environments where direct access to machines or systems can lead to serious incidents.
Identity governance and auditing:
OT systems are often critical infrastructure. It is therefore essential to regularly check who has access to these systems and why. A good IAM system allows you to regularly review access, revoke unused access rights, and monitor suspicious activity in real time.
Segregation of Duties (SoD):
IAM enables organizations to determine which users are allowed to perform which actions on which systems. This is extremely important in OT environments, where it is crucial to ensure that one person does not have too much power or access to multiple systems that together pose a major risk.
Conclusion
OT security requires a different approach
Securing OT systems is not a matter of simply applying the same tools and techniques as in IT. The unique priorities and risks of OT require a separate approach, where availability and safety are central. Keeping OT and IT separate is an important step to ensure the security of both environments. In addition, a strong IAM policy is critical to restrict and control access to OT systems.
Would you like to know more about how you can better secure your OT systems and how IAM can help? Please feel free to contact us!
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