Operational Technology (OT) environments have long been designed with reliability and efficiency in mind, but as digital transformation accelerates, these industrial systems are becoming increasingly connected—and vulnerable. With cyber attacks on critical infrastructure on the rise, businesses can no longer rely on traditional IT-focused security strategies to protect their OT networks.
While IT security principles emphasise data protection and confidentiality, OT security is fundamentally different: it must prioritise process integrity, system availability, and human safety. This shift in focus calls for dedicated OT threat monitoring and tailored Security Operations Center (SOC) capabilities that go beyond the standard IT playbook.
OT networks, which control essential industrial processes, differ significantly from IT systems. They often comprise legacy equipment, proprietary protocols, and systems designed primarily for reliability and safety, with cybersecurity as a secondary consideration. This unique landscape presents several challenges:
Legacy Systems: Many OT environments rely on outdated technology that lacks modern security features, making them susceptible to cyber attacks.
Limited Visibility: Achieving comprehensive visibility into OT environments can be difficult due to the complexity and diversity of devices.
Availability Over Confidentiality: In OT, system up-time and process availability are paramount. Security measures must not disrupt operations, necessitating a delicate balance between protection and performance.
Given these challenges, OT networks require specialised threat monitoring strategies that account for their distinct characteristics:
Continuous Monitoring: Implementing real-time monitoring helps detect and mitigate threats before they can cause significant downtime, saving your organisation from costly disruptions.
Anomaly Detection: Utilising advanced analytics and machine learning to detect anomalies and predict threats.
Incident Response: Developing robust incident response plans to ensure quick and effective threat mitigation.
Establishing OT-focused SOC capabilities
A Security Operations Center (SOC) dedicated to OT environments plays a crucial role in maintaining the security and integrity of industrial operations:
Specialised Expertise: Staffed with professionals trained in both cybersecurity and industrial control systems, an OT SOC can effectively monitor and respond to threats unique to OT environments
Tailored Processes: An OT SOC develops and implements processes specifically designed to address the nuances of industrial systems, ensuring that security measures align with operational requirements.
Advanced Monitoring: Employing tools and technologies that provide deep visibility into OT networks, an OT SOC can detect and respond to threats in real-time, thereby minimising potential impacts on critical operations.
As cyber threats continue to evolve, the need for dedicated OT threat monitoring and SOC capabilities becomes increasingly critical. By implementing specialised monitoring strategies and establishing OT-focused SOCs, organisations can enhance their security posture, protect critical infrastructure, and ensure the continued reliability and safety of their industrial operations.