What NIS2 means to OT Security

As the European Union’s NIS2 Directive came into practice on October 18 for Belgium, organisations are facing new challenges in securing their critical infrastructures. Operational Technology (OT), once isolated and focused on physical processes, now plays a pivotal role in ensuring the resilience of industrial systems. With the convergence of OT and IT (Information Technology) environments, cybersecurity is no longer just about protecting data—it’s about safeguarding entire operations.

What is the NIS2 Directive?

As you well know by now, the NIS2 Directive (Network and Information Security 2) aims to strengthen cybersecurity across essential and important sectors within the EU. It extends the scope of its predecessor NIS1 to include more industries and therefore explicitly acknowledges the importance of OT environments. Industries such as energy, transportation, healthcare, and manufacturing, which rely heavily on OT systems, are now required to comply with stricter cybersecurity regulations to ensure operational continuity and resilience.

As also stated in a previous blogpost, OT and IT are no longer isolated silos. To meet modern security challenges, these environments must collaborate, share insights, and align their practices.

Why OT Matters for NIS2

Operational Technology encompasses the systems and devices used to monitor, control, and automate physical processes. Examples include SCADA (Supervision Control and Data Acquisition) systems, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), and Industrial Control Systems (ICS). These technologies are critical for running everything from power grids to production lines, making them essential for society’s functioning.

However, as OT systems integrate with IT networks for enhanced efficiency, they also inherit vulnerabilities like ransomware attacks, malware, and supply chain compromises. NIS2 recognises these risks and mandates organisations to take comprehensive measures to secure both IT and OT infrastructures.

Key NIS2 Requirements for OT Environments

To comply with NIS2, organisations must address specific challenges in OT environments:

1. Risk Management and Assessments:
   OT systems must undergo thorough risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and ensure appropriate mitigation measures are in place.

2. Incident Response Plans:
   Organisations need clear protocols to detect, respond to, and recover from cybersecurity incidents in OT systems without disrupting operations.

3. Asset Visibility:
   Maintaining an inventory of all connected devices is critical for identifying potential entry points for cyber attacks.

4. Supply Chain Security:
   Third-party providers and vendors involved in OT systems must meet stringent security requirements to minimise risks.

5. Collaboration Across Teams:
   IT and OT teams must align their practices to share insights and build a unified defense strategy.

The Convergence of IT and OT: Opportunities and Challenges

The integration of IT and OT offers significant opportunities, including improved efficiency, better decision-making through shared data, and enhanced visibility across operations.

However, it also brings challenges that IT professionals must address:

• Cultural Differences:
  IT focuses on data confidentiality and security, while OT priorities up-time, reliability, and safety. Bridging this gap requires a deep understanding of both domains.
  
  
• Legacy Systems:
  Many OT systems were designed without cybersecurity in mind, making it difficult to retrofit them with modern security measures.
  
  
• Continuous Monitoring:
  OT systems often run 24/7, leaving little room for downtime to apply updates or patches.

“Shutting down the production line is impossible;
it could cost a company millions.”

- Driek Desmet, System Engineer at Easi

How Easi Can Support OT Security Under NIS2

We like to highlight that the key to securing OT environments under NIS2 lies in understanding that OT security is no longer just about physical safety—it’s about aligning IT principles with the unique demands of operational processes. This alignment ensures not only compliance but also long-term resilience.

1. Leverage Advanced Tools:
   Use specialised solutions like those from Nozomi Networks or Claroty to monitor OT environments and detect anomalies in real time.

2. Integrate IT and OT Security Strategies:
   Establish unified risk management frameworks that address both IT and OT vulnerabilities.

3. Focus on Education and Collaboration:
   Train IT and OT teams to understand each other’s priorities and collaborate effectively on shared security goals.

4. Prioritize Compliance:
   Work with compliance officers to ensure that OT systems meet NIS2 standards while minimizing disruptions to operations.

5. Adopt Network Segmentation:
   Isolate critical OT systems from IT networks to prevent lateral movement in case of a breach.

The Path Forward

In brief, the NIS2 Directive underscores the growing importance of OT environments in cybersecurity. For IT professionals, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity to redefine security strategies and foster collaboration across domains. By integrating IT and OT practices, leveraging advanced tools, and aligning with NIS2 requirements, organisations can secure their critical infrastructures while driving operational efficiency.

The future of cybersecurity lies in the convergence of IT and OT. For more info on how we can help secure your OT environment:

• visit our OT security and eGRC pages for more information on these topics
• or contact our experts to help you.