The loss of sensitive data can cost a business millions of dollars and severely ...
Many organizations do not want to pay for a full-time CISO or do not know if they are ready...
Cybersecurity governance provides a strategic view of how your organization controls...
The Cybersecurity Risk & Maturity Assessment (CSMA) is a gap analysis and risk assessment...
A vulnerability assessment systematically reviews security weaknesses in IT ecosystems...
A penetration test, or pen test, actively identifies, tests, and highlights your organization’s...
Social engineering is the act of exploiting human weaknesses to gain access to...
With the growing threat of cyberattacks and data breaches—and the potential costs...
At any time, your organization might be running hundreds of security controls...
Is your manufacturing business prepared for CMMC compliance? Learn what CMMC compliance is...
At Right Hand, we understand what it takes for companies doing work within a defense industry ...
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a division of the U.S. Department...
SOC is a suite of reports from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)...
PCI DSS designs a set of security standards to ensure that all companies accepting...
ISO 27001 is a set of standards and requirements for an information security management...
Is your IT team stretched to the breaking point supporting your business? Have you had...
Is your in-house IT staff overworked and overburdened managing routine tasks? Do you have...
Our Help Desk Services provide businesses with fast, professional IT care at an affordable...
Cloud computing is transforming the way organizations buy and consume software...
Is your current IT strategy prepared for the threats that your organization faces every day? From human...
We are experts in supporting manufacturing companies with their cybersecurity posture and compliance needs such as CMMC so they can win DoD contracts!
You may have found that as your practice has grown, IT maintenance, security, and repair...
A better approach to IT support for law firms is known as Managed IT Services...
Cloud computing is transforming the way organization buy and consume software...
Is your current IT strategy prepared for the threats that your organization faces every day? From human..
The loss of sensitive data can cost a business millions of dollars and severely ...
Many organizations do not want to pay for a full-time CISO or do not know if they are ready...
Cybersecurity governance provides a strategic view of how your organization controls...
The Cybersecurity Risk & Maturity Assessment (CSMA) is a gap analysis and risk assessment...
A vulnerability assessment systematically reviews security weaknesses in IT ecosystems...
A penetration test, or pen test, actively identifies, tests, and highlights your organization’s...
Social engineering is the act of exploiting human weaknesses to gain access to...
With the growing threat of cyberattacks and data breaches—and the potential costs...
At any time, your organization might be running hundreds of security controls...
Is your manufacturing business prepared for CMMC compliance? Learn what CMMC compliance is...
At Right Hand, we understand what it takes for companies doing work within a defense industry ...
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a division of the U.S. Department...
SOC is a suite of reports from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)...
PCI DSS designs a set of security standards to ensure that all companies accepting...
ISO 27001 is a set of standards and requirements for an information security management...
Is your IT team stretched to the breaking point supporting your business? Have you had...
Is your in-house IT staff overworked and overburdened managing routine tasks? Do you have...
Our Help Desk Services provide businesses with fast, professional IT care at an affordable...
Cloud computing is transforming the way organizations buy and consume software...
Is your current IT strategy prepared for the threats that your organization faces every day? From human...
We are experts in supporting manufacturing companies with their cybersecurity posture and compliance needs such as CMMC so they can win DoD contracts!
You may have found that as your practice has grown, IT maintenance, security, and repair...
A better approach to IT support for law firms is known as Managed IT Services...
Cloud computing is transforming the way organization buy and consume software...
Is your current IT strategy prepared for the threats that your organization faces every day? From human..
The convergence of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) has become increasingly prevalent. As manufacturing processes become more interconnected and digitized, the need for robust OT security measures has never been more critical. The surge in cyberattacks targeting OT networks has created a pressing need for manufacturers to fortify their defenses and protect their critical infrastructure.
As Jason Vanzin, CISSP, CEO of Right Hand Technology Group, emphasizes, “The integration of IT and OT systems has opened up new avenues for cybercriminals to exploit. Manufacturers must recognize that OT security is no longer optional – it’s a fundamental necessity for business continuity and safety.”
This article will explore the key aspects of securing OT environments, including:
Let’s dive into these crucial topics to help you navigate the complexities of OT security and protect your manufacturing operations.
The industrial cybersecurity threat landscape has seen a dramatic shift in recent years. According to the Fortinet 2024 report, there has been a staggering 140% increase in OT-related cybersecurity incidents over the past year. This surge is not just in quantity but also in the sophistication of attacks.
Modern threats to OT environments include:
A notable example is the 2021 Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack, which disrupted fuel supply across the eastern United States, highlighting the potential impact of OT security breaches on critical infrastructure.
“The complexity of today’s industrial cybersecurity threats requires a multi-layered approach to defense,” warns Jason Vanzin. “Manufacturers need to be vigilant and proactive in their security measures to stay ahead of these evolving threats.”
One of the most significant challenges in OT security is the prevalence of legacy systems that were not designed with modern cybersecurity threats in mind. These outdated systems often lack basic security features, creating blind spots in an organization’s overall security posture.
Key challenges include:
To address these issues, manufacturers should consider implementing cybersecurity solutions for legacy systems that provide:
A success story in this area is a large automotive manufacturer that implemented a comprehensive OT security solution, including network segmentation and behavioral analytics, to secure its legacy assembly line systems. This resulted in a 75% reduction in security incidents related to outdated equipment.
The traditional perimeter-based security model is no longer sufficient for protecting OT environments. Adopting a zero-trust approach is crucial for enhancing security in these complex networks.
Key principles of zero-trust in OT security include:
“Zero-trust is not just a buzzword; it’s a fundamental shift in how we approach OT security,” explains Jason Vanzin. “By assuming no user or device is trustworthy by default, we can significantly reduce the attack surface and minimize the impact of potential breaches.”
Implementing adaptive security strategies for OT involves:
Effective OT security requires a top-down approach, with C-suite executives playing a crucial role in driving cybersecurity initiatives. Leadership in OT cybersecurity involves:
Recent industry trends show that 78% of manufacturers with strong OT security postures have active C-suite involvement in cybersecurity decision-making.
To promote collective responsibility in securing OT environments:
Integrated security solutions offer a comprehensive approach to protecting OT environments. A platform approach to OT security provides:
The Fortinet OT Security platform serves as an excellent example of a comprehensive solution, offering:
Implementing technological solutions for OT security can lead to significant improvements in overall security posture and operational efficiency.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to play a transformative role in enhancing OT security measures. Key AI trends in OT security include:
Large language models are being integrated into cybersecurity solutions to improve threat intelligence analysis and provide more context-aware security recommendations.
An example of an AI-driven OT security solution is the use of anomaly detection systems that can identify and respond to unusual patterns in industrial control system operations in real-time.
The integration of security into the software development lifecycle is becoming increasingly important in OT environments. DevSecOps trends in OT security focus on:
The “shift left” approach in DevSecOps helps identify and address security vulnerabilities earlier in the development cycle, reducing the cost and impact of security issues.
Implementing best practices for OT security starts with a comprehensive understanding of your OT assets. Key strategies include:
“A thorough understanding of your OT environment is the foundation of effective security,” states Jason Vanzin. “Regular audits and assessments are crucial for identifying vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.”
For guidance on conducting comprehensive security assessments, manufacturers can refer to resources such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework or industry-specific guidelines like the ISA/IEC 62443 series for industrial automation and control systems.
As we’ve explored throughout this article, securing OT environments is a complex but critical task for modern manufacturers. By understanding the evolving threat landscape, addressing legacy system challenges, implementing adaptive security strategies, fostering leadership involvement, leveraging technological solutions, and staying ahead of future trends, you can significantly enhance your OT security posture.
Remember, OT security is not a one-time effort but an ongoing process that requires continuous attention and improvement. By following the best practices and strategies outlined in this guide, you can build a robust defense against cyber threats and ensure the resilience of your manufacturing operations.
Take the first step in evaluating your OT security measures by accessing our comprehensive Cybersecurity Assessment Guide for Manufacturing. This valuable resource will help you identify potential vulnerabilities and provide actionable insights to strengthen your OT security strategy.
Don’t wait for a security incident to highlight the importance of OT security. Act now to protect your critical infrastructure and ensure the continuity and safety of your manufacturing processes.
[CTA: Download our Cybersecurity Assessment Guide for Manufacturing]
Explore comprehensive phishing prevention strategies for financial institutions, including the FS-ISAC framework, employee education,…
Explore Shadow IT risks and benefits, and learn how consistent MSP support can help…
Navigate CMMC compliance complexity with our master guide. Explore key documents like SSP and…
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional is an information security certification with extremely high standards. Less than 132,000 people worldwide had this certification at the end of 2018.
It has also been formally approved by the DOD and is globally recognized in the field of IT security.
It covers the following topics:
Security and Risk Management
Asset Security
Security Architecture and Engineering
Communication and Network Security
Identity and Access Management (IAM)
Security Assessment and Testing
Security Operations
Software Development Security
This a system engineer certification and tests the user’s knowledge on the following topics:
Windows
SQL Server
Exchange Server
SharePoint
System Center (SCCM)
Lync
The A+ Certification demonstrates that the computer technician has the skill set needed to customize, install, maintain, and operate PCs.
In addition to these certifications, Right Hand also has strategic partnerships with some of the biggest names in the industry like Microsoft, Dell, Citrix, and Fortinet.
What could be more assuring than having these industry giants on your side?
As the name suggests, this certification is for Network Engineers. Everything from the installation and maintenance to troubleshooting of networks including the understanding of all related technologies is a part of the course.
This certification shows that the technician who has passed the Microsoft exam is capable of managing, migrating, deploying, planning, and assessing the technology, security, and compliance needs associated with Microsoft Office 365.
The CompTIA Security Plus SY0-501 course provides certifications in the following topics:
Threats
Vulnerabilities
Attacks
System Security
Network Infrastructure
Access Control
Cryptography
Risk Management
Organizational Security