Cybersecurity for OT

Understanding OT security context:

OT vs IT Security:

Different Priorities:
- IT: Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability (CIA)
- OT: Safety, Availability, Integrity, Confidentiality (SAIC)
- Uptime critical in OT
- Safety is paramount

Different Systems:
- PLCs, DCS, SCADA
- Long lifecycles (20+ years)
- Limited patching capability
- Legacy protocols

Different Environments:
- Physical processes
- Real-time requirements
- Harsh conditions
- Safety-critical operations

Threat Landscape:

Threat Actors:
- Nation states (sophisticated)
- Criminal organizations (ransomware)
- Hacktivists (disruption)
- Insiders (accidental and malicious)

Attack Types:
- Ransomware (most common)
- Targeted attacks (Stuxnet-style)
- Supply chain compromise
- Credential theft

Entry Points:
- IT/OT convergence points
- Remote access
- USB devices
- Third-party connections

Notable Incidents:
- Stuxnet (2010)
- Ukraine power grid (2015, 2016)
- Colonial Pipeline (2021)
- Manufacturing ransomware (ongoing)

Frameworks and Standards:

IEC 62443:
- Industrial cybersecurity standard
- Security levels
- Zones and conduits
- Comprehensive framework

NIST Cybersecurity Framework:
- Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover
- Risk-based approach
- Widely adopted
- Applicable to OT

ISA/IEC 62443:
- Industrial automation focus
- Security lifecycle
- Component and system security
- International standard

CIS Controls:
- Prioritized security actions
- IT-focused but applicable
- Starting point for many

Protecting OT environments:

Defense in Depth:

Multiple Layers:
- No single point of failure
- Assume any layer can fail
- Defense at every level
- Redundant controls

Network Segmentation:
- Separate IT and OT networks
- Zone model (Purdue model)
- DMZ for data transfer
- Firewalls between zones

Zones and Conduits:
- Group assets by function
- Define allowed communication
- Control data flows
- Minimize connections

Network Security:

Architecture:
- Air-gap where possible
- DMZ for necessary connections
- Industrial firewalls
- Unidirectional gateways

Monitoring:
- Network detection systems
- Anomaly detection
- Protocol-aware monitoring
- Logging and alerting

Access Control:
- Network access control
- VLANs and segmentation
- Jump servers for access
- Least privilege

Endpoint Security:

Hardening:
- Remove unnecessary services
- Disable unused ports
- Application whitelisting
- Configuration management

Patching:
- Risk-based approach
- Test before deploy
- Compensating controls
- Vendor coordination

Anti-malware:
- Where compatible
- Minimal performance impact
- Update challenges
- Alternative controls

Access Management:

Identity Management:
- Centralized where possible
- Role-based access
- Privileged access management
- Service accounts

Authentication:
- Multi-factor for remote access
- Strong passwords
- No shared accounts
- Audit trails

Remote Access:
- VPN with MFA
- Jump servers
- Session recording
- Time-limited access

Operating secure OT environments:

Asset Management:

Inventory:
- Know what you have
- Hardware and software
- Network connections
- Criticality assessment

Vulnerability Management:
- Regular assessment
- Risk-based prioritization
- Compensating controls
- Vendor coordination

Configuration Management:
- Baseline configurations
- Change control
- Drift detection
- Documentation

Monitoring and Detection:

Security Monitoring:
- Network monitoring
- Log collection
- SIEM integration
- Alert management

OT-Specific Tools:
- Industrial protocol detection
- Asset discovery
- Anomaly detection
- Vendors: Claroty, Dragos, Nozomi

Indicators of Compromise:
- Unusual traffic patterns
- Unauthorized changes
- Anomalous behavior
- External intelligence

Incident Response:

Preparation:
- Incident response plan
- OT-specific procedures
- Communication plans
- Testing and exercises

Response:
- Containment without disruption
- Forensics capability
- Recovery procedures
- Documentation

Challenges:
- Cant just shut down
- Limited forensics capability
- Safety considerations
- Production pressure

Recovery:
- Backup and restore
- Known-good configurations
- Phased recovery
- Validation procedures

Governance:

Policies and Procedures:
- OT security policy
- Access control procedures
- Change management
- Incident response

Risk Management:
- Risk assessment
- Risk acceptance process
- Continuous evaluation
- Executive visibility

Compliance:
- Regulatory requirements
- Industry standards
- Audit support
- Documentation

Building OT cybersecurity expertise:

Career Paths:

OT Security Analyst:
Monitor and respond:
- Security monitoring
- Incident response
- Vulnerability assessment
- $70,000-$100,000

OT Security Engineer:
Implement security solutions:
- Security architecture
- Tool deployment
- Integration
- $90,000-$130,000

OT Security Architect:
Design security programs:
- Enterprise architecture
- Strategy development
- Standards
- $120,000-$170,000

ICS Security Consultant:
Advisory and assessment:
- Risk assessment
- Compliance
- Program development
- $100,000-$160,000

Skills Required:

OT Knowledge:
- Industrial control systems
- PLCs, DCS, SCADA
- Industrial protocols
- Manufacturing processes

Cybersecurity:
- Security fundamentals
- Network security
- Incident response
- Risk management

Unique to OT:
- IEC 62443
- OT-specific tools
- Safety considerations
- Availability focus

Certifications:

OT-Specific:
- GICSP (GIAC)
- GRID (GIAC)
- ISA/IEC 62443

General Security:
- CISSP
- Security+
- CISM

Learning Path:
1. IT security fundamentals
2. Industrial control systems
3. OT-specific training
4. Hands-on lab work
5. Specialized certifications

Resources:
- SANS ICS courses
- ISA training
- Vendor training
- ICS-CERT resources

OT cybersecurity is growing rapidly with strong demand for qualified professionals.