In today’s increasingly modern and digital world, safety concerns have taken center stage in every industry. Operational technology (OT) systems have become the backbone of many key industries. These include manufacturing, energy, and transportation. Systems like these control physical processes and operations, making them critical for productivity and safety. However, as the world continues to evolve, so do cybersecurity threats. This article will explore OT security, its challenges, and some best practices for securing this infrastructure. 

Understanding OT Security

OT security mainly focuses on protecting the hardware and software that monitor or control industrial systems. The global OT security market is expected to reach $84.2 billion by 2032. Unlike traditional IT systems, OT security systems like Optiv work in environments where downtime can cause operation disruptions, danger to life, or financial loss. Some key elements of OT include: 

• Purpose: Focussed more on physical process controls rather than data
• Latency: Requires real-time response with minimal downtime or delays
• Lifespan: OT systems work on well-established legacy infrastructure. This can often be decades old. 

Challenges in OT Security

Despite its critical role in many vital industries, OT security does have its fair share of challenges. These can make OT systems vulnerable to cyberattacks and operational disruptions. Some key challenges for OT security include:

• Legacy systems: Some older security systems, like SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), lack modern security features, making them more vulnerable to cyberattacks. 
• Increased connectivity: With the expansion of IoT integration, attack surfaces have gotten bigger. Some key factors include the rise of remote monitoring and data sharing. 
• Limited updates: Security patches are often delayed to avoid downtime. The downside is that critical vulnerabilities often remain unaddressed for too long, leading to cyberattacks.

Best Practices for OT Security

Protecting OT systems might seem daunting, but with a few proactive measures, securing your systems is possible. Some solid practices include:

• Conduct frequent risk assessments: Regularly identify and resolve vulnerabilities in the system.
• Segment networks: Separate OT systems from IT networks. This reduces attack surfaces and access to entry points. 
• Apply regular security patches and updates: Ensure all systems are up to date and you address all vulnerabilities on time. 
• Employee training: Educate teammates on potential threats and vulnerabilities and what steps they can take to avoid them. 

Future Trends in OT Security

As cyber threats evolve, the OT security field continues to develop new ways to protect critical systems. New emerging technologies and industry practices are being designed to help mitigate existing vulnerabilities and upcoming threats. Some key trends to look out for include:

• AI-powered threat detection: AI and machine learning algorithms can help identify anomalies and predict potential attacks while reducing response times. 
• Zero trust architecture: Many organizations are embracing zero-trust models. These require strict identity verification for every access attempt. As a result, this will help reduce insider threats. 
• Blockchain for security: Many organizations are exploring blockchain technology for secure data exchange and transaction verification in OT networks. 
• Changes in regulatory compliance: Regulatory compliance is undergoing massive changes, helping organizations meet new rising needs for OT security. 

Endnote

Securing operational technology is no longer an optional task. It has become a necessity in today’s modern industrial landscape. By understanding the challenges, implementing best practices, and staying in the loop about future trends, organizations keep themselves safe from rising OT threats.