As Operational Technology becomes more interconnected with Information Technology, the growing convergence is increasing cyber risks to critical infrastructure across sectors like energy, manufacturing, and transportation. Syed Sajjad Bukhari, Associate Director at ECOVIS Al Sabti, outlines how industrial cyber resilience can be safeguarded.
As the digital world continues to evolve, a parallel threat is quietly growing in the shadows, putting critical infrastructure a great risk. Operational Technology (OT) – the hardware and software used to monitor and control physical processes has become integral to everything from manufacturing plants and energy grids to transportation systems and water supplies.
However, as these systems become increasingly interconnected and integrated with Information Technology (IT), they are also becoming prime targets for malicious actors. This convergence, while enhancing efficiency and control, also introduces new and significant cyber risks.
The impact of a successful cyberattack on Operational Technology can be severe, potentially leading to cascading failures that disrupt operations, compromise safety, and cripple industries. Notable incidents such as the 2010 Stuxnet attack on industrial control systems and the 2021 Colonial Pipeline ransomware incident highlight the real-world consequences of Operational Technology cyber vulnerabilities.
Securing Operational Technology
Protecting critical physical processes demands a specialized approach to cybersecurity addressing integration with IT, identifying unique operational risks, adherence to compliance requirements, awareness of advanced technologies, and the evolving IT-OT landscape.
Integration with IT
OT systems control physical processes and are increasingly integrated with IT networks. This improves efficiency and data exchange but also introduces cybersecurity risks that need tailored controls.
Unique Challenges
Unlike IT systems, OT environments prioritize uptime and safety over frequent updates and patches. Legacy systems and proprietary protocols can be vulnerable to cyber threats.
Cyber Threats
OT faces unique threats like ransomware, insider threats, and supply chain vulnerabilities. Attacks can disrupt operations, cause physical damage, or compromise safety.
Security Controls
Effective OT security controls include network segmentation, strict access management, safety instrumented systems, regular vulnerability assessments, and incident response plans designed to maintain operational continuity and physical safety.
Compliance Requirements
Industries often follow specific standards and guidelines (e.g., NCA OTCC, HCIS, NIST SP 800-82, IEC 62443) to establish robust OT security practices and protect critical infrastructure.
Risk Management
OT security requires a risk-based approach that balances operational continuity with cybersecurity measures. Continuous monitoring, adaptive controls, and leveraging underlying technologies, such as intrusion detection systems, asset monitoring tools, and industrial anomaly detection are essential to address evolving threats and maintain safe operations.
Skills and Training
OT security professionals need a blend of IT, engineering, and process safety skills to understand operational processes and implement effective security controls.
Emerging Technologies
Adoption of IoT, industrial wireless networks, digital twins, and advanced automation in OT introduces new security considerations that must be managed proactively.
Collaboration
IT and OT security teams must collaborate closely to align security strategies, address vulnerabilities, and ensure comprehensive protection of industrial assets.
Innovation
As industries digitize further, the convergence of IT and OT will continue, requiring continuous innovation to safeguard critical infrastructure.
Steps to enhance Operational Technology
Operational Technology plays a vital role in critical infrastructure but is increasingly targeted by sophisticated cyber threats. To safeguard these environments, organizations must adopt a comprehensive approach to OT security that addresses people, processes, and technology. Best practices to enhance OT security resilience include:
Risk Assessment & Asset Management
- Identify critical assets across Purdue model levels 0 to 3 (SCADA systems, PLCs, RTUs, and HMIs), and map dependencies to detect vulnerabilities.
- Conduct regular assessments, and ensure continuous vulnerability management.
Network Segmentation & Zero Trust Architecture
- Segment IT and OT environments to reduce risk, while allowing secure communication via DMZS, firewalls, and dedicated gateways.
- Enforce strict access controls with MFA, RBAC, and continuous monitoring.
Secure Access, Supply Chain & System Hardening
- Enforce secure remote access via VPNs, jump servers, and NAC. Mitigate supply chain risks through vendor assessments, USB control, and malware scanning.
- Harden OT systems with patching, endpoint protection, and strong authentication.
Threat Detection & Incident Response
- Use real-time monitoring, anomaly detection, and ICS-specific threat intelligence.
- Balance incident response speed with operational safety. Follow NIST or NCA OTCC guidelines for containment and recovery.
Compliance & Regulatory Alignment
- Adhere to NCA OTCC-1:2022 and international standards (IEC 62443, NIST 82-800).
- Perform regular audits and penetration tests to identify gaps and maintain compliance.
Workforce Training & Cyber Hygiene
- Train staff to detect phishing, secure credentials, and report incidents.
- Test readiness through Red/Blue team exercises. Conduct rigorous vendor and contractor security assessments.
Process Safety & Physical Security Integration
- Integrate cybersecurity with physical safety systems and process controls.
- Ensure alignment between cyber measures and process hazard analyses to maintain operational safety and avoid catastrophic failures.
How ECOVIS Al Sabti can help
Headquartered in Saudi Arabia, ECOVIS Al Sabti’s offers specialized expertise in securing OT environments, with a team of local security specialists. The firm proactively monitors the evolving OT security landscape, including industry regulations and standards like NCA, Higher Commission for Industrial Security (HCIS), ISO/IEC 62443 etc, to ensure that the OT systems of its clients are both secure and compliant.
ECOVIS Al Sabti’s services extend to designing comprehensive OT security programs and providing advisory assistance in protecting critical infrastructure and mitigating cyber threats targeting OT systems.
