How Senior Managers Can Transform Their Approach to OT Cybersecurity Product Selection

As regulations – like NIS2 – increasingly hold senior managers personally responsible for security breaches at critical infrastructure and industrial operations, C-level execs can no longer transfer security responsibility to their CISOs and wash their hands. While selection of cybersecurity products is usually outside the purview of the C-suite (except for the CISO), these execs will have to get their hands dirty with enough knowledge of the cybersecurity field to make informed decisions about acquiring cybersecurity products and allocating sufficient budgets.

We want to help senior managers come to grips with their new cyber reality. Noticing that they will have transform their approach to cybersecurity product selection, we want to help them adopt the requisite strategic, informed, and proactive mindset. Here are key steps and strategies to guide senior managers in this uncharted territory:

1. Understand the Unique Challenges of OT Cybersecurity

Operational Technology environments differ significantly from IT environments. Senior managers should:

• Educate Themselves: Understand the specific risks and challenges associated with OT, including the critical need for uptime, the presence of legacy systems, and the unique protocols used.
• Engage Experts: Consult with OT cybersecurity experts to gain insights into the specific vulnerabilities, threat landscapes, and best practices relevant to their industry.
• Turn to Their Current OT Security Solution Providers: These companies often include training programs and other support options in their portfolios.

2. Align Cybersecurity with Business Objectives

OT cybersecurity should not be viewed in isolation but as an integral part of business operations. Senior managers should:

• Integrate Security with Operational Goals: Ensure that cybersecurity measures align with the operational goals of safety, reliability, and efficiency. We don’t protect assets and networks for the sake of protection, but to ensure desired operational and business processes.
• Take a Risk Management Approach: OT cybersecurity is moving from a reactive posture – dealing with incidents – to a proactive one – applying effective mitigations before incidents occur. Adopt a risk management approach where cybersecurity investments are prioritized based on the potential impact on business operations.

3. Adopt a Lifecycle Perspective

Unlike IT, OT systems often have very long lifecycles measured in decades. Cybersecurity solutions should be evaluated based on their ability to protect these systems over the long term:

• Lifecycle Management: Consider the total cost of ownership (TCO), including maintenance, updates, and support.
• Future-Proofing: Choose solutions that can adapt to evolving threats and integrate with future technologies. Check for flexibility and scalability – these solutions need to be able to fit the way you do business today and tomorrow.

4. Foster Cross-functional Collaboration

OT cybersecurity is not just the responsibility of the IT department or the CISO. It requires collaboration across various functions:

• Interdepartmental Coordination: Promote collaboration between IT, OT, engineering, and security teams to ensure comprehensive coverage.
• Cultural Shift: Foster a culture where cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility, from the plant floor to the executive suite.

5. Focus on Vendor Due Diligence

Choosing the right vendor is crucial for effective OT cybersecurity:

• Vendor Assessment: Conduct thorough due diligence on potential vendors, assessing their expertise in OT environments, track record, and customer support capabilities.
• Integration and Interoperability: Ensure that the chosen solutions can seamlessly integrate with existing OT systems and other security tools.

See our ebook, Choosing the Right OT Security Provider,  for helpful information.

6. Leverage Standards and Frameworks

Adopting industry standards and frameworks can guide effective cybersecurity practices. Sometimes, you have no choice!

• Industry Standards: Follow standards such as IEC 62443 for OT security, NIST SP 800-82 for Industrial Control Systems, NIS2 for EU companies, and others relevant to the specific industry.
• Frameworks: Utilize frameworks like the NIST Cybersecurity Framework to structure the approach to cybersecurity.

7. Invest in Continuous Improvement and Training

Cybersecurity is a dynamic field requiring ongoing attention and improvement:

• Continuous Monitoring and Improvement: Implement continuous monitoring systems to detect and respond to threats in real-time and regularly update security measures.
• Training and Awareness: Invest in regular training and awareness programs for staff to keep them informed about the latest threats and best practices. In fact, NIS2 already mandates such training programs.

8. Embrace Advanced Technologies

Leveraging advanced technologies can enhance OT cybersecurity:

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Use AI and ML to detect anomalies and predict potential threats. Many of today’s OT cyber solutions make use of both technologies.
• Zero Trust Architecture: Implement a Zero Trust approach to minimize risks by verifying every access attempt.

9. Ensure Regulatory Compliance

Compliance with relevant regulations is essential to avoid legal and financial repercussions:

• Stay Informed: Keep abreast of the latest regulatory requirements and ensure that cybersecurity practices comply with them.
• Audit and Reporting: Regularly audit cybersecurity measures and report compliance status to stakeholders.

10. Develop a Response and Recovery Plan

Preparation for potential incidents is crucial:

• Incident Response Plan: Develop and regularly update an incident response plan tailored to OT environments.
• Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery: Ensure that there are robust business continuity and disaster recovery plans in place.

Conclusion

By adopting a comprehensive, informed, and strategic approach to OT cybersecurity product selection, senior managers can significantly enhance the security posture of their organizations. This involves understanding the unique challenges of OT environments, aligning cybersecurity with business objectives, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and investing in advanced technologies and continuous improvement.