Advantages of Outsourcing OT Cybersecurity to an MSSP

Production engineers are charged with keeping industrial production and operations running smoothly. However, as ICS networks are exposed to the internet and supply chains, they also become increasingly vulnerable to cyberattack. Many companies decide to take on the critical role of cyber security in-house, hiring and training security analysts and acquiring a variety of cyber solutions to safeguard production. Other companies are not ready or able to make the investment in manpower, expertise, budget, and time. These companies can look to Managed Security Services Providers (MSSPs) to take on the role of cybersecurity. 

MSSPs offer a range of advantages when it comes to cybersecurity for Operational Technology (OT) environments:

Specialized Expertise

MSSPs typically employ a team of cybersecurity experts with specialized knowledge in OT environments. These experts understand the unique challenges and risks associated with OT systems, such as SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems and industrial control networks.

24/7 Monitoring and Response

OT systems often require continuous monitoring due to their critical, non-stop nature. MSSPs offer 24/7 monitoring, threat detection, and incident response capabilities, ensuring that any security incidents or anomalies are detected and addressed promptly to minimize downtime and operational disruptions. MSSPs can adapt their monitoring and response capabilities to match the needs of industrial operators. 

Threat Intelligence

MSSPs have access to threat intelligence feeds, industry best practices, and emerging threat trends, enabling them to stay ahead of evolving threats and implement proactive security measures to protect OT environments.

Advanced Technologies

MSSPs invest in advanced security technologies, such as threat detection systems (TDS), intrusion prevention systems (IPS), firewalls, and anomaly detection tools tailored for OT systems. These technologies help detect and prevent cyber threats specific to industrial environments. In fact, Radiflow supplies, iSID, its leading threat-detection system to many MSSPs who use it to monitor ICS networks globally. 

Risk Assessment and Mitigation

Risk assessment can be a daunting task. MSSPs can conduct comprehensive risk assessments for OT systems to identify vulnerabilities and potential attack vectors. They then implement mitigation strategies to address these risks and enhance the overall security posture of the organization. Radiflow’s CIARA Risk Management Platform, offers MSSPs a wide range of risk assessment and mitigation capabilities for protecting their clients. 

Regulatory Compliance

Many industries, such as utilities and critical infrastructure, are subject to specific regulations and compliance requirements for cybersecurity. MSSPs can help organizations meet these compliance standards by implementing the necessary security controls and reporting mechanisms.

Reduced Operational Burden

Managing cybersecurity for OT systems requires dedicated resources and expertise. By outsourcing this responsibility to an MSSP, organizations can focus on their core operations while relying on the MSSP to handle the complex task of maintaining OT security.

Customized Solutions

MSSPs tailor their services to the specific needs of each client organization. This customization ensures that the security measures put in place align with the unique requirements and characteristics of the OT environment.

Cost Efficiency

Building an in-house cybersecurity team with expertise in OT environments can be costly and time-consuming. MSSPs provide a cost-effective solution by offering access to a team of skilled professionals without the need for extensive hiring and training efforts.

Scalability

As the organization’s OT infrastructure grows and changes, MSSPs can scale their services accordingly. This flexibility allows organizations to adapt to new challenges and expand their security measures as needed.

Incident Response Planning

MSSPs often assist in developing comprehensive incident response plans specifically designed for OT environments. This ensures that in the event of a cyber incident, the organization has a clear and efficient plan to follow, minimizing the potential impact.

An MSSP That’s Right for You

Overall, leveraging an MSSP for OT cybersecurity provides organizations with the expertise, resources, and technology needed to effectively safeguard their critical operational systems against the constantly evolving threat landscape.

Radiflow offers MSSP services. Based on its leading threat detection and risk management platforms, along with its extensive global experience, the company delivers the level of managed detection and response and risk managementt appropriate to the needs of clients.  Contact us to find out more.