Is Your OT Infrastructure Prepared for the Escalating Cyber Threat Landscape?
As the world becomes increasingly connected, the operational technology (OT) landscape has emerged as a prime target for cyber criminals and nation-state actors. Despite the growing cybersecurity spend by manufacturers and critical infrastructure organizations, the number of OT cyber attacks continues to rise at an alarming rate.
In a recent article published in HelpNet Security, NanoLock Security’s VP R&D Sagi Berco, delves into the factors driving this disturbing trend and outlines a modern approach to achieving cyber resilience in complex OT environments.
The Perfect Storm: Escalating Threats and Converging Technologies
Sagi identifies two key factors fueling the surge in OT cyber attacks: the escalating global threats posed by nation-state actors and the active involvement of profit-driven cybercriminals. As information technology (IT) and OT continue to converge, the attack surface has expanded exponentially, creating new vulnerabilities that adversaries are quick to exploit.
The Rise of Cyber Physical Systems (CPS)
The convergence of IT, OT, the Internet of Things (IoT), and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has given rise to cyber physical systems (CPS) – a highly interconnected landscape that is crucial for efficiency, value creation, and competitive edge. However, this increased interconnectivity has also made organizations more vulnerable to cyber threats.
The Limitations of Traditional Cybersecurity Approaches
Sagi argues that traditional cybersecurity solutions designed for IT environments are ill-equipped to secure physical assets and ensure the continuity of production lines in OT settings. Strategies such as air-gapping, while once considered secure, are no longer sufficient in the face of today’s advanced threat landscape.
A Modern, Device-Centric Approach to Cyber Resilience
To achieve true cyber resilience in complex OT environments, Sagi emphasizes the need for a device-centric, zero trust approach that focuses on protecting OT devices themselves. This solution must be designed to prevent attacks, support uninterrupted processes, and prioritize machine uptime above all else – without disrupting critical engineering or operational workflows.
As the convergence of IT, OT, IoT, and IIoT continues to reshape the technological landscape, it is imperative that organizations adopt a proactive and holistic approach to cybersecurity. By understanding the evolving threat landscape and embracing innovative, device-centric solutions, we can safeguard our critical infrastructure and ensure the resilience of our operational technology systems.
Contact us today to learn how NanoLock Security’s device-level security can help your organization achieve true cyber resilience.