Most organisations are far more familiar with managing their Information Technology (IT) infrastructure than they are with Operational Technology (OT) environments. And securing OT is a whole different ball game. Attackers are getting smarter, targeting specific OT devices rather than just organisations and exploiting unknown, unmonitored and unmanaged OT assets.
Recent reports show that 80% of organisations have little to no visibility over their Internet of Things (IoT), OT, and Industrial IoT (IIoT) devices. Worse still, one-third (31%) of organisations reported six or more cyber intrusions last year – an 11% increase on the previous year.
The stakes are high. Unlike IT breaches, OT attacks don’t just steal data – they shut down operations, disrupt supply chains and cause costly downtime.
What’s the difference between IT, OT, IoT, IIoT and xIoT?
While IT is fairly well understood, OT and IoT can be less familiar. So, what do each of these terms mean?
- IT systems are primarily digital and data-centric electronic data (think networks, servers and computers).
- OT systems focus on controlling physical processes and equipment (think industrial environments and critical infrastructure).
An IT security breach usually results in data loss or financial impact, but OT security breaches can lead to physical damage, safety risks and potentially catastrophic events.
IoT encompasses internet-connected devices (think smart home devices, wearables or connected appliances).
When we talk about IIoT, you guessed it – we are talking about internet-connected sensors, devices and instruments used for industrial applications.
And when we talk about Extended IoT (xIoT), this encompasses all internet connected devices and systems, including IoT, IIoT, OT and more.
With billions of smart devices in use today, there are forecast to be 40 billion IoT devices by 2030. And you only need to miss one exploitable xIoT endpoint to put your entire organisation at risk.
The risks of choosing the wrong OT
Today, attackers are targeting OT products as opposed to specific organisations, which is why selecting the right provider is critical for your business’s security.
When security isn’t prioritised or implemented directly into the design of your OT products, it’s not just difficult for owners and operators to defend their OT assets against a breach, it can also be a financial nightmare.
Cyber vulnerabilities span multiple victims and critical infrastructure sectors, and without a secure OT in place, the risk is heightened due to:
- Lack of visibility: Without a complete inventory of xIoT devices, it’s impossible to assess risks properly.
- Weak security controls: Many OT products rely on default credentials, outdated firmware and unpatched vulnerabilities that make them an easy target.
- Compliance challenges: Industry regulations demand tight security, but unknown OT devices create compliance gaps.
Remember, attackers only need one weak entry point to infiltrate your entire OT environment – and OT products can act as access points to your entire control system.
What to look for in an OT Security Solution
Some of the world’s largest cybersecurity organisations in the world, including the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), stress the importance of security-by-design in OT products.
When selecting OT security solutions, it’s important to focus on proactive protection.
The ACSC state that owners and operators should select products from manufacturers that prioritise:
- Visibility and inventory management: If you don’t know it’s there, you can’t protect it. This includes comprehensive asset discovery and management capabilities.
- Automated risk mitigation: Reduce human error with automated updates and credential management. Prioritise solutions that automate vulnerability patching and configuration management.
- Secure by default: No default passwords, strong encryption and built-in security from day one. Look for products that are secure out-of-the-box and require minimal configuration to achieve a secure state.
- Open standards & interoperability: Ensure seamless integration into your existing security infrastructure. Products should adhere to open standards and industry protocols to facilitate integration with existing security tools and systems.
- Continuous monitoring and threat detection: Real-time analytics and threat intelligence to stay ahead of attackers. This includes robust logging and alerting capabilities, as well as integration with threat intelligence feeds.
- Vendor security assurance: Evaluate the vendor’s security practices and commitment to security throughout the product lifecycle. Look for vendors with a strong track record of addressing vulnerabilities and providing timely security updates.
- Lifecycle management and support: Ensure the solution provides ongoing support and maintenance, including security updates and bug fixes for the lifespan of the OT system.
- Resilience and Redundancy: Consider solutions that offer redundancy and failover capabilities to ensure continued operation in the event of a security incident or system failure.
Choosing the right OT with Phosphorus and Endpoint Focus
We get it – securing your OT environment is tough, but choosing the right OT products and security solutions doesn’t have to be. That’s why Endpoint Focus and Phosphorus have joined forces to deliver a proactive approach to OT security.
Because choosing the right OT is just as important as identifying and securing it, we deliver a comprehensive OT security strategy that protects your critical assets at every stage.
From assessing and advising on the best OT choices to managing and securing your existing environment, we provide end-to-end support to keep your business protected.
Here’s how we help:
- Increase visibility: We uncover every connected device – even the ones you didn’t know existed.
- Eliminate vulnerabilities before attackers take advantage: We identify and close security gaps at scale – from default credentials to outdated firmware and misconfigurations.
- Streamline compliance efforts: We ensure that you stay ahead of regulations with automated monitoring, reporting and security controls that align with industry standards.
- Expertise and managed security: OT security isn’t set-and-forget. We provide ongoing support, threat analysis and tailored security strategies to help you maintain a secure and compliant environment.
By working with Endpoint Focus and Phosphorus, you can:
- Prevent operational disruptions before they happen.
- Ensure compliance with evolving security regulations.
- Leverage cutting-edge security tech without the added complexity.
- Safeguard your business’s reputation and bottom line.
Take Control of Your OT Security
Let’s talk about how Endpoint Focus and Phosphorus can help you get ahead of threats. Contact us today.
