Prayukth KV
12 August 2025
How can CISOs manage OT Cybersecurity imperatives
In an increasingly interconnected world, the digital landscape and attack surface for organizations has expanded beyond the traditional Information Technology (IT) domain. Operational Technology (OT), the systems that control and monitor industrial operations, critical infrastructure, and physical processes, has become a prime target for cyber threats. This convergence of IT and OT presents a unique set of challenges and demands a fundamental shift in how organizations approach cybersecurity. Leading this charge into the complex realm of OT security is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISOs), whose responsibilities are rapidly evolving to encompass this critical domain.
Gone are the days when OT systems operated in isolated "air-gapped" environments. The drive for efficiency, data analytics, remote monitoring, and integration with enterprise IT networks has blurred the lines between these once-distinct worlds. This interconnectedness, while offering numerous benefits, has also exposed OT environments to the same cyber risks that have plagued IT for decades. The consequences of a successful cyberattack on OT systems can be far more severe than those in IT, potentially leading to physical damage, environmental disasters, loss of life, and significant economic disruption.
This heightened risk landscape necessitates a proactive and comprehensive approach to OT cybersecurity, and the CISOs is increasingly being tasked with leading this effort. However, securing OT environments is not simply an extension of traditional IT security practices. It requires a deep understanding of the unique characteristics, constraints, and priorities of OT.
Understanding the Distinct Landscape of OT
OT environments differ significantly from IT in several key aspects:
System Lifecycles and Longevity: OT systems, such as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, and Distributed Control Systems (DCS), often have lifecycles measured in decades, far exceeding the typical refresh cycles of IT hardware and software. This means that many OT systems were designed and deployed without modern security considerations in mind, and patching or upgrading them can be a complex and time-consuming process, often requiring scheduled downtime that can impact critical operations.
Real-Time Operations and Availability: Availability and safety are paramount in OT environments. Any disruption, whether due to a cyberattack or a poorly executed security update, can have immediate and potentially catastrophic consequences. This contrasts with IT, where confidentiality and integrity often take precedence alongside availability.
Diverse Protocols and Proprietary Technologies: OT environments utilize a wide array of proprietary industrial protocols and technologies, many of which are not commonly found in IT networks. These protocols often lack built-in security features and require specialized security solutions and expertise.
Lack of Native Security Features: Many legacy OT devices were not designed with security in mind. They may lack basic security features such as strong authentication, encryption, and logging capabilities. Adding security controls to these systems can be challenging and may impact their performance or stability.
Specialized Skill Sets and Organizational Silos: OT environments are typically managed by engineers and operations personnel with deep knowledge of industrial processes but often limited cybersecurity expertise. Historically, OT and IT departments have operated in silos, with different priorities, cultures, and reporting structures.
The Expanding Role of the CISOs in OT Cybersecurity
Given these distinct characteristics, the CISO's role in OT cybersecurity requires more than just applying IT security principles. It demands a strategic and collaborative approach that acknowledges the unique challenges and priorities of the OT environment. The CISO's responsibilities in this domain typically include:
Developing and Implementing a Unified OT Security Strategy: The CISOs must develop a comprehensive security strategy that encompasses both IT and OT environments. This strategy should align with the organization's overall business objectives and risk appetite, and it should address the specific threats and vulnerabilities facing OT systems. This involves:
Risk Assessment: Conducting thorough risk assessments that consider the unique assets, threats, and vulnerabilities within the OT environment. This includes understanding the potential impact of cyber incidents on safety, production, and the environment.
Policy Development: Establishing clear security policies and procedures that are tailored to the OT environment, taking into account its operational constraints and regulatory requirements.
Security Architecture Design: Designing a secure OT network architecture that incorporates principles of segmentation, defense-in-depth, and least privilege.
Fostering Collaboration and Breaking Down Silos: Effective OT cybersecurity requires close collaboration between IT and OT teams. The CISOs plays a crucial role in fostering communication, building trust, and establishing shared goals between these historically separate entities. This involves:
Establishing Joint Governance Structures: Creating cross-functional teams and committees to oversee OT security initiatives and ensure alignment between IT and OT priorities.
Promoting Knowledge Sharing: Facilitating the exchange of information and expertise between IT security professionals and OT engineers.
Developing Shared Incident Response Plans: Creating joint incident response plans that outline the roles and responsibilities of both IT and OT teams in the event of a cyber incident affecting OT systems.
Selecting and Deploying Appropriate Security Technologies: Securing OT environments requires specialized security tools and technologies that are designed to operate within the unique constraints of these systems. The CISOs must oversee the selection, deployment, and management of these technologies, which may include:
OT Network Monitoring and Intrusion Detection Systems (NDR): Providing visibility into OT network traffic and detecting malicious activity without impacting real-time operations.
Industrial Firewalls: Segmenting OT networks from IT networks and controlling traffic flow based on industrial protocols.
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) for OT: Protecting OT endpoints, such as HMIs and engineering workstations, from malware and other threats.
Vulnerability Management Solutions for OT: Identifying and managing vulnerabilities in OT hardware and software, taking into account the criticality and potential impact of patching.
Secure Remote Access Solutions: Providing secure methods for remote monitoring and maintenance of OT systems.
Addressing the Human Element: People are often the weakest link in the security chain, and this is particularly true in OT environments where cybersecurity awareness may be lower. The CISOs must champion initiatives to educate OT personnel on cyber threats and best practices. This includes:
Tailored Training Programs: Developing security awareness training programs that are specifically designed for OT personnel and address the unique risks they face.
Promoting a Culture of Security: Fostering a security-conscious culture where OT personnel understand their role in protecting critical systems.
Insider Threat Mitigation: Implementing controls and processes to detect and prevent insider threats, whether malicious or unintentional.
Navigating Regulatory Compliance: OT environments are often subject to specific regulatory requirements related to safety, environmental protection, and critical infrastructure security. The CISOs must ensure that the organization's OT cybersecurity program complies with all applicable regulations, such as:
IEC 62443: A series of international standards addressing the cybersecurity of industrial automation and control systems.
NIST Cybersecurity Framework: A widely adopted framework that provides a comprehensive set of cybersecurity standards and best practices applicable to both IT and OT.
NCIIPC Guidelines (India): Specific guidelines and advisories issued by the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre for protecting critical infrastructure in India.
Other industry-specific regulations.
Building and Retaining OT Security Talent: The shortage of cybersecurity professionals is well-documented, and the need for individuals with specialized OT security expertise is even more acute. The CISOs must work to build and retain a team with the necessary skills and knowledge to secure OT environments. This may involve:
Investing in Training and Development: Providing opportunities for both IT security professionals to learn about OT and for OT engineers to develop cybersecurity skills.
Partnering with External Experts: Engaging with specialized OT security vendors and consultants to augment in-house capabilities.
Developing Career Paths: Creating clear career paths for OT security professionals to attract and retain talent.
Challenges Facing CISOs in OT Cybersecurity
Despite the growing recognition of the importance of OT cybersecurity, CISOs often face significant challenges in effectively addressing this domain:
Legacy Systems and Technical Constraints: Retrofitting security controls onto older OT systems can be difficult or impossible without risking operational disruptions.
Resistance to Change: OT environments are often risk-averse, and there may be resistance to implementing new security measures that are perceived as potentially impacting the reliability or availability of critical systems.
Budgetary Constraints: Securing OT environments often requires significant investment in specialized technologies and expertise, and CISOs may face challenges in securing adequate funding.
Lack of Visibility: Gaining comprehensive visibility into OT network traffic and assets can be challenging due to the use of proprietary protocols and the lack of native security features in many devices.
Evolving Threat Landscape: The threat landscape for OT is constantly evolving, with new attack techniques and threat actors emerging. CISOs must stay abreast of these developments and adapt their security strategies accordingly.
The Path Forward: Empowering the CISOs in OT Cybersecurity
To effectively address the challenges of OT cybersecurity, organizations must empower their CISOs with the authority, resources, and support they need. This includes:
Executive-Level Support: Strong leadership support is essential for driving cultural change and prioritizing OT cybersecurity initiatives.
Increased Budget Allocation: Adequate funding must be allocated to invest in the necessary technologies, expertise, and training programs.
Organizational Alignment: Breaking down silos and fostering collaboration between IT and OT teams is crucial for developing and implementing a unified security strategy.
Continuous Learning and Adaptation: CISOs and their teams must continuously learn about the evolving OT threat landscape and adapt their security practices accordingly.
Information Sharing: Participating in industry forums and sharing threat intelligence with other organizations can help improve the overall security posture of the OT community.
The convergence of IT and OT has created a new and complex cybersecurity landscape. The CISO's role is no longer limited to protecting traditional IT assets; it now extends to the critical responsibility of securing operational technology environments. This requires a deep understanding of the unique characteristics of OT, a collaborative approach to working with OT teams, and the implementation of specialized security strategies and technologies. By recognizing the imperative of OT cybersecurity and empowering their CISOs to lead this crucial effort, organizations can protect their critical infrastructure, mitigate significant risks, and ensure the safety and reliability of their operations in an increasingly interconnected world. In Bengaluru, and across India's burgeoning industrial and technological landscape, the vigilance and strategic leadership of CISOs in OT cybersecurity will be paramount in safeguarding the nation's critical assets and driving secure digital transformation.
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