OT/ICS Penetration Testing: What to Expect
The Growing Need for OT/ICS Cybersecurity
In today’s hyper-connected world, industries like manufacturing, oil and gas, and energy rely heavily on Operational Technology (OT) and Industrial Control Systems (ICS) to drive efficiency and innovation. These systems, which manage critical infrastructure like power grids, production lines, and pipelines, are increasingly integrated with Internet of Things (IoT) devices and IT networks. While this convergence unlocks operational benefits, it also exposes organizations to sophisticated cyber threats. A single breach in an OT/ICS environment can disrupt production, compromise safety, and lead to significant financial and reputational damage.
At Shieldworkz, we specialize in helping organizations protect their OT/ICS environments through tailored cybersecurity strategies, including penetration testing designed specifically for industrial systems. Our latest report, OT/ICS Penetration Testing: What to Expect, offers actionable insights for decision-makers in high-stakes industries. Read on to learn why penetration testing is critical, what it entails, and how our report can empower your organization to stay ahead of cyber threats.
Why OT/ICS Penetration Testing Matters
Penetration testing for OT/ICS is not just a security exercise, it’s a strategic necessity. Unlike traditional IT penetration testing, OT/ICS testing focuses on the unique challenges of industrial environments, where uptime, safety, and reliability are non-negotiable. Here’s why it’s critical:
Unique Threat Landscape: OT/ICS systems, including Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), and Distributed Control Systems (DCS), face threats that differ from IT environments. A cyberattack on these systems can halt production, damage equipment, or even endanger lives.
Converging IT/OT Systems: The integration of IT and OT networks has expanded the attack surface, making it easier for attackers to pivot from IT to OT systems. Penetration testing identifies vulnerabilities at these intersections before they can be exploited.
Regulatory Compliance: Standards like NIST SP 800-82, ISA/IEC 62443, and HSE OG86 require organizations to assess and secure their OT/ICS environments. Penetration testing ensures compliance while strengthening defenses.
Proactive Risk Mitigation: By simulating real-world cyberattacks, penetration testing uncovers weaknesses in your systems, allowing you to address them before malicious actors do.
Our report provides a deep dive into these challenges, offering practical guidance on how penetration testing can protect your operations and enhance resilience.
What to Expect from OT/ICS Penetration Testing
OT/ICS penetration testing is a meticulous process designed to evaluate the security of your industrial systems without disrupting operations. Unlike IT testing, which often prioritizes data protection, OT/ICS testing focuses on maintaining system availability, integrity, and safety. Here’s what the process typically involves:
Planning and Scoping: Testers collaborate with your team to define objectives, identify critical assets (e.g., “crown jewel” systems), and schedule testing during maintenance windows to minimize disruption.
Passive Assessments: Non-invasive techniques, such as network mapping and vulnerability scanning, are used to identify potential weaknesses without affecting system performance.
Active Testing: Controlled simulations of cyberattacks, such as privilege escalation or boundary pivoting, test the resilience of your systems while adhering to strict safety protocols.
Reporting and Recommendations: A detailed report outlines vulnerabilities, their potential impact, and actionable mitigation strategies tailored to your industry and infrastructure.
At Shieldworkz, our testing methodology aligns with industry standards and leverages expertise in OT/ICS protocols to deliver results that are both thorough and safe. Our report breaks down each step, giving you a clear understanding of what to expect and how to prepare.
Why Download Our Report?
Our OT/ICS Penetration Testing: What to Expect report is a must-have resource for decision-makers in manufacturing, oil and gas, and energy sectors. Here’s why you should download it today:
Actionable Insights: Learn how to identify and prioritize vulnerabilities in your OT/ICS environment, with practical steps to strengthen your security posture.
Industry-Specific Guidance: Tailored for industrial sectors, the report addresses the unique challenges faced by critical infrastructure operators.
Compliance Support: Understand how penetration testing helps you meet regulatory requirements like NIST, ISA/IEC 62443, and HSE OG86.
Expert Perspective: Backed by Shieldworkz’s deep expertise in OT/ICS cybersecurity, the report offers insights from real-world engagements and threat intelligence.
By downloading the report, you’ll gain access to a roadmap for securing your industrial systems and protecting your organization from costly disruptions.
Key Takeaways from the Report
Our comprehensive report distills complex OT/ICS cybersecurity concepts into clear, actionable takeaways:
Understand the Risks: Discover the most common vulnerabilities in OT/ICS systems, from unpatched legacy devices to misconfigured network boundaries.
Tailored Testing Strategies: Learn how to design penetration tests that balance thoroughness with operational safety, minimizing downtime risks.
Bridge the IT/OT Gap: Gain insights into fostering collaboration between IT and OT teams to create a unified cybersecurity strategy.
Stay Ahead of Threats: Explore emerging trends in OT/ICS cyberattacks, including nation-state tactics and IoT vulnerabilities, and how to counter them.
Build Resilience: Implement robust mitigation strategies to ensure your systems remain operational even in the face of a cyberattack.
Whether you’re a plant manager, OT engineer, or CISO, this template empowers you to take control of incident response and protect your operations.
Download Now and Take Control
Download our OT/ICS Penetration Testing: What to Expect report to gain the insights you need to safeguard your operations. Whether you’re a plant manager, a cybersecurity leader, or an executive in manufacturing, oil and gas, or energy, this report will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions and strengthen your defenses.
Fill out the form below to access your free copy and take a step toward operational resilience.
Download your copy today!
The Growing Need for OT/ICS Cybersecurity
In today’s hyper-connected world, industries like manufacturing, oil and gas, and energy rely heavily on Operational Technology (OT) and Industrial Control Systems (ICS) to drive efficiency and innovation. These systems, which manage critical infrastructure like power grids, production lines, and pipelines, are increasingly integrated with Internet of Things (IoT) devices and IT networks. While this convergence unlocks operational benefits, it also exposes organizations to sophisticated cyber threats. A single breach in an OT/ICS environment can disrupt production, compromise safety, and lead to significant financial and reputational damage.
At Shieldworkz, we specialize in helping organizations protect their OT/ICS environments through tailored cybersecurity strategies, including penetration testing designed specifically for industrial systems. Our latest report, OT/ICS Penetration Testing: What to Expect, offers actionable insights for decision-makers in high-stakes industries. Read on to learn why penetration testing is critical, what it entails, and how our report can empower your organization to stay ahead of cyber threats.
Why OT/ICS Penetration Testing Matters
Penetration testing for OT/ICS is not just a security exercise, it’s a strategic necessity. Unlike traditional IT penetration testing, OT/ICS testing focuses on the unique challenges of industrial environments, where uptime, safety, and reliability are non-negotiable. Here’s why it’s critical:
Unique Threat Landscape: OT/ICS systems, including Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), and Distributed Control Systems (DCS), face threats that differ from IT environments. A cyberattack on these systems can halt production, damage equipment, or even endanger lives.
Converging IT/OT Systems: The integration of IT and OT networks has expanded the attack surface, making it easier for attackers to pivot from IT to OT systems. Penetration testing identifies vulnerabilities at these intersections before they can be exploited.
Regulatory Compliance: Standards like NIST SP 800-82, ISA/IEC 62443, and HSE OG86 require organizations to assess and secure their OT/ICS environments. Penetration testing ensures compliance while strengthening defenses.
Proactive Risk Mitigation: By simulating real-world cyberattacks, penetration testing uncovers weaknesses in your systems, allowing you to address them before malicious actors do.
Our report provides a deep dive into these challenges, offering practical guidance on how penetration testing can protect your operations and enhance resilience.
What to Expect from OT/ICS Penetration Testing
OT/ICS penetration testing is a meticulous process designed to evaluate the security of your industrial systems without disrupting operations. Unlike IT testing, which often prioritizes data protection, OT/ICS testing focuses on maintaining system availability, integrity, and safety. Here’s what the process typically involves:
Planning and Scoping: Testers collaborate with your team to define objectives, identify critical assets (e.g., “crown jewel” systems), and schedule testing during maintenance windows to minimize disruption.
Passive Assessments: Non-invasive techniques, such as network mapping and vulnerability scanning, are used to identify potential weaknesses without affecting system performance.
Active Testing: Controlled simulations of cyberattacks, such as privilege escalation or boundary pivoting, test the resilience of your systems while adhering to strict safety protocols.
Reporting and Recommendations: A detailed report outlines vulnerabilities, their potential impact, and actionable mitigation strategies tailored to your industry and infrastructure.
At Shieldworkz, our testing methodology aligns with industry standards and leverages expertise in OT/ICS protocols to deliver results that are both thorough and safe. Our report breaks down each step, giving you a clear understanding of what to expect and how to prepare.
Why Download Our Report?
Our OT/ICS Penetration Testing: What to Expect report is a must-have resource for decision-makers in manufacturing, oil and gas, and energy sectors. Here’s why you should download it today:
Actionable Insights: Learn how to identify and prioritize vulnerabilities in your OT/ICS environment, with practical steps to strengthen your security posture.
Industry-Specific Guidance: Tailored for industrial sectors, the report addresses the unique challenges faced by critical infrastructure operators.
Compliance Support: Understand how penetration testing helps you meet regulatory requirements like NIST, ISA/IEC 62443, and HSE OG86.
Expert Perspective: Backed by Shieldworkz’s deep expertise in OT/ICS cybersecurity, the report offers insights from real-world engagements and threat intelligence.
By downloading the report, you’ll gain access to a roadmap for securing your industrial systems and protecting your organization from costly disruptions.
Key Takeaways from the Report
Our comprehensive report distills complex OT/ICS cybersecurity concepts into clear, actionable takeaways:
Understand the Risks: Discover the most common vulnerabilities in OT/ICS systems, from unpatched legacy devices to misconfigured network boundaries.
Tailored Testing Strategies: Learn how to design penetration tests that balance thoroughness with operational safety, minimizing downtime risks.
Bridge the IT/OT Gap: Gain insights into fostering collaboration between IT and OT teams to create a unified cybersecurity strategy.
Stay Ahead of Threats: Explore emerging trends in OT/ICS cyberattacks, including nation-state tactics and IoT vulnerabilities, and how to counter them.
Build Resilience: Implement robust mitigation strategies to ensure your systems remain operational even in the face of a cyberattack.
Whether you’re a plant manager, OT engineer, or CISO, this template empowers you to take control of incident response and protect your operations.
Download Now and Take Control
Download our OT/ICS Penetration Testing: What to Expect report to gain the insights you need to safeguard your operations. Whether you’re a plant manager, a cybersecurity leader, or an executive in manufacturing, oil and gas, or energy, this report will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions and strengthen your defenses.
Fill out the form below to access your free copy and take a step toward operational resilience.
Download your copy today!
The Growing Need for OT/ICS Cybersecurity
In today’s hyper-connected world, industries like manufacturing, oil and gas, and energy rely heavily on Operational Technology (OT) and Industrial Control Systems (ICS) to drive efficiency and innovation. These systems, which manage critical infrastructure like power grids, production lines, and pipelines, are increasingly integrated with Internet of Things (IoT) devices and IT networks. While this convergence unlocks operational benefits, it also exposes organizations to sophisticated cyber threats. A single breach in an OT/ICS environment can disrupt production, compromise safety, and lead to significant financial and reputational damage.
At Shieldworkz, we specialize in helping organizations protect their OT/ICS environments through tailored cybersecurity strategies, including penetration testing designed specifically for industrial systems. Our latest report, OT/ICS Penetration Testing: What to Expect, offers actionable insights for decision-makers in high-stakes industries. Read on to learn why penetration testing is critical, what it entails, and how our report can empower your organization to stay ahead of cyber threats.
Why OT/ICS Penetration Testing Matters
Penetration testing for OT/ICS is not just a security exercise, it’s a strategic necessity. Unlike traditional IT penetration testing, OT/ICS testing focuses on the unique challenges of industrial environments, where uptime, safety, and reliability are non-negotiable. Here’s why it’s critical:
Unique Threat Landscape: OT/ICS systems, including Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), and Distributed Control Systems (DCS), face threats that differ from IT environments. A cyberattack on these systems can halt production, damage equipment, or even endanger lives.
Converging IT/OT Systems: The integration of IT and OT networks has expanded the attack surface, making it easier for attackers to pivot from IT to OT systems. Penetration testing identifies vulnerabilities at these intersections before they can be exploited.
Regulatory Compliance: Standards like NIST SP 800-82, ISA/IEC 62443, and HSE OG86 require organizations to assess and secure their OT/ICS environments. Penetration testing ensures compliance while strengthening defenses.
Proactive Risk Mitigation: By simulating real-world cyberattacks, penetration testing uncovers weaknesses in your systems, allowing you to address them before malicious actors do.
Our report provides a deep dive into these challenges, offering practical guidance on how penetration testing can protect your operations and enhance resilience.
What to Expect from OT/ICS Penetration Testing
OT/ICS penetration testing is a meticulous process designed to evaluate the security of your industrial systems without disrupting operations. Unlike IT testing, which often prioritizes data protection, OT/ICS testing focuses on maintaining system availability, integrity, and safety. Here’s what the process typically involves:
Planning and Scoping: Testers collaborate with your team to define objectives, identify critical assets (e.g., “crown jewel” systems), and schedule testing during maintenance windows to minimize disruption.
Passive Assessments: Non-invasive techniques, such as network mapping and vulnerability scanning, are used to identify potential weaknesses without affecting system performance.
Active Testing: Controlled simulations of cyberattacks, such as privilege escalation or boundary pivoting, test the resilience of your systems while adhering to strict safety protocols.
Reporting and Recommendations: A detailed report outlines vulnerabilities, their potential impact, and actionable mitigation strategies tailored to your industry and infrastructure.
At Shieldworkz, our testing methodology aligns with industry standards and leverages expertise in OT/ICS protocols to deliver results that are both thorough and safe. Our report breaks down each step, giving you a clear understanding of what to expect and how to prepare.
Why Download Our Report?
Our OT/ICS Penetration Testing: What to Expect report is a must-have resource for decision-makers in manufacturing, oil and gas, and energy sectors. Here’s why you should download it today:
Actionable Insights: Learn how to identify and prioritize vulnerabilities in your OT/ICS environment, with practical steps to strengthen your security posture.
Industry-Specific Guidance: Tailored for industrial sectors, the report addresses the unique challenges faced by critical infrastructure operators.
Compliance Support: Understand how penetration testing helps you meet regulatory requirements like NIST, ISA/IEC 62443, and HSE OG86.
Expert Perspective: Backed by Shieldworkz’s deep expertise in OT/ICS cybersecurity, the report offers insights from real-world engagements and threat intelligence.
By downloading the report, you’ll gain access to a roadmap for securing your industrial systems and protecting your organization from costly disruptions.
Key Takeaways from the Report
Our comprehensive report distills complex OT/ICS cybersecurity concepts into clear, actionable takeaways:
Understand the Risks: Discover the most common vulnerabilities in OT/ICS systems, from unpatched legacy devices to misconfigured network boundaries.
Tailored Testing Strategies: Learn how to design penetration tests that balance thoroughness with operational safety, minimizing downtime risks.
Bridge the IT/OT Gap: Gain insights into fostering collaboration between IT and OT teams to create a unified cybersecurity strategy.
Stay Ahead of Threats: Explore emerging trends in OT/ICS cyberattacks, including nation-state tactics and IoT vulnerabilities, and how to counter them.
Build Resilience: Implement robust mitigation strategies to ensure your systems remain operational even in the face of a cyberattack.
Whether you’re a plant manager, OT engineer, or CISO, this template empowers you to take control of incident response and protect your operations.
Download Now and Take Control
Download our OT/ICS Penetration Testing: What to Expect report to gain the insights you need to safeguard your operations. Whether you’re a plant manager, a cybersecurity leader, or an executive in manufacturing, oil and gas, or energy, this report will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions and strengthen your defenses.
Fill out the form below to access your free copy and take a step toward operational resilience.