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SECURING REMOTE OT OPERATIONS:

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By Qiang Huang
Dec 26, 2024
5 minutes
129 views
Points of View
OT operations


BUILDING A RESILIENT FRAMEWORK FOR THE CONNECTED AGE

As OT environments become more interconnected, organizations can manage
operations remotely, enhancing efficiency and enabling greater oversight even
from a distance. However, these advancements come with heightened security
risks. A recent report from Palo Alto Networks and ABI Research found that 74%
of respondents noticed an increase in remote access, creating more entry points
for attackers. This expanded attack surface has made OT systems a prime target
for cyber threats, underscoring the need for a robust security framework
tailored to remote OT environments.

To build a resilient OT security framework, organizations need protections that
go well beyond connectivity. Securing all access points, whether cloud-based,
on-premises or hybrid, ensures safe and reliable operations in any environment.
This comprehensive approach is critical, as 80% of respondents in a recent
report believe that cloud technology and other digital tools will be vital to OT
over the next three to five years. Without strong security foundations across
these access points, organizations face increased risks of operational
disruptions, safety incidents and financial losses. Three-quarters of surveyed
companies have already encountered these challenges due to OT-targeted
cyber-attacks.


CORE COMPONENTS OF A RESILIENT OT SECURITY FRAMEWORK

Securing remote OT operations starts with building a foundation of clear
visibility into both OT and IT activity so that critical traffic can be
effectively monitored and understood. This visibility allows organizations to
make informed security decisions, detecting anomalies and responding to
potential threats with speed. However, visibility alone is not enough. To create
a resilient and layered defense against evolving threats, security must be
consistently integrated throughout the network.

By applying the principle of least privilege, organizations can reduce potential
security risks by restricting remote access to the minimum necessary for each
task. This approach minimizes exposure, limiting each user’s access to essential
systems only. Additionally, defining and communicating clear remote access
procedures ensures that everyone within the organization understands and follows
the same security protocols. Transparent processes are critical for maintaining
consistency, especially in complex OT environments where operational safety and
continuous uptime are paramount. Ensuring that these protocols support secure,
uninterrupted access is essential to keeping critical systems running smoothly.

Establishing secure temporary access is also crucial in OT settings, where
unique credentials should be used for each session, and access should be
promptly removed once tasks are complete. Temporary connections, whether through
VPNs, SSH, or other secure channels, like privileged remote access, must be
tightly controlled to prevent unauthorized access. Layering remote access with
multi-factor authentication (MFA) offers additional protection, reinforcing
security by requiring multiple forms of identity verification before access is
granted.


BUILDING A RESILIENT ACCESS INFRASTRUCTURE

A resilient security framework for remote OT environments must address the
unique conditions and constraints of OT networks, especially where legacy
equipment and older operating systems are prevalent. For example, encrypting
remote sessions is essential to safeguarding data confidentiality and integrity,
particularly for older OT devices that may lack built-in encryption
capabilities. However, regular software and firmware updates may not be feasible
in systems designed for continuous uptime, safety and availability.

In such cases, compensating controls, like time-limited access, manual
authentication processes, or specific verification steps can provide additional
security where standard measures are challenging to implement. These controls
help maintain secure access without disrupting operational continuity.
Similarly, avoiding default configurations and routinely reviewing system
settings are crucial steps. Customizing configurations not only addresses
specific vulnerabilities but also adapts the security framework to meet the
unique demands of OT environments.


INTEGRATING IT AND OT SECURITY STRATEGIES

A robust security framework for remote OT operations requires thoughtful
integration of IT and OT practices. Rather than simply adapting IT solutions for
OT, a holistic approach that respects the unique demands of OT environments is
essential. Designing dedicated workflows that prioritize OT requirements, such
as just-in-time access, helps maintain security without hindering operational
efficiency.

When IT and OT strategies are aligned with care, the resulting security posture
becomes stronger. However, integrating IT best practices with OT networks
demands sensitivity to differences, as IT’s rapid update cycles and security
protocols may clash with OT’s need for continuous uptime and legacy system
stability.

Involving OT personnel directly in remote access planning is also vital. With
visibility into upcoming activities, OT teams can respond to incidents
effectively, ensuring secure and reliable operations. Education further
strengthens this framework by equipping OT teams with the knowledge needed to
support security goals and avoid actions that might increase risk.


BUILDING RESILIENCE FOR THE FUTURE

Securing remote OT environments is an ongoing process that must evolve alongside
technology and emerging threats. A unified security platform provides the
adaptability required to meet these changing demands. Such a platform can
consolidate capabilities like asset discovery, network segmentation, and
advanced threat detection under one system, reducing complexity and streamlining
protection across both IT and OT environments.

Automation is another key to resilience, as it allows for adaptive security
policies that evolve based on traffic patterns. Automated policy recommendations
lower the chance of human error and ensure that protection remains consistent
across OT assets. With this framework in place, organizations can focus on
creating a secure, efficient environment that enables continuous operations
while managing risks in today’s interconnected world.

By prioritizing visibility, proactive threat prevention and the thoughtful
integration of IT and OT strategies, organizations can build a resilient
framework for remote OT security. This approach not only safeguards critical
infrastructure but also prepares companies for the cybersecurity challenges of
tomorrow’s connected landscape.

This post was originally published on Cybersecurity INSIDERS.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


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