ot cybersecurity – Waterfall Security Solutions https://waterfall-security.com Unbreachable OT security, unlimited OT connectivity Tue, 09 Sep 2025 08:19:56 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://waterfall-security.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/cropped-favicon2-2-32x32.png ot cybersecurity – Waterfall Security Solutions https://waterfall-security.com 32 32 What is OT Cybersecurity? https://waterfall-security.com/ot-insights-center/ot-cybersecurity-insights-center/what-is-ot-cyber-security/ Sun, 06 Jul 2025 08:29:45 +0000 https://waterfall-security.com/?p=34112 Learn what OT cybersecurity is, how it protects critical infrastructure, and the key threats, strategies, and standards you need to know.

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What is OT Cybersecurity?

OT cybersecurity protects the industrial systems that keep critical infrastructure running—from power grids to manufacturing plants. This guide covers what OT cybersecurity is, why it’s different from IT cybersecurity, the biggest threats, and the essential strategies and standards for keeping operations safe, reliable, and resilient.
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What is OT cybersecurity

OT (Operational Technology) cybersecurity protects industrial systems like SCADA, ICS, and PLCs from cyber threats. It focuses on securing physical infrastructure such as power plants, factories, and transportation systems by monitoring, detecting, and preventing unauthorized access and disruptions to operations.

Understanding OT Cybersecurity Fundamentals

Operational technology (OT) systems that control critical infrastructure were once isolated from cyber threats. Today’s interconnected industrial landscape has changed that reality, exposing manufacturing plants, power grids, and other essential facilities to sophisticated attacks.

The convergence of OT and IT networks has created new vulnerabilities that traditional cybersecurity approaches can’t address. OT systems prioritize availability over confidentiality, use legacy protocols, and directly control physical processes, requiring specialized security strategies.

This guide covers the fundamentals of OT cybersecurity, from understanding unique threats to implementing effective security frameworks that protect operations without compromising performance.

What Makes OT Cybersecurity Different from Traditional IT Security?

The fundamental difference between OT and IT security lies in their core priorities. While IT security follows the CIA triad—confidentiality, integrity, and availability—OT systems flip this model, prioritizing availability first, then integrity, and finally confidentiality. A manufacturing line that goes down costs thousands of dollars per minute, making system uptime more critical than data protection. This means security measures that might cause system interruptions or latency are often unacceptable in OT environments.

OT systems also operate on different technological foundations than traditional IT networks. Many industrial control systems run on decades-old protocols like Modbus, DNP3, and proprietary communication standards that were designed for reliability and performance, not security. These legacy systems often lack basic security features like encryption or authentication, and they can’t be easily updated or patched without significant operational disruption. Additionally, OT networks include specialized hardware like programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems that require unique security approaches tailored to their specific functions and constraints.

Why OT Network Security Has Become Critical

The digital transformation of industrial operations has eliminated the air gaps that once protected OT systems from cyber threats. Organizations are increasingly connecting their operational technology to corporate networks and the internet to enable remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and data analytics. This connectivity, combined with the rise of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices, has created multiple entry points for cybercriminals and nation-state actors to access critical infrastructure.

Recent attacks have demonstrated the real-world consequences of inadequate OT security. The Colonial Pipeline ransomware incident in 2021 shut down the largest fuel pipeline in the United States for six days, causing widespread fuel shortages and economic disruption. Similarly, attacks on manufacturing facilities, water treatment plants, and power grids have shown that OT security breaches don’t just compromise data—they can halt operations, endanger public safety, and cause millions in damages. As regulatory bodies respond with stricter compliance requirements and as cyber threats continue to evolve, organizations can no longer treat OT security as an afterthought.

The OT Cybersecurity Threat Landscape

Common Threats Targeting Operational Technology Systems

Ransomware has emerged as one of the most disruptive threats to OT environments, with attackers specifically targeting industrial systems to maximize impact and ransom payments. Unlike traditional IT ransomware that focuses on data encryption, OT-targeted variants often aim to disrupt operations directly, knowing that downtime costs can quickly exceed ransom demands. Advanced persistent threats (APTs) represent another significant category, with nation-state actors conducting long-term espionage campaigns to steal intellectual property, sabotage operations, or establish persistent access for future attacks.

Insider threats pose unique risks in OT environments due to the specialized knowledge required to operate industrial systems. Malicious insiders with legitimate access can bypass many security controls and cause significant damage with minimal detection. Additionally, the proliferation of connected devices has introduced new attack vectors through unsecured IoT sensors, wireless networks, and remote access tools. These entry points are often overlooked in traditional security assessments but can provide attackers with pathways to critical control systems. Social engineering attacks targeting OT personnel are also increasing, as attackers recognize that human vulnerabilities often provide easier access than technical exploits in well-secured industrial networks.

How Attackers Target OT Network Cyber Security

Attackers typically begin by compromising the IT network through traditional methods like phishing emails, compromised credentials, or software vulnerabilities, then pivot laterally to reach OT systems through network connections. This “living off the land” approach allows them to use legitimate administrative tools and protocols to move undetected through corporate networks before accessing industrial control systems. Once they identify the OT network boundary, attackers often exploit weak segmentation, shared credentials between IT and OT systems, or remote access solutions that bridge both environments.

The attack methodology in OT environments focuses on reconnaissance and persistence rather than immediate disruption. Attackers spend significant time mapping industrial networks, identifying critical systems, and understanding operational processes before taking action. They exploit the lack of visibility in many OT networks, where traditional security monitoring tools are often absent or limited. Common techniques include exploiting unpatched vulnerabilities in industrial software, abusing legitimate OT protocols like Modbus or DNP3 that lack authentication, and targeting engineering workstations that serve as bridges between IT and OT networks. The goal is often to establish a foothold that allows them to monitor operations, steal proprietary information, or position themselves for future sabotage when the timing serves their objectives.

Core Components of OT Network Security

Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Security Fundamentals

Industrial Control Systems form the backbone of operational technology environments, encompassing SCADA systems, distributed control systems (DCS), and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) that directly manage physical processes. Securing these systems requires understanding their unique architecture and operational constraints. ICS security fundamentals begin with asset inventory and network mapping, as many organizations lack complete visibility into their industrial infrastructure. This includes identifying all connected devices, understanding communication flows between systems, and documenting the relationships between control logic and physical processes.

The security approach for ICS must balance protection with operational requirements. Key principles include implementing defense-in-depth strategies that layer security controls without disrupting real-time operations, establishing secure communication channels between control components, and ensuring that safety systems remain functional even during security incidents. Access control becomes critical, requiring role-based permissions that align with operational responsibilities while preventing unauthorized changes to control logic. Regular security assessments must account for the inability to frequently patch or update ICS components, making compensating controls like network segmentation and monitoring essential elements of any ICS security strategy.

OT-IT Network Convergence Security Challenges

The convergence of OT and IT networks creates complex security challenges that neither traditional IT nor OT teams are fully equipped to handle alone. Different patch management cycles, security policies, and operational priorities often clash when these networks connect. IT security teams may push for rapid updates and aggressive security controls that could destabilize OT operations, while OT teams may resist security measures that could impact system availability or performance. This organizational divide creates gaps in security coverage and inconsistent policy enforcement across converged networks.

Technical challenges arise from the fundamental differences in network protocols, device capabilities, and security architectures. IT security tools designed for standard TCP/IP networks may not function properly with industrial protocols, while OT-specific security solutions may lack integration with enterprise security management platforms. The shared infrastructure often becomes the weakest link, with engineering workstations, historians, and remote access solutions serving as bridges that inherit vulnerabilities from both domains. Successful convergence security requires unified governance frameworks, integrated monitoring solutions that can interpret both IT and OT traffic, and security architectures that maintain operational integrity while providing comprehensive threat visibility across the entire infrastructure.

Essential OT Cybersecurity Frameworks and Standards

Implementing effective OT cyber security requires structured approaches that address the unique challenges of industrial environments. Unlike traditional IT security frameworks, OT cyber security standards must account for operational continuity, safety requirements, and the integration of legacy systems with modern security controls. Several established frameworks provide organizations with proven methodologies for developing comprehensive OT cyber security programs that balance protection with operational performance.

NIST Cybersecurity Framework for Operational Technology

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework has become a cornerstone of OT cyber security strategy, offering a flexible approach that organizations can adapt to their specific industrial environments. The framework’s five core functions—Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover—provide a comprehensive structure for managing OT cyber security risks. The “Identify” function focuses on asset management and risk assessment within OT environments, requiring organizations to catalog their industrial control systems, understand interdependencies, and assess vulnerabilities specific to operational technology.

The framework’s strength in OT cybersecurity lies in its risk-based approach that prioritizes critical assets and processes. For operational technology environments, this means focusing protection efforts on systems that directly impact safety, production, or regulatory compliance. The “Protect” function emphasizes access control, data security, and protective technology implementation tailored to OT constraints, while “Detect” addresses the unique monitoring challenges in industrial networks where traditional security tools may not function effectively. The framework’s emphasis on incident response and recovery planning is particularly valuable for OT cyber security, as it helps organizations maintain operational continuity during security incidents while ensuring safe system restoration.

Industry-Specific Compliance Requirements

Different industries face varying regulatory pressures that shape their OT cyber security implementations. The electric power sector must comply with NERC CIP (North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection) standards, which mandate specific cybersecurity controls for bulk electric systems. These requirements include stringent access controls, system monitoring, and incident reporting procedures that directly impact how utilities design and operate their OT cybersecurity programs.

Manufacturing and chemical industries often fall under regulations like the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) or state-level cybersecurity requirements that focus on protecting high-risk facilities. Water and wastewater systems face increasing scrutiny under EPA guidance and state regulations that emphasize both cybersecurity and physical security measures. Healthcare facilities with operational technology components must navigate HIPAA requirements alongside emerging medical device security standards. 

Each regulatory framework brings specific documentation, reporting, and technical requirements that organizations must integrate into their broader OT cybersecurity strategy, often requiring specialized expertise to ensure both compliance and operational effectiveness.

Building an Effective OT Network Security Strategy

Developing a comprehensive OT cyber security strategy requires a systematic approach that balances operational requirements with security objectives. Unlike traditional IT security strategies, OT network security must prioritize system availability and safety while implementing protective measures that don’t disrupt critical industrial processes. The foundation of any effective strategy lies in thorough risk assessment and strategic network design that creates defensible architectures.

Risk Assessment for Operational Technology Systems

Risk assessment in OT environments goes beyond traditional vulnerability scanning to include operational impact analysis and safety considerations. Organizations must identify critical assets based on their role in production processes, safety systems, and regulatory compliance rather than just data sensitivity. This includes mapping dependencies between systems, understanding the potential consequences of system failures, and evaluating the business impact of various attack scenarios. OT risk assessments must also consider the unique threat landscape facing industrial systems, including nation-state actors, insider threats, and the potential for cascading failures across interconnected systems.

Network Segmentation and Monitoring Best Practices

Network segmentation forms the cornerstone of effective OT cyber security, creating defensive boundaries that limit attack propagation and unauthorized access. Best practices include implementing the Purdue Model or similar hierarchical network architectures that establish clear zones of control with appropriate security controls at each level. This involves deploying firewalls, network access control systems, and secure remote access solutions specifically designed for industrial environments.

Emerging Technologies in OT Network Cyber Security

The OT cyber security landscape is rapidly evolving as new technologies emerge to address the unique challenges of protecting industrial systems. These innovations are reshaping how organizations approach operational technology security, offering enhanced visibility, automated threat detection, and more granular access controls. As industrial environments become increasingly connected and complex, these emerging technologies provide new opportunities to strengthen security postures while maintaining the operational integrity that OT systems demand.

Monitoring OT networks requires specialized tools and approaches that can interpret industrial protocols without disrupting operations. Effective monitoring strategies combine passive network monitoring with asset discovery tools that can identify unauthorized devices or unusual communication patterns. Organizations should implement both network-based and host-based monitoring solutions that provide visibility into control system activities while maintaining the real-time performance requirements of operational technology.

It’s important to note that these are brief overviews of complex topics. Network segmentation and monitoring in OT environments involve numerous technical considerations, vendor-specific implementations, and operational constraints that require detailed planning and specialized expertise to implement effectively.

Zero Trust Architecture for Operational Technology

Zero Trust architecture is gaining traction in OT environments as organizations seek to move beyond perimeter-based security models that assume internal network traffic is trustworthy. In operational technology contexts, Zero Trust focuses on continuous verification of device identity, user access, and communication integrity at every interaction point. This approach is particularly valuable for OT cyber security because it addresses the challenge of legacy systems that may lack built-in security features by wrapping them in protective authentication and authorization layers.

Implementing Zero Trust in OT networks requires careful consideration of operational constraints and real-time requirements. Solutions must provide microsegmentation capabilities that can isolate critical control systems while maintaining the low-latency communication necessary for industrial processes. Modern Zero Trust platforms designed for operational technology include features like device behavioral analysis, protocol-aware inspection, and automated policy enforcement that can adapt to the unique communication patterns found in industrial control systems.

AI and Machine Learning Applications

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are transforming OT cyber security by enabling automated threat detection and behavioral analysis that would be impossible with traditional rule-based systems. Machine learning algorithms can establish baseline behaviors for industrial devices and processes, then identify anomalies that may indicate security incidents or operational issues. This capability is particularly valuable in OT environments where normal operations follow predictable patterns, making deviations more easily detectable than in dynamic IT environments.

AI-powered security solutions for operational technology can analyze vast amounts of protocol data, device communications, and operational parameters to identify sophisticated attacks that might evade traditional signature-based detection systems. These systems can correlate security events with operational data to provide context about potential impacts on production or safety systems. Advanced implementations include predictive analytics that can forecast potential security risks based on historical patterns and current system states, enabling proactive security measures that align with operational planning cycles.

Getting Started with OT Cybersecurity

Beginning an OT cyber security journey can seem overwhelming given the complexity of industrial systems and the critical nature of operational continuity. However, a structured approach that prioritizes assessment, planning, and capability building provides a clear path forward. Organizations must balance the urgency of addressing security gaps with the methodical approach required to avoid disrupting critical operations.

Initial Assessment and Planning

The first step in any OT cyber security initiative is conducting a comprehensive assessment of existing infrastructure, security posture, and operational requirements. This includes inventorying all connected devices, mapping network architectures, and identifying critical assets that require the highest levels of protection. Organizations should evaluate current security controls, document regulatory requirements, and assess the maturity of existing OT security practices. This baseline assessment becomes the foundation for developing a realistic implementation roadmap that aligns security improvements with operational schedules and budget constraints.

Effective planning requires collaboration between IT security teams, OT operations personnel, and executive leadership to ensure that security initiatives support business objectives while maintaining operational integrity. The planning phase should establish clear priorities, define success metrics, and create implementation timelines that account for the unique constraints of industrial environments, including maintenance windows, regulatory compliance deadlines, and operational dependencies.

Building Internal Expertise

Developing internal OT cyber security expertise is crucial for long-term success, as the specialized nature of industrial systems requires knowledge that spans both cybersecurity and operational technology domains. Organizations should invest in training existing IT security professionals on industrial protocols, control systems, and operational requirements, while also educating OT personnel on cybersecurity principles and threat awareness. This cross-training approach helps bridge the traditional divide between IT and OT teams.

Building expertise also involves establishing relationships with specialized vendors, consultants, and industry organizations that can provide guidance on best practices and emerging threats. Many organizations benefit from participating in industry working groups, attending OT security conferences, and engaging with Information Sharing and Analysis Centers (ISACs) relevant to their sector to stay current with evolving threats and regulatory requirements.

Note: the fundamentals covered in this guide provide a foundation for understanding OT cybersecurity, but successful implementation requires ongoing learning and adaptation. As industrial systems continue to evolve and new threats emerge, staying informed about the latest developments in operational technology security becomes increasingly critical. Continue exploring advanced topics, industry-specific guidance, and detailed implementation strategies to build a comprehensive OT cybersecurity program that protects your critical operations while enabling business growth.

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FAQs About OT Cybersecurity

OT cybersecurity is the practice of protecting operational technology — the systems that control physical processes in industries like manufacturing, energy, and transportation. These include pumps, motors, valves, and sensors, all of which must operate safely, reliably, and without disruption.

Unlike traditional IT security, OT cybersecurity prioritizes uptime and operational safety over data confidentiality.

Key frameworks and tools include:

  • NIS2 Directive (EU) – Sets strict cybersecurity requirements for critical infrastructure.

  • MITRE ATT&CK for ICS – Helps map and detect attacker behaviors in industrial systems.

  • ISO/IEC 27001 & 27019 – Support risk-based information security programs tailored to OT.

OT cybersecurity starts with understanding and securing Industrial Control Systems (ICS), including:

  • SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition)

  • DCS (Distributed Control Systems)

  • PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers)

Foundational steps include:

  • Asset inventory – Identifying all connected devices in your OT network

  • Network mapping – Documenting how data flows between systems

  • Process visibility – Understanding how control logic interacts with physical operations

Some of the most widely adopted and essential frameworks include:

  • IEC 62443 – The global standard for securing OT systems across their lifecycle

  • NERC CIP – Mandatory standards for the bulk electric system in North America

  • NIST SP 800-82 – U.S. guidelines for securing ICS networks and reducing cyber risk

These frameworks provide structure, terminology, and technical requirements to help organizations safeguard industrial environments from modern cyber threats.

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Where does IT Security END and OT Security BEGIN? https://waterfall-security.com/ot-insights-center/ot-cybersecurity-insights-center/where-does-it-security-end-and-ot-security-begin/ Thu, 26 Dec 2024 15:06:48 +0000 https://waterfall-security.com/?p=29897 The standard answer to this questions is "The Consequence Boundary"...but which kind of consequences are we talking about? And aren't there different levels of consequence? We help define these to answer the question.

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Where does IT Security END and OT Security BEGIN?

Where does the consequence boundary between IT and OT actually rest? Where is the line in the sand that separates what is needed to secure OT, an what is needed to secure IT? Lets have a look...
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OT Security vs IT Security

OT IT Security Boundary Where does IT end and OT begin? Our research team frequently gets asked this question and the answer has grown technically more complex over the years, but the basic principles that guide the answer to this question have remained the same. It all has to do with first answering: “What is your risk tolerance? What is your risk appetite?”

With today’s complex and interconnected world, the lines between Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) are increasingly blurred. While both IT and OT rely on digital systems to function, their purposes, priorities, and security challenges differ drastically. Understanding these distinctions is critical for crafting effective security strategies.

…the basic principles that guide the answer to this question have remained the same. It all has to do with first answering: “What is your risk tolerance? What is your risk appetite?

So, Where does IT end and OT begin?

In Andrew Ginter’s book Engineering-grade OT Security, he explains that OT begins at the consequence boundary. This boundary will differ for different operations, but the idea is that the IT/OT boundary rests somewhere around where the consequences of the risks actually happening become unacceptable.

Industrial pipesSome common unacceptable risks across most industries include any loss of human life, bodily harm, damage to machinery or equipment, and then we have unscheduled downtime. The duration of what is acceptable unscheduled downtime can vary greatly between each industry. For a power plant, it would be unacceptable to shut down operations for a half hour, but for a shoe factory, it might not be as dramatic of an issue. Wherever that acceptable/unacceptable risk boundary lies, that is its IT/OT boundary for that business.

OT takes over from IT where the consequences of something going wrong become unacceptable.

The Purpose of IT Vs the Purpose of OT

IT systems manage data and support business processes, such as communication, record-keeping, and analytics. Think of email servers, financial systems, and cloud applications. In contrast, OT systems control physical processes and equipment, often in industries like manufacturing, energy, and transportation. Some classic examples of OT include robotic assembly lines, power generation, nuclear power plants, offshore oil platforms, and railway signaling systems.

Key Difference: IT security focuses on protecting data and business processes, while OT security focuses on protecting physical systems and ensuring operational continuity.

IT Priorities Vs OT Priorities

The core objectives of IT and OT security reflect their drastically different operational priorities.

The CIA TriadAnyone who has casually walked by an ongoing cybersecurity classroom has most likely heard about the CIA Triad. This C-I-A concept formed the basis of cybersecurity when it first came out. It has grown partially outdated, as data Integrity hasn’t really become that great a threat, but Confidentiality (i.e. data exfiltration) and Availability (i.e. ransomware) have remained very relevant. The triad for OT security differs as it prioritizes safety and availability as well as operational integrity. When securing OT, the concern for data going into the machines far exceeds the concern for someone accessing outbound operational data from the machinery.

IT Security Priorities:

  • Confidentiality – Protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access.

  • Data Integrity – Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of data.

  • Availability – Maintaining access to IT systems and data when needed.

OT Security Priorities:

  • Availability – Keeping physical systems running and avoiding downtime.

  • Safety – Ensuring the well-being of workers and preventing accidents.

  • Operational Integrity – Guaranteeing the correct operation of equipment and processes.

Key Difference: IT prioritizes confidentiality first, while OT prioritizes safety

The IT Threat Landscape Vs OT Threat Landscape

Security Cameras as OT systemIT systems face threats such as malware, phishing, and data breaches. The goal of IT attackers is often to steal or encrypt important data, usually for financial gain some sort of business disruption.

OT systems, however, are exposed to threats where the attacker will try and cause some kind of physical consequence such as machinery malfunctioning and causing downtime.

  • Cyber-physical Attacks – Manipulating equipment to cause damage or outages.

    Ransomware – Encrypting and shutting down critical systems to extort money.

  • Insider Threats – Human errors or malicious insiders impacting physical operations.

Key Difference: OT threats can directly impact physical infrastructure and human safety, making them potentially far more catastrophic than IT threats.

System Lifespan and Upgrades

IT systems typically have shorter lifespans and are often upgraded or replaced within 3-5 years to keep pace with technology. OT systems, on the other hand, may operate for decades without significant changes.

Additionally, many critical OT systems are prohibitively expensive to upgrade, with price tags in the tens of millions of dollars. Furthermore, the lead time on such an upgrade can exceed into months or even years, during which production must continue uninterrupted.

This longevity of OT systems creates 2 distinct challenges:

  • Older OT systems may lack built-in security features, as they were designed before such threats needed to be considered

  • Patching and updates can be difficult, as downtime impacts operations. Even minor patches pose the risk of ruining operations if the patch corrupts some file or dependency.

Key Difference: OT systems are much more likely to rely on outdated, unsupported technology. This outdated/unsupported technology can’t be updated or replaced without drastically risking impacting operations. Meanwhile, IT can typically roll out patches and updates fairly quickly. Even simple common IT fixes such as “turning it off and on again” are far more complex when it comes to OT

Interconnectivity and Access

IT environments are designed from the ground up for high interconnectivity, with users and devices accessing networks remotely and frequently. OT environments were traditionally isolated (“air-gapped”) to reduce exposure to external threats. However, the recent rise of Industrial IoT (IIoT) and the need for endless remote monitoring has increased OT interconnectivity, expanding the available attack surface.

Key Difference: OT systems are transitioning from isolated to interconnected, introducing new security challenges, while IT systems have always been high-interconnected.

Incident Response

In IT, incident response often involves detecting and isolating compromised systems to prevent data loss. In OT, response plans must consider the impact on physical operations, human safety, and regulatory compliance. A poorly managed response could disrupt critical infrastructure or even endanger lives.

Key Difference: OT incident response requires a multidisciplinary approach involving engineering, safety, and IT teams working together.

Cyber-Informed Engineering for OT Security

Engineering FriendsAs IT and OT systems grew more integrated over the years, organizations tried to adopt some sort of unified security strategies that address both IT and OT. This included joint risk assessments, robust monitoring of OT/IT environments, and even some cross team collaborations. These efforts proved to be ineffective at fully stopping the threats and risks.

A more centralized effort was needed. In 2022, the US Department of Energy released the National Cyber-informed Engineering Strategy.

The principles of Cyber-informed Engineering strongly recommend building resilience into industrial systems from the ground up. Cyber-informed engineering focuses on designing and operating systems with cybersecurity as a foundational element, rather than an afterthought.

Some of the main recommendations of CIE:

  • Incorporate Cybersecurity Early in Design – Embed security considerations into the design phase of OT systems to mitigate vulnerabilities before deployment.

  • Understand the Mission Impact – Analyze how cyber threats could impact physical operations and engineer systems to minimize those risks.

  • Integrate Safety and Security – Develop solutions that address both operational safety and cybersecurity simultaneously, ensuring one does not compromise the other.

  • Leverage Threat Modeling – Use threat modeling techniques to anticipate potential attack vectors and implement defenses tailored to OT environments.

  • Collaborate Across Disciplines – Bring together engineers, IT professionals, and security experts to foster a holistic approach to protecting systems.

By adopting cyber-informed engineering, organizations can proactively address the unique challenges of OT security and enhance the resilience of their critical systems.

Wrapping it up

So, to summarize, OT begins at the consequence boundary. The place along the entire network where the consequences of the risks become unacceptable. That is where IT solutions are no longer sufficient, and OT security takes over. And furthermore, by having IT and OT teams work together, as outlined with Cyber-informed Engineering, a higher and more resilient network can be achieved for the entire business or organization. Securing both IT and OT. When IT and OT work together, everyone is happier.

Want to protect your OT network? Book a consultation >>

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OT Cybersecurity: Can the Government Save Us? https://waterfall-security.com/ot-insights-center/government-and-defense/ot-cybersecurity-can-the-government-save-us/ Thu, 21 Mar 2024 13:19:35 +0000 https://waterfall-security.com/?p=21098 Governments play an important role in OT security: they educate, they share threat information, they vet our employees and other trusted insiders, and from time to time they legislate cybersecurity defenses that the most consequential industrial enterprises must implement.

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OT Cybersecurity: Can the Government Save Us?

Governments play an important role in OT security: they educate, they share threat information, they vet our employees and other trusted insiders, and from time to time they legislate cybersecurity defenses that the most consequential industrial enterprises must implement.
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Andrew Ginter

Can Government Save OT Security

Why do we need to do any kind of robust OT cybersecurity at all? After all, in the physical domain, we expect individual citizens to take reasonable measures to protect themselves from petty burglars and car thieves, and not from a squadron of tanks rolling down the street blowing holes in buildings. We expect our governments and militaries to protect us from the most capable and consequential adversaries and attacks. Should the same not be true in the cyber world?

For example, some governments have declared that significant cyber attacks on critical infrastructures shall constitute acts of war. But – significant attacks on critical infrastructures have occurred, with neither physical retaliation nor declarations of war by those same governments. Why? Well, in part this is because reliable attribution of cyber attacks can be made arbitrarily difficult by attackers – after the attack, we do not know who to declare war against. In part the problem is that the consequences of launching an all-out physical war are truly monstrous and are widely seen as a disproportionate response to a cyber attack, even an attack on critical infrastructures.

“We expect our governments and militaries to protect us from the most capable and consequential adversaries and attacks. Should the same not be true in the cyber world?”

Real Time Response

government computerMany governments have invested heavily in protective measures for their infrastructures: establishing threat information sharing systems, providing classified threat briefings, establishing national cyber emergency response teams, imposing cybersecurity regulations and sometimes even mandating central government security and incident monitoring systems. Most governments also have powerful systems in place to ferret out spies, terrorist conspiracies, sleeper cells and even have systems to identify trustworthy employees who are becoming susceptible to compromise or blackmail because of gambling debts, extra-marital relationships, and other aspects of their personal lives.

While these measures have enormous value, they tend to be slow-moving. Ransomware and other attacks have gone from initial compromise to fully-encrypted and extorting payment in only 45 minutes – faster than any government can respond. Another example – I was talking a couple of years ago to an expert who was called in to carry out a post-mortem on a hacktivist attack that took down a number of water treatment systems. His conclusion: the attacks succeeded because the water utilities failed to implement the defenses the government had ordered them to implement. The lesson? Some kinds of attacks can be defeated only by the targets of those attacks – this is why there are government cybersecurity regulations for the most consequential of critical infrastructures.

Role of Government

Government definedGovernments play an important role in OT security: they educate, they share threat information, they vet our employees and other trusted insiders, and from time to time they legislate cybersecurity defenses that the most consequential industrial enterprises must implement. Why? Because there are some kinds of attacks that only the industrial targets can mount credible defenses against.

To read more about defenses against ransomware, hacktivists and even nation-states, click here to request your free copy of the author’s new book: Engineering-Grade OT Security: A manager’s guide.

About the author
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Andrew Ginter

Andrew Ginter is the most widely-read author in the industrial security space, with over 23,000 copies of his three books in print. He is a trusted advisor to the world's most secure industrial enterprises, and contributes regularly to industrial cybersecurity standards and guidance.
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Recorded Webinar: The NIS2 Directive: A Guide for OT Professionals https://waterfall-security.com/ot-insights-center/ot-cybersecurity-insights-center/recorded-webinar-the-nis2-directive-a-guide-for-ot-professionals/ Thu, 18 Jan 2024 12:16:08 +0000 https://waterfall-security.com/?p=18007 Dr Jesus Molina takes us on an in-depth 2 on the European NIS2 Directive, it's timeline, what it will entail, and who needs to comply.

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Recorded Webinar: The NIS2 Directive: A Guide for OT Professionals

In this recorded webinar, we take an in-depth look at the European NIS2 Directive and help explain the timeline for its rollout, who needs to comply, and what compliance with the directive will most likely look like.
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NIS2 Recorded Webinar

Some of the highlights we discussed about NIS2:

arrow red right  From NIS to NIS2: Tracing the journey of how the NIS was transposed into law and highlighting the novelties introduced in NIS2.

arrow red right NIS2 Deep Dive: We explain the NIS2 Directive’s implications for OT cybersecurity.

arrow red right Real-World Applications: How to apply NIS2 guidelines in diverse OT scenarios, using IEC63452 and NCCS as examples.

arrow red right Risk Management Strategies: Examples of effective strategies to mitigate risks in OT environments, ensuring compliance with NIS2.

 

Dr. Molina also discussed the timelines of the NIS2 Directive’s rollout, and what needs to be completed by each deadline in order to be compliant.NIS2 Directive timeline

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UAE Based Oil & Gas Refinery  https://waterfall-security.com/ot-insights-center/oil-gas/case-study-uae-based-oil-gas-refinery/ Tue, 09 Jan 2024 10:13:20 +0000 https://waterfall-security.com/?p=17367 How a UAE-based refinery was able to protect their legacy system to the extent it could safely be connected to the internet, IT networks, and the Cloud.

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UAE Based Oil & Gas Refinery 

Defending a refinery's legacy OT systems

UAE based oil and gas refinery
The Challenge icon
Customer:

arrow red right A Leading Oil & Gas refinery in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Challenge icon
Challenge:

arrow red right The refinery needed to maintain secure access to plant data while facing increased cyber threats on their ICS

arrow red right Their legacy Wonderware Historian (AVEVA System Platform) was out-of-support, requiring a Unidirectional Gateway solution that integrated seamlessly without modifications.

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Waterfall’s Unidirectional Security Gateway Solution:

arrow red right Offered native integration with Wonderware AVEVA System Platform.

arrow red right Waterfall’s R&D team customized the integration connector to work flawlessly with the out-of-support legacy system, avoiding any modifications.

arrow red right Provided a continuously updated replica of the Historian server on the commercial IT network, ensuring the actual production server remained isolated and data flowed one-way (From OT to IT).

Unidirectional security gateway instead of a data diode for a legacy wonderware historian server for OT

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Results & benefits

arrow red right100% Secure OT Network: Unbreachable by remote cyber threats.

arrow red rightReal-time Data Visibility: Full and secure access to real-time production data.

arrow red rightLegacy System Unaltered: No modifications required to the customer’s legacy systems.

arrow red rightScalability: The refinery’s success led to them ordering additional Waterfall Unidirectional Security Gateways for further applications.

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Recorded Webinar: The Top 10 OT/ICS Cyberattacks of 2023 https://waterfall-security.com/ot-insights-center/ot-cybersecurity-insights-center/recorded-webinar-the-top-10-ot-ics-cyberattacks-of-2023/ Thu, 14 Dec 2023 13:03:19 +0000 https://waterfall-security.com/?p=14768 For those of us who live and breathe OT or ICS cybersecurity, what better way to end the year than with an in-depth look at the most novel, notorious and impactful cyber incidents on critical infrastructure, industrial controls systems, and physical operations around the globe.

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Recorded Webinar: The Top 10 OT/ICS Cyberattacks of 2023

In this webinar recording, we take an in-depth look at the most novel, notorious, and impactful cyber incidents of 2023 on critical infrastructure around the globe.
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Waterfall team

Top 10 Cyberattacks 2023 Webinar Recording

As 2023 winds down, it’s only natural to take stock of what’s happened and plan to make things better in the next year.

For those of us who live and breathe OT or ICS cybersecurity, what better way to end the year than with an in-depth look at the most novel, notorious and impactful cyber incidents on critical infrastructure, industrial controls systems, and physical operations around the globe.

In this webinar, Rees Machtemes takes us through:

arrow red right What happened in 2023?

arrow red right How did this year’s incidents compare with the past?

arrow red right What does this tell us about what we expect in the near future?

Rees then expands upon and explains some of this past year’s developments in regards to the best ways to prevent such OT/ICS related incidents from happening in 2024 and onward.

Watch Now>>

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Securing a European TSO https://waterfall-security.com/ot-insights-center/power/cybersecurity-for-a-european-tso/ Mon, 04 Dec 2023 07:28:37 +0000 https://waterfall-security.com/?p=14308 Protecting a regional Transmission System Operator (TSO) in Europe from outside cyber threats.

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Securing a European TSO

Defending a regional TSO in Europe from cyber threats
European TSO Case Study
Customer:

A leading European TSO

Customer Requirement:

Cybersecurity protection of critical industrial equipment and controls systems within a highly sensitive operating environment involving the regional transmission of electricity. The solution must also secure the collection, storage, and transfer of data from OT to IT and the cloud, as well as secure connectivity to 3rd party solutions such as those providing real-time holistic monitoring and asset management.

Waterfall’s Unidirectional Solution:

Waterfall’s Unidirectional solutions secure a grid’s industrial cyber perimeter from external threats while providing real-time enterprise visibility. Waterfall’s Unidirectional Security Gateways protect all industrial control systems (IED, Protective Relays, RTUs in Substations, SCADA DMS/EMS) with an impassable physical barrier to external network threats, while enabling enterprise access to real-time production data.

Transmitting Electricity While Containing Remote Cyber Threats

The energy industry has become increasingly prone to cyber attacks. Remote cyber attacks on electric transmission infrastructure can result in severe disruptions to society, as well as create life threatening scenarios to hospitals and urgent care facilities. Repeat disruptions can severely damage economic confidence and hurt a region’s world image.

The Challenge icon
The challenge

Protecting industrial control systems from external cyber threats without hindering access to real-time operational data, with the end-goal of securing the safe, reliable, and continuous operation of regional electrical transmission.

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Waterfall’s solution

A Waterfall Unidirectional Security Gateway was installed between the PI Production Server and the PI Server on the Commercial IT network.

European TSO Case Study - Replicated Pi Server
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The Unidirectional Security Gateway provides a continuously updated replica of the PI Production server, so that the PI Server on the commercial IT network is only accessing the replica copy of the PI Production server. The actual PI Production server itself has no direct contact with the commercial IT network and data only flows out of the PI Production Server.

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Results & benefits
  • 100% Security: With Unidirectional Security Gateways, the PI Production Server is now physically protected from any threats emanating from the regular IT network or the cloud.

  • 100% Real-time Data Visibility: The commercial IT network continues to operate as if nothing has changed. Instead of accessing servers on the critical operational network, users on the commercial IT network now access real-time data from replicated servers, with all the informational and analytical requirements.
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Cybersecurity for LNG Ports https://waterfall-security.com/ot-insights-center/oil-gas/cybersecurity-for-lng-ports/ Mon, 16 Oct 2023 19:48:18 +0000 https://waterfall-security.com/?p=12844 Protect liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure from external cyber threats while complying with local cybersecurity regulations.

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Cybersecurity for LNG Ports

Defending Critical LNG Import Terminals From Cyber Threats
Cybersecurity For LNG Ports
Customer/ Partner:
European LNG Import Terminal
Customer Requirement:
Protect LNG infrastructure from remote cyber attack while complying with local cybersecurity regulations
Waterfall’s Unidirectional Solution:
Secures control system network perimeters from external threats with Unidirectional Security Gateways, enabling enterprise-wide visibility for operations status and key performance indicators, as well as safe ICS network monitoring from a central enterprise SIEM.
Cybersecurity Is A Business Imperative For Lng Ports And Terminals
Because LNG infrastructure is highly visible and handles sensitive materials, the infrastructure can be vulnerable to targeted cyber attacks. With the growing global threat of sophisticated attacks and targeted ransomware, LNG facilities must protect industrial operations from attacks propagating from IT to OT networks. Cyber compromise can result in potentially catastrophic consequences to critical assets, the environment and even human life
The Challenge icon
The challenge
Protect industrial control systems from remote cyber attacks to allow reliable and efficient operations, while enabling safe monitoring and optimization of operations. In addition, comply to current and anticipated local regulatory requirements for critical infrastructure networks
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Waterfall solution
A Waterfall Unidirectional Security Gateway was installed connecting the port’s control system networks to the port’s IT network. Unidirectional Gateway software replicates OPC-DA servers from the control network to the enterprise network where PI Servers query and otherwise interact normally with the OPC replica server. Unidirectional Gateway hardware physically prevents cyber threats from reaching sensitive industrial control networks. Syslog, SNMP trap and other security monitoring data is also forwarded unidirectionally into a central Security Operations Center (SOC). Remote Screen View enables remote support.
Results and benefits - icon
Results & benefits

100% Security: The LNG terminal network is now physically protected from threats emanating from external, less-trusted, Internet- exposed networks.

100% Visibility: The enterprise network benefits from real-time, comprehensive operational data. Instead of directly accessing servers on the critical operational network, external users access replica servers to meet business requirements.

100% Compliance: Unidirectional Gateways simplify compliance with global industrial control system cybersecurity standards and regulations by virtue of the strength of network protection they provide.

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Theory of Operation
Click to enlarge
Waterfall Unidirectional Security Gateways replace firewalls in industrial network environments, providing absolute protection to control systems and industrial control networks from attacks emanating from external less-trusted networks. Waterfall Gateways contain both hardware and software components. The hardware components include a TX Module, containing a fiber-optic transmitter/ laser, and an RX Module, containing an optical receiver, but no laser. The gateway hardware can transmit information from an industrial network to an external network, but is physically incapable of propagating any virus, DOS attack, human error or any cyber attack at all back into the protected industrial network. The gateways enable control-system intrusion detection, vendor monitoring, industrial cloud services, and visibility into operations for modern enterprises and customers. Unidirectional Gateways replicate servers, emulate industrial devices and translate industrial data to cloud formats. Unidirectional Gateway technology represents a plug-and-play replacement for firewalls, without the vulnerabilities and maintenance issues that accompany firewall deployments
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Unidirectional Security Gateways Benefits:

arrow red rightSafe transmission of OPC data to external networks without risk to critical networks

arrow red rightSafe monitoring of control system networks from external security operations centers

arrow red rightSafe remote supervision of changes to protected systems

arrow red rightSimplifies compliance to local cybersecurity regulations and best practices

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Global Cybersecurity Standards Recommend Unidirectional Security Gateways

Waterfall Security is the market leader for Unidirectional Gateway technology with installations at critical infrastructure sites across the globe. The enhanced level of protection provided by Waterfall’s Unidirectional Security Gateway technology is recognized as best practice by leading industry standards bodies and authorities such as NIST, ANSSI, NERC CIP, the ISA, the US DHS, ENISA and many more.

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Engineering Grade Protection for Data Center OT Systems https://waterfall-security.com/ot-insights-center/facilities/engineering-grade-protection-for-data-center-ot-systems/ Thu, 14 Sep 2023 09:15:51 +0000 https://waterfall-security.com/?p=11222 Uptime is a very important Key Performance Indicator (KPI) for data centers, and the physical infrastructures in data centers are essential to uptime – electric power systems, backup power, fire suppression, physical access control, cooling and more.

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Engineering Grade Protection for Data Center OT Systems

Protecting Data Centers From Industrial OT Threats
Picture of Andrew Ginter

Andrew Ginter

Engineering Grade Protection for Data Center OT Systems by Andrew Ginter, VP Industrial Security

Uptime is a very important Key Performance Indicator (KPI) for data centers, and the physical infrastructures in data centers are essential to uptime – electric power systems, backup power, fire suppression, physical access control, cooling and more. Managing cybersecurity for these infrastructures is different from managing security for information systems – while problems with a new software version or security update can be “backed out” to preserve uptime, damaged high-voltage transformers and cavitation damage to cooling systems cannot be restored from backups.

Cyber-Informed Engineering

This means that the physical infrastructure of data centers is more of an engineering domain than an information processing domain. While the engineering profession has been criticized for being slow to embrace cybersecurity risks and solutions, a new initiative is changing that. The Cyber-Informed Engineering (CIE) initiative at the Idaho National Laboratory is (1) working to make the engineering profession much more aware of cybersecurity issues and solutions and (2) working to apply powerful engineering techniques to cyber risks – techniques and technologies that have historically been used to address only physical threats. For example – mechanical vibration sensors electrically connected to a large cooler’s cut-off switch can be used as a last-resort safety system, protecting cooling systems from damage. Large cooling systems that move liquids risk cavitation damage if they are operated at too high a speed. A mechanical fail-safe eliminates the risk of damage to the cooler when a cyber attack both mis-operates the cooler and disables the cyber safeties designed to protect the cooler from damage.

Network Engineering

Network engineering is part of this new CIE initiative. Network engineering uses engineering-grade protections to prevent cyber attacks from entering data center OT networks in the first place. This is important because data centers are all about uptime and reliability. In the cooler example above, what happens when mechanical fail-safes engage to protect the cooler? Things shut down – the infrastructure that is essential to continuous data center operations is shut down to protect it from damage. It is a good thing that engineering-grade measures prevent threats to worker safety and equipment damage. But if we want our uptime preserved, we need more. We need to prevent cyber attacks from entering OT networks in the first place and triggering these fail-safe shut-downs.

While network engineering includes a number of engineering-grade tools for the prevention of cyber attacks from entering OT networks, the most widely-applicable tool is the unidirectional gateway. The gateways are deployed at consequence boundaries – connections between networks with physical consequences vs. networks with only business consequences. In data centers, the gateways are deployed most commonly at IT/OT interfaces. Unlike software firewalls, hardware-enforced unidirectional gateways provide engineering-grade unidirectionality – OT data is copied to IT networks in real time, with zero risk that cyber attacks (like ransomware) from IT can penetrate through the gateways back into OT networks to put uptime at risk, or to put the physical equipment that is essential to uptime at risk.

“…hardware-enforced unidirectional gateways provide engineering-grade unidirectionality – OT data is copied to IT networks in real time, with zero risk that cyber attacks from IT can penetrate through the gateways back into OT networks.”

The World Is Changing

Data centers are changing the world, and the world is changing around data centers. Environmental and climate concerns are driving change to the design of computers, power systems, power supplies, cooling systems and many other aspects of data centers. Concerns about the rapid increase in cyber attacks with OT / physical consequences are driving a push towards engineering-grade protections for worker safety, for equipment protection, and for network protection in OT systems. Data center owners and operators are responding to all of these changes – because reducing environmental impacts and reducing cyber threats to uptime are both essential to competitiveness in a very demanding industry. The increased use of unidirectional gateway technology is a reflection of the latter trend – at the junction of engineering and cybersecurity.
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Securing Data Center OT Networks  https://waterfall-security.com/ot-insights-center/facilities/securing-data-center-ot-networks/ Tue, 05 Sep 2023 14:25:37 +0000 https://waterfall-security.com/?p=9844 What are data center OT networks? How are they different from other OT networks? What are their vulnerabilities, and what are the consequences of their vulnerabilities?

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Securing Data Center OT Networks 

What are data center OT networks? How are they different from other OT networks? What are their vulnerabilities, and what are the consequences of their vulnerabilities?
Picture of Waterfall team

Waterfall team

Securing Data Center OT Networks

What are data center OT networks? 

Data center OT networks and systems are specialized industrial control systems that manage the physical infrastructure and systems throughout a data center. They enable real-time control and monitoring of critical functions such as power distribution, cooling, physical and access control. These OT networks are ideally isolated from IT networks to maximize security, rely on specialized OT communications protocols and often have redundant systems to ensure reliability and resilience.  

How are data center OT networks different from other OT networks? 

Data center OT networks differ from other OT networks in that many other OT systems operate critical industrial infrastructures. Data centers are generally not considered industrial infrastructure, but critical information infrastructures. In both kinds of infrastructure, yes, worker safety comes first – especially in the parts of the data center dealing with high voltage electricity or fire suppression. In data centers however, worker safety concerns and risks are more contained than in industrial infrastructures, and the big priority is the reliability of data center functions – the functions providing the informational infrastructure.  

When it comes to data centers, uptime is a very important key performance indicator.  

Data Center Cyber Risks 

When it comes to data centers, uptime is a very important key performance indicator (KPI).  

Let’s look at major infrastructure components in data centers and how they can impact uptime: 

BMS (Building Management System): 

The BMS plays a critical role in monitoring and controlling various aspects of the data center’s physical environment, such as temperature, humidity, and airflow. Cyber risks related to the BMS can include unauthorized access, manipulation, or disruption of the system. Attackers might exploit vulnerabilities in the BMS software or hardware to gain control of critical infrastructure, potentially leading to data center downtime or equipment damage. Additionally, if the BMS is integrated with other systems, such as fire suppression or access control, compromising the BMS could have cascading effects on overall data center security and even worker safety. 

EMS (Electrical Management System): 

The EMS manages the electrical distribution and power systems in the data center. Cyber risks in the EMS can lead to power-related issues, such as disruptions to Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) or failures in power distribution. Attackers could exploit weaknesses in the EMS to cause power outages, leading to data loss, service interruptions, and potential electrical hardware damage that could lead to much longer term outages. Moreover, unauthorized access to the EMS might enable attackers to manipulate power settings, increasing the rate of wear on computer components and increasing the rate of transient “glitch” style outages among computers in the data center. 

 SEC (Security Management): 

The SEC is responsible for maintaining the data center’s overall physical security posture, including access controls, video surveillance, and threat detection. Cyber risks in the SEC can result in intruders gaining unauthorized physical access to critical areas, and cyber attackers tampering with security systems, or disabling surveillance mechanisms. Moreover, if the security systems are interconnected with other data center components, an attack on the SEC might be used as a gateway for further infiltration. 

DCIM (Data Center Infrastructure Management): 

The DCIM plays an important role for optimizing the management systems of data centers. With a wide suite of tools, DCIMs empower data center administrators to monitor, analyze, and control every aspect of their facility’s infrastructure from power and cooling systems to server utilization and asset tracking. By providing real-time insights and predictive analytics, DCIM improves operational efficiency and also contributes to substantial cost savings and environmental sustainability. Any possibility of a breach into the DCIM represents a very high risk for the data center, because the DCIM controls so much. A compromised DCIM can be used to shut down the entire center, for example. 

Bottom Line:  

Overall, the interconnected nature of data center systems increases the risk of cyber attacks affecting multiple components simultaneously. To mitigate these risks, data center operators must implement a really robust cybersecurity measures, such fully segmenting OT networks from IT and updating or patching the OT systems very cautiously, after thorough testing, to minimize the risk of unexpected downtime of OT computers and the physical and electrical processes essential to data center operations. Additionally, data centers require access controls that can’t be breached.  

By having a secure OT network, data centers can significantly enhance their resilience against cyber threats, ensuring they maintain the uptime goals they strive to achieve. 

Want to learn how Waterfall Security helps protect data center OT? Read our case study Cybersecurity for Data Centers with a real-world example of a data center in the Asian-Pacific region.

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