The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has taken a proactive step to address the escalating cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure by releasing a comprehensive guide. This guide, titled “Secure by Demand: Priority Considerations for OT Owners and Operators when Selecting Digital Products,” is designed to assist organizations in selecting and deploying secure operational technology (OT) products to better protect against cyberattacks.

In recent times, critical infrastructure sectors such as energy, transportation, and water have increasingly relied on OT systems to manage essential services. However, these systems have become prime targets for cyber adversaries due to vulnerabilities such as weak authentication, limited logging, and outdated protocols. It is essential to enhance security measures at the design and development stage to prevent disruptions that could compromise public safety and disrupt societal and economic stability.

CISA’s guidance emphasizes the implementation of Secure by Design principles, with the aim of shifting the responsibility for cybersecurity from operators to manufacturers. This approach aligns with global regulatory efforts, including the European Union’s Cyber Resilience Act, which mandates manufacturers to integrate security features during the product design phase.

The guide outlines 12 key security elements that OT owners and operators should consider when selecting products. These elements range from configuration management and data protection to threat modeling and vulnerability management. By evaluating products based on these criteria, buyers can establish a strong foundation of cybersecurity for their critical systems and ensure long-term resilience.

Furthermore, CISA provides practical advice for buyers to inquire about areas such as vulnerability handling, update policies, system interoperability, and secure communications when assessing manufacturers. The guidance stresses the importance of selecting products that strike a balance between innovation and security to maintain system resilience.

This initiative is part of CISA’s broader “Secure by Demand” program, developed in collaboration with agencies like the NSA, FBI, and international entities such as the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and Canada’s Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS). By aligning with global frameworks, the guide aims to establish a unified approach to cybersecurity for critical infrastructure worldwide.

It is hoped that this initiative will not only standardize secure product selection processes but also encourage vendors to adopt a proactive approach to cybersecurity. With these efforts, critical infrastructure operators will be better prepared to protect their systems and uphold public trust in the face of evolving cyber threats.

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