Operational technology (OT) systems are often overlooked when it comes to security. They include systems and technologies that are not always visible, making it difficult to ensure their protection. While OT is commonly associated with industries such as power generation and energy extraction, it is actually present in almost every organization. From building management systems to medical devices, OT systems encompass a wide range of devices that require security measures. Unfortunately, many organizations are unsure about the level of security in place for their OT systems. This is particularly concerning in today’s digital age, where new tools and solutions have further expanded the attack surface. However, there is hope for organizations looking to secure their OT systems through attack surface management (ASM) solutions.
One reason why OT systems are challenging to secure is that they were often built without security in mind. Many of these systems were established before the advent of the Internet or were intentionally designed to be isolated from internet access. Consequently, security was never a priority during their creation, leaving them vulnerable to attacks. Additionally, OT systems often consist of legacy devices that lack the advanced security controls needed to address modern threats. Despite these challenges, IT and security departments can implement ASM tools to gain visibility into their OT ecosystems and manage security gaps effectively.
Another obstacle to securing OT systems is the fact that you can’t protect what you don’t know about. Many organizations are unaware of the OT systems they have in place, leading to significant security risks. OT technologies tend to include a large number of unknown and unseen systems, especially those built before advanced threats emerged. This poses a challenge for security solutions that may have blind spots when it comes to recognizing these systems and their vulnerabilities. Furthermore, even systems believed to be secure may have hidden vulnerabilities. For instance, while a manufacturing line may not be directly accessible over the internet, the systems controlling the line could be online, providing an opportunity for threat actors to gain access. ASM capabilities can actively monitor endpoints across the entire OT ecosystem, even uncovering hidden systems. This allows security and IT teams to develop robust strategies for identifying and addressing potential vulnerabilities.
There is often confusion about who is responsible for securing certain aspects of an organization’s infrastructure. This ambiguity leaves entire systems vulnerable to attacks, as each party involved assumes someone else is responsible for security. This issue is particularly evident in cases where organizations rent office space within larger buildings. Building management systems, HVAC systems, and access control systems are often assumed to be the responsibility of someone else, leading to security gaps. According to the 2022 Attack Surface Threat Report, nearly 14% of exposed infrastructure on the public internet is related to building control systems. While many think that securing these building systems is outside the purview of IT teams, determining who is in charge of their security becomes challenging with multiple stakeholders. ASM solutions can help identify these gaps and initiate conversations to clarify levels of responsibility and access, ultimately establishing a Zero Trust security posture for the entire organization.
Securing OT systems may seem like a daunting task, but it is not impossible. Attack surface management offers the technology required to discover and protect assets in an organization. By combining ASM with diligent security practices, such as regular asset inventory, critical and legacy systems can be better protected against the ever-evolving threat landscape. Organizations can leverage ASM solutions like Palo Alto Networks’ Cortex Xpanse to ensure the security of their OT systems.
In conclusion, securing OT systems is crucial for organizations, but it can be challenging due to various factors. Many of these systems were not built with security in mind, leaving them vulnerable to attacks. Additionally, organizations may be unaware of the OT systems they have in place, and there is often confusion about who is responsible for securing certain aspects of infrastructure. However, attack surface management solutions provide the necessary technology and visibility to protect OT systems effectively. By implementing ASM tools and adopting a diligent security posture, organizations can safeguard their critical and legacy systems from the evolving threat landscape.