Defined by NIST as ‘the hardware, software, and firmware components of a system used to detect or cause changes in physical processes through the direct control and monitoring of physical devices,”. Operational technology (OT) is essential to industrial operations and critical infrastructure across Australia and New Zealand (ANZ).
As operational technology has become increasingly interconnected and sophisticated, the risk of attack by malicious actors has grown in kind.
Network security of Operational Technologies has emerged as a vital aspect of safeguarding industry across Australia and New Zealand. This heightened focus is driven by the increasing convergence of OT with IT (Information Technology) systems and the proliferation of cyber-physical systems, expanding the attack surface for potential cybersecurity threats.
The interconnectedness of OT environments and the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) have further amplified the risks. The importance of maintaining industrial process continuity, safeguarding trade secrets, and mitigating public safety-related impacts of a critical infrastructure compromise has made industrial organisations and critical infrastructure lucrative targets for both organised crime and state-sponsored actors.
Despite the increased risks, research among Australian businesses suggests that while the technologies and willingness to adopt them exists, when it comes to practical readiness there are serious roadblocks to implementation.
Furthermore, studies show that many industrial organisations are often still using legacy systems that are no longer supported, and cannot be secured properly against cyber security threats. Weak encryption protocols, coupled with the default passwords are also creating high risk scenarios and poor security postures across critical infrastructure in manufacturing, schools and local councils.
These sectors need an operational security strategy that addresses the above issues, mitigates security gaps and embraces zero trust principles across the ever expanding attack surface.
Network monitoring emerges as a key part of this strategy, providing real-time insights into network activity, enabling early detection of anomalies, and facilitating rapid response to potential security breaches.
This approach is essential in the constantly evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats, ensuring that operational technology systems in Australia and New Zealand remain robust and secure against both current and future risks.
OT and Unique Security Threats
Recent trends have shown a surge in cyberattacks targeting these sectors, with sophisticated hackers continuously evolving their techniques. These attacks have been varied and significant, impacting industries such as water treatment facilities, pipeline operators, and manufacturing. The economic impact of these breaches is considerable, with the average cost of a data breach in the energy and industrial sectors being notably higher than the average across all industries.
In this context, the challenges posed by these cyber threats are multifaceted. They include not just the advanced capabilities of cybercriminals but also the diverse requirements of the systems and facilities that need protection. The digitalisation of OT, particularly in building systems like power management and access control, increases their vulnerability to cyberattacks due to enhanced interconnectivity.
Regulations such as the Security of Critical Infrastructure (SOCI) Act provide a framework for organisations to collaborate in addressing shared vulnerabilities. Building resilience in OT systems against cyber threats involves not just implementing robust security measures but also dealing with challenges such as skills shortages and budget constraints.
In developing a comprehensive OT cybersecurity strategy, the incorporation of network monitoring is paramount. Network monitoring provides full visibility into OT systems, allowing for the detection and analysis of potential threats in real-time. This visibility is crucial in understanding the normal operational baseline of the network, identifying anomalies, and responding to threats before they can cause significant damage.
Creating an Operational Technology Security Strategy involves the following aspects:
- Risk Assessment and Management: Conduct thorough risk assessments to identify potential security vulnerabilities within the OT environment. This involves evaluating the risks associated with various assets and processes.
- Network Segmentation: Implement network segmentation to separate OT networks from IT networks. This helps in minimising the impact of a security breach and restricts the spread of potential cyber threats.
- Regular Software Updates and Patch Management: Ensure that all software and systems are regularly updated and patched to protect against known vulnerabilities.
- Employee Training and Awareness: Educate employees about the best practices in cybersecurity. This includes training on how to recognise and respond to potential security threats.
- Real-time Monitoring and Incident Response: Implement real-time monitoring of the OT environment to detect and respond to anomalies promptly. This also involves having a robust incident response plan in place.
- Secure Remote Access: With the increasing need for remote access, especially in the context of IoT integration, ensure that secure and controlled remote access methods are in place.Collaboration Between IT and OT Teams: Foster a collaborative environment between IT and OT teams to ensure a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity.Compliance and Standards Adherence: Adhere to relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements for OT security.
- Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and update the security strategy to adapt to evolving threats and technological advancements.
Paessler PRTG: The Cornerstone of Your OT Cybersecurity Strategy
In the evolving landscape of Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity, Paessler’s PRTG stands out as a comprehensive solution. As OT networks increasingly intersect with IT environments, the need for robust monitoring and security strategies becomes more pronounced. PRTG addresses this need by offering a range of functionalities tailored to bolster OT cybersecurity.
Key Features of Paessler PRTG in OT Cybersecurity
Anomaly Detection
Function: PRTG enables the establishment of a baseline for “normal” network activity, allowing for the quick identification of anomalies such as unusual traffic patterns or unexpected new connections.
Benefit: Early detection of deviations can indicate potential malicious activity, enabling proactive measures to mitigate risks.
Defence in Depth
Function: PRTG monitors various layers of defence, including industrial firewalls and segmented networks, either vertically (separating OT from IT) or horizontally (within OT networks).
Benefit: Enhanced monitoring across multiple defence layers ensures better protection of the core OT network.
Integration with IPS and IDS
Function: PRTG complements Industrial Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) and Detection Systems (IDS) by providing a detailed view of network activities.
Benefit: This integration offers a more comprehensive security stance, ensuring both prevention and timely detection of intrusions.
OPC UA Monitoring
Function: PRTG checks for unusual OPC UA activity, which is a common standard in industrial environments, and monitors the validity of OPC UA certificates.
Benefit: Monitoring OPC UA helps in spotting cyber attacks and ensuring the security of encryption certificates.
Monitoring Industrial Firewalls
Function: PRTG monitors the status and traffic of industrial firewalls, triggering automatic alerts in case of issues.
Benefit: Constant vigilance over firewall health and traffic enhances the overall security posture of OT networks.
Physical Security Integration
Function: Beyond cybersecurity, PRTG monitors physical security components like CCTV systems, environmental conditions through IoT sensors, and access control systems.
Benefit: This comprehensive monitoring extends security measures to physical aspects, preventing hazards like fires and unauthorised access.
Comprehensive IT, OT, and IIoT Monitoring
Function: PRTG offers out-of-the-box support for common industrial and IIoT standards and protocols. It provides visualisation through dashboards and retrieves data from industrial gateways.
Benefit: This unified approach ensures that the health, status, and condition of machines, control systems, and devices across IT, OT, and IIoT are consistently monitored.
For players in ANZ industries, operational technology is serving up unique cybersecurity challenges. Paessler PRTG offers a comprehensive platform for real-time network analysis, anomaly detection, and enhanced security measures. To fully harness the power of Paessler PRTG and revolutionise your OT cybersecurity strategy, book a meeting with Hat Distribution today.
