Leo PortalA newly released guide, Principles of Operational Technology Cybersecurity, from the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), CISA, and international partners, provides crucial insights into securing operational technology (OT) environments, especially within critical infrastructure (CI) sectors. The guide outlines ten essential principles for OT cybersecurity, emphasizing key areas like safety, business knowledge, and data protection. A primary focus is on network segmentation, which isolates OT systems from IT and physical networks, reducing the risk of cyber-attacks. Supply chain security is also critical, ensuring that vendors and partners comply with strict cybersecurity standards. In OT, unlike corporate IT systems, safety plays a direct role in protecting public services such as water and energy from potentially life-threatening cyber incidents. The guide further highlights the importance of safeguarding OT data, particularly engineering configuration data, to prevent breaches. Additionally, it emphasizes the role of qualified personnel in monitoring and responding to threats, ensuring long-term system safety. This comprehensive guide is an invaluable resource for businesses looking to strengthen their OT cybersecurity strategies and protect against evolving cyber threats.
A new guide, Principles of Operational Technology Cybersecurity, has been released by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACS ) in collaboration with CISA and international partners.
The guide provides essential information for businesses looking to secure their operational technology ( OT ) environments, particularly those in the critical infrastructure ( CI) sectors.
It provides an explanation of the ten essential principles that help businesses manage risks and safeguard against cyber-threats in their Twisted systems:
- Safety: Prioritize safety to prevent lethal risks in OT systems
- Business knowledge: Understand essential systems and processes to secure them
- Data protection: Safeguard significant OT data, especially engineering configuration data
- Network segmentation: Isolate OT networks from IT and physical connections
- Supply chain security: Ensure suppliers and vendors meet security standards
- Qualified personnel: Train staff to monitor, identify and respond to OT cyber incidents
Safety in OT Environments
The second rule emphasizes the crucial role of safety in operating environments. Unlike traditional corporate IT systems, Twisted deals directly with physical processes that, if compromised, can threaten mortal life. For instance, malfunctions in water or energy systems could have a significant impact on public safety and services.
Business Knowledge and Cybersecurity
The next rule emphasizes the need for thorough business knowledge. Organizations should ensure a thorough understanding of their operating procedures and systems to protect themselves from cyberattacks. Important techniques include identifying crucial systems, understanding how each process operates, and making sure these are protected from both internal and external threats.
Protecting OT Data
The protection of OT data is another key idea that the guide includes. This data, especially engineering configuration data such as network diagrams and process sequences, can be beneficial to attackers. Securing this information is essential to preventing targeted cyber-attacks because Twisted environments frequently remain unchanged for decades.
Network Segmentation For OT Security
Additionally, the guide stresses the importance of segmenting Twisted networks from other networks. The risk of compromise is reduced by separating OT from commercial IT and external networks, thanks to vendor connections or service provider connections. This strategy is crucial to preventing attacks that could bypass conventional security measures.
Securing OT Supply Chains
Securing the supply chain is also essential to OT cybersecurity. Organizations must conduct thorough assessments to ensure these additional partners agree to tight security standards as vendors and service providers gain greater access to OT systems. It is crucial to upholding Twisted security by effectively vetted suppliers and service providers.
People as the Key to OT Cybersecurity
The last rule emphasizes the importance of skilled workers in OT cybersecurity. Well-trained staff are vital for monitoring, detecting and responding to incidents in OT environments. Building a strong security culture through training and awareness is crucial to ensuring OT systems long-term safety and resilience.
