SECURE OUR WORLD: PROTECTING CRITICAL SYSTEMS FOR CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS MONTH

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and this year’s theme, “Secure Our World,” is a call to action for protecting our increasingly interconnected digital and physical systems. From operational technology (OT) in power plants to the industrial controls managing public utilities, it’s clear that OT security is vital for safeguarding our world.

All Eyes on OT: Why It Matters

OT systems—like industrial control systems, building automation, and IoT devices—are responsible for the safe operation of our infrastructure. From water treatment facilities to energy grids, they keep our lives running smoothly. A recent study by MeriTalk and Claroty revealed that OT cybersecurity is a rising priority, with 90% of federal leaders reporting increased focus over the past two years. However, gaps remain: only 20% of agencies feel fully prepared for OT threats, and 68% experienced an OT-related incident in the last year.

Bridging Prioritization and Preparedness

The complexity of OT environments and the challenges of managing diverse, outdated systems often stand in the way of achieving full security readiness. Federal agencies cite obstacles like a lack of visibility into OT network behavior, insufficient secure remote access controls, and legacy assets that have reached end-of-life but remain internet-connected.

To truly “Secure Our World,” it’s time to address these vulnerabilities by improving OT network visibility, adopting standardized risk models, and enhancing remote access management. Those agencies that are most confident in their OT defenses have incorporated continuous vulnerability assessment into their overall risk management framework—a practice that all sectors should emulate.

Practical Steps to Secure OT

The best-prepared organizations focus on several key areas to reduce risks:

1. Asset Visibility: Knowing what devices are connected and how they communicate is critical. By using continuous asset discovery and mapping interactions, agencies can better detect anomalies and misconfigurations.
2. Secure Remote Access: Role-based access controls, multi-factor authentication, and strict monitoring of user activities are necessary to prevent unauthorized access, especially in an era of diminishing perimeter defenses.
3. Integrated Threat Detection: OT-specific security tools should be employed to detect and mitigate threats. Agencies need to unite their OT and IT monitoring efforts for a holistic view of potential risks.
4. Upskilling Staff: Fostering a culture of collaboration between IT and OT teams is crucial. Regular training ensures that personnel remain prepared for evolving security threats.

The Path Forward

For agencies and organizations everywhere, enhancing the security of OT environments isn’t just a technical necessity—it’s a fundamental part of ensuring public safety and national resilience. By embracing innovative security strategies and addressing gaps head-on, we can build a more secure future.

Take the next step in securing your OT environments by partnering with Vertosoft and our trusted technology partners. Our experts can provide tailored assessments, strategic planning, and innovative solutions to address your unique challenges. Together, we can enhance visibility, secure remote access, and build a resilient OT infrastructure. Contact us today to explore how we can help you achieve a stronger, more secure operational technology environment.

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