Benefits of Encryption for OT Networks

Encryption of OT networks and devices, such as sensors, controllers, and other automation systems, is essential for securing modern industrial and building environments. As these devices are increasingly networked and remotely managed, the risks of unprotected communication grow.

Why OT Communications are Not Encrypted

OT communications lack encryption for several reasons:

Network Isolation: Historically, OT networks were considered secure due to their physical isolation (air-gapped) from IT networks and the internet. This implementation led to less need for built-in security features like encryption and authentication. Older OT protocols that are still in wide use, like Modbus and DNP3, were developed decades ago when cybersecurity threats were not as prevalent and security was not a primary concern.

Performance: OT systems prioritize real-time performance, low latency, and reliability. Adding encryption can introduce delays and computational overhead, which might disrupt the timing and reliability of critical control processes.

Interoperability: OT environments often consist of a mix of legacy and modern devices. Implementing encryption across all devices can be challenging due to compatibility issues.

System Constraints: Many OT devices, especially older ones, have limited processing power and memory due to designs for device-specific functions (not general computing). These constraints make it difficult or impossible to implement (retrofit) and manage encryption effectively.

Key Reasons for Encrypting OT Communications

1. Prevent Unauthorized Access and Control

• Encryption ensures that data transmitted between devices and control systems cannot be easily inspected or altered.
• Without encryption, attackers could eavesdrop on network traffic with tools such as Wireshark, extract sensitive information, or inject malicious commands to manipulate processes, potentially causing system malfunctions, safety issues, or physical damage.

2. Defend Against Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attacks

• Encrypting communications helps prevent MITM attacks, where an adversary intercepts and possibly modifies the messages between OT devices and their operators.
• For example an attacker could change motor speed, valve position, or temperature setpoints if communications are unprotected, leading to safety and operational risks.

3. Protect Sensitive Operational Data

• OT devices often transmit operational data such as energy usage, facility configuration, or process status.
• Encryption safeguards this information from competitors, cybercriminals, or any unauthorized entity, helping to prevent data breaches and corporate espionage.

4. Ensure Regulatory Compliance

• Many industry regulations and cybersecurity standards (such as IEC 62443, NIST SP 800-82) require encryption for critical infrastructure communications, especially in sectors like energy, water, and transportation.
• Failing to encrypt OT communications can result in regulatory penalties and reputational harm.

5. Maintain System Integrity and Availability

• Encrypted communications help ensure that commands, updates, and sensor data are authentic and unaltered.
• This reduces the risk of disruption or sabotage, which could halt operations or endanger public safety, for example, by shutting down building safety systems or manipulating industrial processes.

6. Support Secure Remote Management

• As remote access becomes common for OT and building automation, encryption protects against attacks over less secure networks, such as the public internet or third-party maintenance connections.
• This is critical for enabling secure monitoring, diagnostics, and updates.

Summary Table: Risks of Unencrypted OT Communication

Risks	Description	Encryption Benefit
Unauthorized access/control	Attackers can hijack or manipulate devices	Prevents eavesdropping and hijack
MITM attacks	Data intercepted/modified in transit	Blocks interception/modification
Data leakage	Sensitive data exposed to outsiders	Protects privacy and confidentiality
Regulatory non-compliance	Fines, penalties, reputation loss	Ensures compliance
Operational disruption	Service outages or unsafe conditions	Maintains reliability

 

Encrypting communication from OT devices is a foundational best practice for safeguarding critical infrastructure, ensuring compliance, and protecting both people and assets in connected environments.

How to Add Encryption for OT Networks (Already Installed)

Proper implementation of encryption directly embedded into existing devices may be impossible for a lot of devices, and complex for the remaining ones. Implementing a security overlay that is transparent to the existing devices is one way to add encryption for all devices regardless of their age or capability.

Veridify’s DOME platform provides data encryption and zero trust  device authentication to secure data communications and existing protect devices. DOME provides the following capabilities:

• Device-Level Security: Prevents unauthorized access and ensures secure data exchange.
• Retrofit Security: Protects both new and legacy BMS / OT / IoT devices with no network changes.
• Zero Trust: NIST-compliant Zero Trust framework that stops attacks in real time.
• Flexibility: Cloud-based or on-prem deployment.
• Multi-Protocol: Supports any IP protocol including BACnet/IP, Modbus TCP, DNP3, EtherNet/IP, and more.
• Easy to deploy: Deploy in one hour with existing technicians, no cybersecurity / IT skills or staff are needed.
• End-to-End Encryption: Encrypts all network traffic, eliminating the risk of eavesdropping or data tampering.
• Post-Quantum Security: Supports three post-quantum cryptographic algorithms identified by NIST for standardization, FIPS 203 (ML-KEM), FIPS 204 (ML-DSA), and FALCON (when it is formally published). This feature will ensure protection against quantum computing threats.

Learn more from this 4-minute demo video.

 

[Encryption for OT Networks]

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