OT Security
Zero Trust – A Virtual Air Gap for OT Security
Air-gapping computer and operational technology networks is a long-established method of protecting sensitive information and reducing the risk of operational disruption. A growing trend has been to provide connectivity from these networks to the Internet for remote monitoring and control, real-time data, data analysis, predictive maintenance, improving inventory and resource management, achieving faster decision-making, and…
Read MoreZero Trust for OT Security – Shields Up vs Damage Report
In the original and newer Star Trek episodes and movies, the captain would order “shields up” or “raise shields” prior to an attack to prevent damage to the USS Enterprise. The shields were some sort of force field of which the physics is never fully described. During or after an attack the captain would request…
Read MoreZero Trust for OT Security – Overcoming Legacy Device Security Gaps and Technical Debt
The proliferation of interconnected Operational Technology (OT) devices in critical infrastructure and industrial sectors has ushered in new opportunities for increased efficiency and automation. However, this digital transformation also brings forth significant cybersecurity challenges. Perimeter security is not a sufficient solution and legacy devices and systems often lack robust security measures, leaving critical infrastructure vulnerable…
Read MoreModbus Security Issues and How to Mitigate Cyber Risks
Modbus is a commonly used protocol for industrial control systems (ICS), SCADA systems, and operational technology (OT), and is used to establish communication between various devices in a network. Because Modbus-based industrial systems were deployed in isolated (air-gapped) environments, Modbus was designed for reliability, availability, and speed – not security. Therefore, the millions of Modbus…
Read MoreProtecting Farms and AgTech from Cyberattacks
Agricultural control systems, used for implementing precision agriculture, and part of the overall AgTech category, are used to manage and optimize farm operations through the use of technology. These systems have become increasingly sophisticated in recent years, utilizing sensors, drones, and other connected devices to collect and analyze data on crops, soil, and weather conditions.…
Read MoreCybersecurity threats to hospitals and healthcare facility building management systems
A recent cyberattack forced a healthcare organization to cancel non-emergency surgeries and send some emergency patients to other facilities. In another attack, a hospital took it’s critical systems offline, impacting patient safety, requiring less efficient care methods, which also increased labor demands. It’s still impacted two years later. Cyberattacks on hospital and healthcare facilities increased…
Read MoreZero Trust Security for Building Automation: What You Need to Know
Building automation systems (BAS) are becoming increasingly common in commercial buildings, providing centralized control of building operations, including HVAC, lighting, access control, elevators, and life safety systems. While these systems can increase energy efficiency and reduce costs, they also pose significant security risks. In recent years, there have been several high-profile attacks on building automation…
Read MoreThe Importance of Protecting Smart Building Technology from Cyber Threats
Juniper Research estimates more than 115 million buildings will deploy smart building technologies by 2026, an increase of over 2.5X from 2022. Smart building technology has revolutionized the way buildings are managed, providing greater control and efficiency over critical systems such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, elevators, life safety, and security. Benefits of…
Read MoreHow Malware Can Impact OT Networks
Malware Impact on OT Networks Malware, or malicious software, can have a serious impact on operational technology (OT) networks, which are used to control and monitor industrial processes. Some ways in which malware can impact OT networks include: Disrupting operations: Malware can disrupt the normal functioning of OT systems, causing production downtime, equipment damage, and…
Read MoreDifferences between Zero Trust, Network Segmentation, and Microsegmentation for OT Cybersecurity
Zero Trust, Network Segmentation, and Microsegmentation important OT cybersecurity strategies, but they have different goals and approach to security. This post will discuss how these approaches are used and how they are different. ZERO TRUST Zero trust is a security model that assumes that all network traffic, whether it originates from inside or outside the…
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