"Avoid These 7 Booby Traps When Choosing Cost-Effective OT/ICS Cyber Security"

Good afternoon! In this newsletter, I'm going to give you seven common booby traps that many companies fall into when deciding their OT/ICS Cybersecurity strategy.

There's a human behavior side to this, where its the need to get has much as you can, without investing the appropriate amount, the desire to cut corners, put a plaster on a potential open wound or have a lazy approach when it comes to implementing a strategy.

So here are seven common booby traps that you must avoid, in order to getting it right and not getting hurt.

1. Don't assume that the cheapest solution is the best.

Cutting corners on security measures could end up costing you more in the long run if a cyberattack occurs. Risk management is everything, but you have to balance your risks and investing in the right solutions. It's tempting to find the cheapest solution, its natural to want the best price - but believe me it could prove very costly.

2. Understand the complexity of your OT/ICS environment.

Failure to do so could result in a solution that doesn't adequately address your security needs. Understanding the complexity of your OT/ICS environment means understanding the specific security risks that are unique to your environment. For example, some OT/ICS environments may be more vulnerable to certain types of cyberattacks, such as ransomware attacks, due to the nature of the systems and data they handle. By understanding the complexity of your OT/ICS environment, you can choose a cost-effective solution that addresses your specific security needs and doesn't disrupt your operations. Failure to do so could result in a solution that doesn't adequately address your security needs, leaving you vulnerable to potential cyberattacks.

3. Don't overlook the need for ongoing maintenance and updates.

Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, and it's crucial to implement a solution that can be maintained and updated regularly to keep up with new threats. Laziness and complacency is the company killer.

4. Don't underestimate the potential impact of a cyberattack.

The consequences of a cyberattack on OT/ICS systems can be severe, with potential harm ranging from operational disruption to physical damage. I mention this many times, inertia and cognitive biasness leads to underestimation of the impact of cyberattacks. Don't not underestimate this.

5. Involve all relevant stakeholders, such as IT and operations personnel, in the decision-making process to ensure that the chosen solution meets everyone's needs. You need to take an holistic view with this, so involve all the relevant stakeholders, from the CEO, to risk managers, the CFO, CIO, etc. Gathering all the correct information will make you come up with the best solution.

6. Don't rely solely on vendor claims.

Verify vendor claims about the effectiveness of their solutions with independent research and testing before making a decision. My personal take on this is to triangulate on claims made by vendors. Don't always take things at face value. Your business deserves the right care and diligence. Be open minded, but how do you know that the vendors claims are right?

7. Don't neglect the human factor.

This is a big one. A significant portion of cybersecurity breaches are caused by human error, such as using weak passwords or falling for phishing scams. Educate employees about cybersecurity best practices and include human factors in your security strategy. Avoid getting sloppy when it comes to training and educating your people. If you value your company, but not the training of your people, this becomes a paradox. Your people, are your company so neglecting the human factor, could be like putting your finger in a mouse trap!

By avoiding these booby traps, you can choose a cost-effective OT/ICS Cyber Security solution that meets your security needs without breaking the bank.

Remember, cutting corners on security could end up costing you more in the long run. Stay vigilant, involve all relevant stakeholders, and prioritize ongoing maintenance and updates.

Thank you for reading, if you need any information about OT/ICS Cybersecurity, please don't hesitate to ask me and our fabulous team at Arista Technologies Limited

Stay safe!

John

JUICE

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