Building a Cyber Security Operations Center (CSoC): A Strategy for bridging IT and OT in High Stakes Industries

The Cyber Threat landscape is always dynamic and ever-evolving, particularly for industries that operate in high-stakes environments like mining. Recent cyberattacks have demonstrated just how vulnerable organizations can be, regardless of their size or sector. For a mining company (either Gold, Coal or Other Mineral), the consequences of a breach are especially severe, potentially disrupting operational technology (OT) systems, halting production, or exposing proprietary data to malicious actors.

Today, most companies understand their risks, either due to audit, or worst-case, due to a breach. A proactive response is the best strategy for Mitigation and continued Monitoring, as well as Incident Response of course. And the best proactive response to these challenges often takes the form of a Cyber Security Operations Center (CSoC)!

A CSoC is a centralized hub for detecting, responding to, and mitigating cyber threats. But building a robust CSoC is no small feat and requires strategic planning, meticulous execution, and a clear understanding of both the business and technological landscape.

The Strategic Path to a CSoC

Establishing a CSoC begins with a phased approach designed to integrate seamlessly with an organization's existing infrastructure and needs:

1. Assessing the Current State

Every successful project starts with understanding where you are. A gap analysis identifies existing vulnerabilities and highlights areas that need immediate attention. For a mining operation, this often includes the interplay between IT systems and OT environments, such as SCADA systems and remote operations. This assessment also considers regulatory requirements, ensuring that the CSoC not only protects but also aligns with industry standards.

One of the best proven methods to gather this understanding is via an Essential 8 audit. Other audit types are appropriate also as long as the framework is aligned to NIST.

2. Designing the Framework

Once the gaps are identified, the next step is to design a CSoC framework. This involves choosing the right tools, like SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) platforms and endpoint protection solutions, tailored to the organization's needs. A gold mining company, for instance, might prioritize tools that offer real-time monitoring of operational systems to detect anomalies before they escalate.

3. Implementing the Solution

This is where vision meets action. The implementation phase covers everything from deploying monitoring tools to configuring incident response workflows. Vendor selection becomes critical here; choosing partners who understand the unique challenges of mining operations ensures the technology integrates smoothly without disrupting day-to-day activities.

4. Operating and Improving

A CSoC is not a "set-and-forget" solution. Continuous monitoring, regular training for employees, and simulated incident response exercises keep the team sharp and ready for evolving threats. Over time, as the threat landscape changes, the CSoC must adapt through updates, additional integrations, or enhanced automation.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

1. Bridging IT and OT Security

Specifically, Mining Operational Technology (OT) systems, such as In-Mine Equipment and Life Support, industrial processes, and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, were traditionally designed for reliability and uptime, not security. This legacy approach now often leaves OT environments vulnerable to cyber threats, as they lack the built-in protections found in modern IT systems. Furthermore, the convergence of IT and OT, where production networks are increasingly connected to corporate IT environments, amplifies these risks. A breach in the IT network can now cascade into OT systems, disrupting critical operations, causing financial losses, and potentially endangering safety. More likely, this is the inverse, where a breach in an OT network can leak into the IT environment, and there are thousands of examples of this in recent years.

To effectively bridge IT and OT security, organizations must adopt a multi-layered approach:

• Network Segmentation: Separate IT and OT networks using firewalls and demilitarized zones (DMZs). This limits an attacker’s ability to move laterally from IT into OT environments. One of the best ways that I have found to provide `Air-Gap' to OT networks whilst also maintaining integration for remote access or monitoring, is a product called an AIRWall.
• Monitoring and Anomaly Detection: Implement tools specifically designed to monitor OT traffic for unusual behavior, such as unexpected commands sent to industrial controllers. I do like Nozomi Networks in this space, but Dragos is also appropriate. Both are capable of solutions that provide OT-specific visibility and threat detection.
• Access Control: Enforce strict access controls to ensure only authorized personnel can interact with OT systems. Role-based access control (RBAC) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) are critical. An excellent strategy here for Identity Management is the GathID philosophy of security via `Gathered Identities'. Where possible, Integration to AzureAD (now known as Entra) is also a great strategy for authentication and Privileged Access Management (PAM).
• Patch Management: Although patching OT systems can be challenging due to uptime requirements, maintaining a rigorous schedule for updating firmware and software is essential. When immediate patching isn’t possible, compensating controls, such as intrusion detection systems (IDS), should be deployed. For patching, Ivanti Patch for Endpoint Manager offers good solutions.
• Secure Remote Access: With increasing reliance on remote monitoring and maintenance, secure remote access solutions like VPNs or jump servers with strict logging and monitoring are essential to prevent unauthorized access. The Airwall product is also appropriate for this application as it provides secure encrypted tunnels via a Host Identity Protocol (HIP) rather than traditional IP.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: IT and OT teams often operate in silos, leading to gaps in security coverage. Establishing a unified governance framework that encourages collaboration between these teams is critical to aligning priorities and ensuring comprehensive protection. Microsoft Teams and Slack are typical chat and collaboration solutions here.

By addressing these challenges, organizations can build a cohesive security strategy that protects both IT and OT environments. This not only prevents attacks but also ensures that production remains uninterrupted, safeguarding both operational continuity and safety.

2. Workforce Shortages

The global shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals can hinder the effectiveness of a CSoC. Upskilling internal staff and leveraging managed security service providers (MSSPs) can fill the gap while keeping costs manageable.

3. Staying Ahead of Threats

Cyber threats evolve quickly, and staying ahead requires constant vigilance. Integrating threat intelligence feeds into the CSoC can provide real-time insights into emerging risks, allowing for faster responses (eg such as those from AlienVault OTX or IBM X-Force etc,).

The Call to Action: Building a Resilient Future

A well-designed and efficiently operated CSoC isn’t just a response to a recent attack, but an investment in resilience and long-term stability. Better yet, it should be a proactive mitigation strategy. As threats become more sophisticated, having a dedicated hub for cybersecurity ensures that organizations can not only defend against attacks but also recover quickly when incidents occur. In a future article, we'll discuss how to build an Incident Response Team and keep them trained and at the ready to defend!

If your organization is considering building a CSoC or enhancing its cybersecurity posture, it’s crucial to take a phased, strategic approach. Begin with a gap analysis to understand your vulnerabilities, and align your efforts with business priorities to ensure minimal disruption.

Building a CSoC is a journey, not a destination. And in a world where the stakes are higher than ever, this journey is one of the most important investments you can make.

Let’s Connect: If this resonates with you or your organization is considering strengthening its cybersecurity defenses, I’d love to discuss how you can get started. Feel free to reach out to me directly, or share your thoughts in the comments below. Together, we can build a safer, more resilient future.