The Operational Technology (OT) security threat landscape in the European Union (EU)

Why OT Security should be a major concern

For many years, industrial systems relied upon proprietary protocols and software, were manually managed and monitored by humans, and had no connection to the outside world. For this reason, they were a fairly insignificant target for hackers as there was no networked interface to attack and nothing to gain or destroy. The only way to infiltrate these systems was to obtain physical access to a terminal and this was no easy task.

We’re now in the?Fourth Industrial Revolution, or Industry 4.0, which builds directly on the foundation of the Digital Revolution and is having a significant impact on how manufacturing operations happen today.

With rapid digital transformation in the industrial systems, the IT and OT world in the organizations are converging. The processes are overlapping as they are using same infrastructure components and applications. Therefore, bridging the gap between IT and OT systems will create new opportunities for the organizations to improve their operational efficiency, meet customer demands, and keep pace with digital transformation.

Impact of cyber attacks on OT environments

OT cyberattacks tend to have higher, more negative effects than those in IT do, as they can have physical consequences (for example, shutdowns, outages, leakages, and explosions). Of 64 OT cyberattacks publicly reported in 2021 (an increase of 140 percent over the number reported in 2020), approximately 35 percent had physical consequences, and the estimated damages were $140 million per incident.

Rising Trend of OT Security Attacks

Geopolitical risks in 2022 resulted in an 87 percent increase in ransomware incidents, with 72 percent of the overall rate increase over the 2021 figures coming from Europe and North America (40 percent more in North America, 32 percent more in Europe, and 28 percent more in other continents, compared with 2021 data).

Operational Technology System Components

Operational technology (OT) components include industrial control systems (ICS), sensors, actuators, human-machine interfaces (HMIs), communication networks, data historians, remote terminal units (RTUs), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), data acquisition systems, safety instrumented systems (SIS), and redundancy measures. These components are used in industrial environments to monitor, control, and automate physical processes. They enable the collection and exchange of data, execution of control logic, visualization of processes, and implementation of safety measures. OT environments supervise physical processes such as manufacturing, energy, medicine, building management, and ecosystems within other industries. It's important to note that the components and architecture of OT systems can vary depending on the industry, application, and specific requirements. The security and protection of these components are essential to maintaining the integrity, availability, and safety of critical industrial processes.

Challenges in securing the OT environment

Securing Operational Technology (OT) environments presents unique challenges due to the convergence of operational technologies with traditional IT networks. OT refers to the hardware and software systems used to monitor and control physical processes in industries such as manufacturing, energy, transportation, and critical infrastructure. Here are some key challenges associated with securing OT environments:

• Legacy Systems: Many OT systems have been in place for years or even decades, and they often run on outdated operating systems and software. These legacy systems may lack built-in security features and may be vulnerable to known vulnerabilities, making them attractive targets for attackers.
• ?Lack of Patching and Updates: Due to the critical nature of OT systems and their potential impact on operations, patching and updating these systems is often a complex process. Organizations may be hesitant to apply updates, fearing potential disruptions or compatibility issues. This can leave vulnerabilities unpatched and increase the risk of exploitation.
• ?Complexity and Interdependencies: OT environments are typically complex, with various interconnected components, including sensors, controllers, and human-machine interfaces. This complexity makes it challenging to gain a comprehensive understanding of the system and identify potential security gaps or vulnerabilities.
• ?Limited Security Controls: Traditional security controls used in IT networks, such as firewalls and antivirus software, may not be suitable for OT systems. OT environments require specialized security controls designed to protect critical infrastructure, including intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS), anomaly detection systems, and network segmentation.
• ?Operational Continuity: OT systems are often designed to prioritize operational continuity and availability over security. Interrupting critical processes can have significant consequences, so organizations must balance the need for security measures with the requirement to keep operations running smoothly.
• ?Insider Threats: Insider threats pose a significant risk in OT environments. Malicious or negligent employees or contractors with access to OT systems can intentionally or accidentally disrupt operations, compromise security, or steal sensitive data. Proper access controls, monitoring, and user behaviour analytics are essential to mitigate this risk.
• ?Lack of Security Awareness: Many OT operators and personnel may not have extensive knowledge or training in cybersecurity practices. Awareness programs and training initiatives should be implemented to educate OT staff about potential risks, best practices, and how to identify and report suspicious activities.
• ?Convergence with IT Networks: The convergence of OT and IT networks introduces additional challenges. Connecting OT systems to IT networks can expose them to new threats and vulnerabilities. Proper network segmentation, access controls, and secure gateways should be implemented to mitigate risks associated with this convergence.

Key factors to succeed with OT cybersecurity

Operational Technology Security involves implementing a range of practices, technologies, and strategies to mitigate risks and protect OT systems. Key aspects of OT security include:

• ?Segmentation: Implementing network segmentation helps isolate OT systems from the enterprise IT network, reducing the attack surface and limiting the spread of any potential compromises.
• ?Access control: Strict access control measures should be implemented, including strong authentication mechanisms, role-based access controls, and least privilege principles. This ensures that only authorized personnel can access and modify the OT systems.
• Patch management: Regularly update and apply security patches to OT devices and systems to address known vulnerabilities. It's crucial to perform thorough testing and validation of patches before deployment to avoid any disruptions.
• ?Monitoring and logging: Implement continuous monitoring and logging solutions to detect and respond to potential security incidents in real time. This includes monitoring network traffic, system logs, and behaviour analytics to identify anomalies or suspicious activities.
• Incident response: Develop an incident response plan specific to OT systems to ensure a swift and effective response to security incidents. This plan should include procedures for containment, investigation, recovery, and communication.
• ?Physical security: Protect physical access to OT systems by implementing measures such as access control, surveillance systems, and physical barriers to prevent unauthorized tampering or physical attacks.
• Employee awareness and training: Educate employees about OT security risks, best practices, and potential threats. Regular training sessions can help raise awareness and ensure employees understand their roles and responsibilities in maintaining OT security.
• ?Vendor and supply chain management: Evaluate the security practices of vendors and suppliers who provide OT systems or components. Ensure that security requirements are included in procurement processes and consider the potential risks associated with the supply chain.
• ?Regular assessments and audits: Conduct periodic security assessments and audits of OT systems to identify vulnerabilities, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. These assessments can help maintain an up-to-date security posture and ensure compliance with relevant standards and regulations.

OT security is a complex and evolving field, and organizations should continuously adapt and improve their security practices to keep pace with emerging threats and technologies. Collaboration between IT and OT teams is crucial to ensure a holistic and effective security approach that addresses both IT and OT risks.

The European Union's initiatives to secure critical infrastructure

The OT (Operational Technology) security landscape in the European Union (EU) focuses on safeguarding critical infrastructure and industrial control systems (ICS) from cyber threats. Here are some key aspects of the OT security landscape in the EU:

• Regulatory Framework: The EU has established regulations and directives to enhance cybersecurity in critical infrastructure sectors. The Network and Information Security (NIS) Directive sets requirements for operators of essential services, including critical infrastructure, to ensure the implementation of appropriate security measures.
• Critical Infrastructure Protection: Protecting critical infrastructure is a top priority for the EU. Member states work to identify critical sectors and promote security measures, risk assessments, incident response planning, and information sharing to strengthen resilience against cyber threats.
• Cross-Border Co-operation: Cybersecurity threats transcend national boundaries, and the EU emphasizes cross-border cooperation to address OT security challenges. Collaboration among member states, agencies, and industry stakeholders facilitates information sharing, joint exercises, and coordinated response efforts.
• ?Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration between public and private sectors is crucial in the EU's OT security landscape. Public-private partnerships enable the exchange of information, expertise, and best practices, fostering a collective defense approach to enhance the security of critical infrastructure.
• ?Standards and Frameworks: The EU promotes the adoption of cybersecurity standards and frameworks to guide organizations in securing their OT systems. Standards such as the ISO/IEC 27001 and the ISA/IEC 62443 series provide guidance for implementing effective security controls and risk management practices.
• Incident Reporting and Information Sharing: The EU encourages incident reporting and information sharing mechanisms to enhance situational awareness and enable timely responses to OT security incidents. This includes the establishment of Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs) and Information Sharing and Analysis Centers (ISACs) to facilitate coordination and collaboration.
• Cybersecurity Certification: The EU's Cybersecurity Act introduced a framework for certifying the cybersecurity of products, services, and processes, including those relevant to OT security. Certification schemes provide assurance to organizations and users regarding the security capabilities of OT systems.
• Research and Innovation: The EU invests in research and innovation projects to address emerging OT security challenges. Funding programs support initiatives focused on developing advanced security technologies, threat intelligence capabilities, and resilient OT systems.
• Awareness and Capacity Building: The EU emphasizes the importance of raising awareness and building cybersecurity capacity in the OT sector. Training programs, workshops, and awareness campaigns help stakeholders understand the unique challenges of OT security and promote best practices.

It is important to note that the OT security landscape in the EU continues to evolve as new technologies and threats emerge. Ongoing efforts are required to adapt security measures, promote resilience, and stay vigilant against evolving cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure and industrial control systems.

To know more about NIS Directive National Legislations, access the following link:

https://www.enisa.europa.eu/topics/nis-directive/nis-visualtool

To write this article, I have referred the following resources.

• NIS directives National Legislations from https://www.enisa.europa.eu/topics/cybersecurity-policy/nis-directive-new
• Impact of cyberattacks on OT environments from Courtney Schneider, "OT security incidents in 2021: Trends & Analysis," Waterfall Security Solutions, May 17, 2022.
• Trend of OT Security Attacks from "The cost of OT cyber security incidents and how to reduce risks," Nazomi Networks, 2020
• Timeline of Notable Cyber Events image from https://www.nozominetworks.com/downloads/Nozomi-Networks-OT-IoT-Security-Report-ES-2022-1H.pdf
• LinkedIn articles related with OT security, Chat GPT and internet images?