We are seeing the start of a multidecade development of OT cybersecurity solutions and tools.

Operational engineering (OT) is the backbone of many important industries and industrial sectors such as power, water, Oil & gas, and transportation. OT systems are responsible for monitoring and controlling physical processes and assets, using specialized hardware and software that communicate with legacy and proprietary protocols. OT systems are typically designed to operate for decades, requiring high availability and they are reliable.?

?But OT systems also face unprecedented levels of cyberthreats, as the interconnectedness of IT and OT networks exposes them to new attack attacks and adversaries.?According to a report by McKinsey, approximately 90 percent of manufacturing organizations had their production or energy supply hit by some form of cyberattack in 2021.?The same report estimates that the average damage of an OT cyberattack is $140 million per incident.?

?The importance of OT cybersecurity is clear, but the challenges are also considerable. OT cybersecurity requires a different approach than IT cybersecurity, as it accounts for the unique characteristics and limitations of the OT environment. These challenges include:?

? Legacy systems: Many OT systems run on older software and hardware with known fragility and few security measures.?

?? Third-party connectivity: Many OT systems rely on remote access and support from third-party vendors and partners to create an entry point for attackers such as, allowing attackers to breach networks developed by vendors and used to access other devices.?For example, attackers can strike a vendor-created network and use it to infect other devices.?

?? Business?Impact: Many OT systems have higher availability and security requirements, requiring patches, updates, or?malware remediation without disrupting operations.?For example, a ransomware attack can stop production and cause physical damage.?

?? Skill gap: Many OT systems are controlled by engineers and operators who have restrained cybersecurity understanding and focus. Conversely, many IT safety specialists lack the area knowledge and information of OT protocols and approaches.?

?? When compared to IT, OT is not a one-size-fits-all environment, and it is challenging for a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to choose the right solution and vendor to solve their problem today. There are so many different tools in the market already and new cyber startups coming up, that is nearly impossible to keep up with them. For the CISO, who has limited resources and budget, and one team doing Security (both IT & OT), is not able to deploy these niche, one off tools, but is looking to eliminate a few from its portfolio and have a platform which can cover or integrate both.?

?To overcome these challenges, we are seeing the beginning of a multidecade development of OT cybersecurity solutions and tools that aim to deal with these features and competencies.?The market for OT cybersecurity is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.3% from 2020 to 2027, reaching $27.7 billion by 2027.?The drivers for this boom include the growing adoption of IIoT devices, the rising frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks on OT structures, the growing regulatory compliance requirements for vital infrastructure protection (CIP), and the rising attention of the importance of OT cybersecurity amongst stakeholders. ?

?However, there is still a long way to go before achieving optimal levels of security and resilience in OT environments. The challenges are complex and evolving, requiring continuous innovation and collaboration among various actors in the ecosystem. The development of OT cybersecurity solutions and tools is not only a technical endeavor but also a strategic one that involves business value creation, risk management, organizational culture change, stakeholder engagement, and policy formulation.?

OT cybersecurity isn't a one-time assignment however a journey that calls for regular vigilance, variation, and development. It is also a possibility to unlock new possibilities for operational excellence, performance, and sustainability. As we embark on this journey, we need to leverage the best practices, solutions, and tools available, as well as contribute to their development and advancement. OT cybersecurity is not only a necessity but also an enabler for the future of industry and society.