In the realm of operational technology (OT), securing systems and networks begins with a fundamental question: What are we protecting? Without a clear understanding of the assets in your environment, it’s impossible to secure them effectively. Asset visibility—the ability to identify, classify, and monitor all devices within your network—is the cornerstone of any robust OT security strategy. In this article, we explore why asset visibility is essential, how it impacts not only security but also availability, and how organizations can achieve it.
- Understanding your attack surface Every device connected to your network represents a potential entry point for attackers. Without full visibility, some of these entry points remain unknown, leaving your environment vulnerable. Asset visibility provides a clear picture of all devices, their roles, and how they communicate, enabling you to assess your true attack surface.
- Identifying vulnerabilities Many OT environments include legacy devices with outdated software or unpatched vulnerabilities. Asset visibility allows you to pinpoint these weaknesses, prioritize them, and take proactive measures to mitigate risk.
- Facilitating compliance Regulatory standards like IEC 62443 and the NIS 2 Directive often require a comprehensive inventory of OT assets. Asset visibility helps organizations meet these requirements, simplifying audits and reducing the risk of non-compliance.
- Securing availability OT security isn’t just about preventing cyberattacks; it’s also about ensuring operational availability. Asset visibility helps identify devices that are nearing the end of their lifecycle or are no longer supported by manufacturers. These end-of-life (EoL) devices present a unique challenge: if one fails, replacements may not be available, leading to operational downtime. By identifying these assets, organizations can plan ahead—stockpiling spares, sourcing alternatives, or modernizing critical systems—thereby minimizing risks to availability.
- Improving incident response In the event of a security incident, knowing what assets are affected and how they are interconnected is critical for containing the issue and minimizing downtime. Asset visibility enables faster, more effective responses by providing the necessary context.
- Conduct a comprehensive inventory Start by identifying all devices in your network, including industrial control systems (ICS), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and other OT-specific assets. Include details such as device types, locations, firmware versions, end-of-life status, and communication protocols.
- Leverage passive monitoring Active scanning techniques often used in IT environments can disrupt OT systems. Instead, adopt passive monitoring methods to map out your network without interfering with operations. Passive monitoring tools analyze existing traffic to identify devices and their interactions. Once passive monitoring establishes a baseline, incorporating active monitoring techniques can provide a deeper understanding of assets. Properly implemented active monitoring uses non-intrusive probes to query devices and gather more detailed information, such as configuration specifics and firmware versions. This additional layer reduces the number of false positive alerts and enhances the accuracy of your security strategy.
- Implement continuous monitoring Asset visibility isn’t a one-time exercise. Continuous monitoring ensures that new devices are detected as they are added to the network, and any changes in existing devices are flagged. This helps maintain an up-to-date inventory and identifies risks related to aging infrastructure.
- Plan for End-of-Life devices Once end-of-life devices are identified, create a strategy to manage their risks. Options include:Stockpiling critical spare parts.Searching for compatible replacements or upgrades.Transitioning to modern alternatives in a phased approach.Addressing EoL devices proactively prevents unexpected downtime and ensures operational continuity.
- Integrate asset data with security processes Asset visibility should feed into other security activities, such as vulnerability management, risk assessment, and incident response planning. This ensures that visibility isn’t just a standalone effort but a foundational element of your overall security strategy.
Asset visibility is not just the starting point of OT security—it’s the foundation upon which every other security measure is built. By understanding what’s in your network, you can better protect it, respond to incidents effectively, and meet regulatory requirements. Moreover, asset visibility ensures operational availability by identifying end-of-life devices and enabling proactive strategies to mitigate their risks.
For organizations looking to strengthen their OT security posture, achieving comprehensive asset visibility is a critical first step. By investing in visibility today, you not only improve security but also ensure the resilience and continuity of your operations.
Are you ready to take your OT cybersecurity to the next level? Visit the OTconnect website to learn more about our OT-monitoring solutions and register for a free cybersecurity quickscan. Discover how we can help safeguard your operations with tailored risk management strategies. Enhance your operational security today with our expert guidance and cutting-edge technology.
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