Why ICS/OT Infrastructures are natively insecure.

In today's digital age, the security of Industrial Control System (ICS)/Operational Technology (OT) infrastructure is becoming increasingly complex and distinct from traditional IT security. A pivotal aspect of this is the reversed priority order in the confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA) triad, with availability being the top concern in OT systems.

This article delves into the challenges of implementing cybersecurity in OT environments, given their operational intricacies and the need for specific security standards and frameworks.

These are the main reasons why ICS/OT Systems are insecure:

1. Outdated Technology: ICS/OT systems often run on outdated software and hardware. This aging technology may not be compatible with current security updates and protocols, leaving the systems vulnerable to newer types of cyber attacks.
2. Inadequate Security: These systems were often designed with efficiency and reliability in mind, not cybersecurity. This oversight leads to inadequate defensive measures against modern cyber threats.
3. Network Connectivity: The increasing interconnectivity of ICS/OT systems with corporate networks and the internet exposes them to a wider array of cyber threats.
4. Remote Access Vulnerabilities: Providing remote access to ICS/OT systems for maintenance or monitoring can introduce security weaknesses. Unauthorized access through these remote channels can lead to significant security breaches.
5. Lack of Management Support: In the past, cybersecurity was often an optional component for owners and plant operators due to the physical separation of ICS operations from the internet.
6. Less Secure by design: Most of the devices and components used in the ICS/OT environments are built less secure by design as cybersecurity was never considered for these devices.
7. Lack of Cybersecurity Awareness: Employees often lack training in cybersecurity, leading to poor security practices that can compromise ICS/OT systems.
8. Complex Systems: The complexity and uniqueness of ICS/OT systems make it challenging to implement standard security measures effectively.
9. Limited Cybersecurity Tools: There is a shortage of tools specifically designed for the unique requirements of ICS/OT systems, which hampers effective cybersecurity implementation.
10. Regulatory and Compliance Challenges: These systems often struggle to meet various compliance standards due to their unique operational characteristics.
11. Supply Chain Risks: ICS/OT systems are vulnerable to threats introduced through third-party vendors and suppliers, including compromised software or hardware components.