Governance & Risk Management,
Operational Technology (OT)
Why a risk-based GRC approach is vital for securing industrial OT environments
Operational technology (OT) systems are crucial for organizations, underpinning everything from manufacturing processes to building management. However, if these systems lack adequate cybersecurity measures tailored for OT, they become increasingly vulnerable to threats that extend beyond mere data breaches. Compromise of OT environments can lead to dire consequences, including physical disruptions and safety incidents.
See Also: Secure AI and Cloud: 5 Key Requirements
In response to the rising threat level to OT systems, many governments have issued more stringent regulations aimed at enhancing the security of industrial networks. Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) must view these regulations not only as compliance checkboxes but as critical opportunities to fortify their organizations’ cybersecurity frameworks.
A robust governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) structure is essential for industrial organizations seeking to effectively manage OT cyber risks, ensuring adherence to regulations like NIS2, OTCC, and SOCI. It is crucial, however, to develop this GRC strategy specifically for OT, rather than repurposing frameworks designed for IT operations, which often overlook critical elements such as physical safety and operational continuity.
Notably, the sharp increase in attacks on critical infrastructure, exemplified by incidents like the Colonial Pipeline breach and the recent Voltzite attacks on electric utilities, raises concerns about existing GRC frameworks. These examples illustrate the significant ramifications that cybersecurity gaps can have on OT operations.
A risk-based OT GRC model is integral for bridging these gaps. It transcends traditional compliance-focused approaches, which often rely on static methods like spreadsheets that fail to adapt to evolving threats. In many cases, when a vulnerability is identified through an audit, the standard response is to apply a patch. However, this approach is not always viable in OT environments, where patching can disrupt essential operations or may be infeasible due to legacy systems.
To adopt a risk-based strategy, organizations must assess risks based on known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs) and critical asset exposure. This ensures prioritization according to potential impacts on operational continuity and safety. Automation technologies that enhance asset discovery and vulnerability detection will support continuous compliance and risk management as the OT landscape evolves.
Moreover, aligning detection and response activities with frameworks such as MITRE ATT&CK for industrial control systems (ICS) can bolster the OT cybersecurity posture. Utilizing tools like Honeywell Cyber Insights and Cyber Watch Governance can also provide significant insights into threats and necessary remediation actions in real-time.
Establishing a risk-based GRC model is a gradual and multifaceted process. It begins with developing comprehensive asset inventories and network visibility across all OT layers. Organizations should work towards transitioning from manual tracking methods to automated controls that continuously evaluate and map OT data against security and compliance benchmarks.
Incorporating GRC into resilience objectives can further minimize downtime and operational risks by establishing connections between compliance and process safety. This alignment not only mitigates potential failures but also allows for more efficient response mechanisms tailored to decentralized teams. Effective tracking of metrics such as incident response times enhances compliance and illustrates its value to stakeholders.
Amid an escalating landscape of cyber threats and expanding regulatory oversight, maintaining proactive measures is of the utmost importance. Organizations can benefit from Honeywell’s OT GRC capabilities, which facilitate the centralization of governance and replace manual compliance processes with automated solutions that prioritize actions based on operational risks. Connecting with Honeywell experts can provide insights into fostering an operationally resilient GRC model that fortifies compliance and minimizes risk in the industrial sector.
