OT Operators Advised to Map Networks to Avoid Significant Blind Spots

In a proactive measure, global cybersecurity agencies are advising critical infrastructure operators to take stock of their operational technology environments. While this initiative aims to enhance security, analysts note that mapping the complexity of aging networks is no small task.

Guidance from the United Kingdom’s National Cyber Security Centre and the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency outlines a principles-based framework for developing and maintaining accurate operational technology records. The guidelines urge operators in sectors like energy, water, and manufacturing to categorize their assets based on criticality, document system interconnections, and diligently manage records through structured change management while addressing third-party access risks.

Experts in OT security emphasize that while creating and maintaining such records is achievable, it requires a fundamental shift in asset visibility practices. Legacy systems often complicate real-time inventory efforts. Nevertheless, the increasing sophistication of cyber-physical threats necessitates a dynamic record of access, according to analysts.

Kevin Greene, chief cybersecurity technologist for the public sector at BeyondTrust, asserts that establishing a definitive record is crucial for securing complex legacy environments. By addressing blind spots, operators can better protect mission-critical systems. This documentation push is consistent with broader industry trends in software bills of materials, vulnerability management, and zero trust security frameworks, all aimed at ensuring informed security decisions based on a comprehensive view.

Additionally, there is a growing consensus among international partners, particularly within the Five Eyes alliance, that enhancing visibility in operational technology environments is essential. These requirements—ranging from patching and segmentation to identity protection—will fortify defenses against escalating cyber threats, according to Greene.

In the United States, recent updates to NIST SP 800-82, CISA’s OT advisories, and new mandates across various sectors underscore this shift. Governments globally are pressuring operators to maintain precise records, document configuration changes, and log critical incidents in verifiable ways.

The guidance encourages operators to move beyond static asset lists, advocating for living records that account for connectivity methods, change management, and third-party access. Stakeholders are urged to document network protocols and security controls to ensure robust defenses.

Experts indicate that the true value of a definitive record emerges when integrated with active threat intelligence and risk assessment. Correlating device data with resources like CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog allows operators to convert inventories into dynamic risk management tools that highlight critical vulnerabilities.

As many critical infrastructure operators face resource constraints, advancements in technology now facilitate the continuous updating and validation of asset data enriched with real-time threat intelligence. For vital sectors, this “definitive record” is transforming from a conceptual framework into a practical necessity, fundamental to both resilience and regulatory compliance.

The guidance acknowledges that maintaining an accurate record is a governance issue, necessitating cooperation between OT and IT teams with clear accountability for system knowledge. By framing documentation as a “single source of truth,” organizations may find that resilience to future cyber threats hinges as much on thorough inventory practices as on technical defenses like firewalls and intrusion detection.