Security for operational technology: protecting your industrial infrastructure
The digitalisation and networking of operational technology (OT) environments holds enormous potential for increasing efficiency and quality. At the same time, however, it increases complexity and the attack surface for cyber threats. OT security is therefore a decisive factor for the success and resilience of modern industrial processes.
Challenges in OT environments
OT systems such as SCADA, ICS, IoT devices, control systems or distributed control systems (DCS) are central components of operational technology (OT) and often have life cycles of 15 to 20 years. This makes many OT systems vulnerable to modern cybersecurity threats, while regulatory requirements make it difficult to update hardware and software.
An increasing risk arises from the integration of IT and OT systems as well as IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) and cloud technologies. This networking increases efficiency and enables the control and monitoring of industrial processes, but increases the attack surface for security breaches, malware or unauthorised access.
A holistic OT security strategy is therefore crucial. This includes protecting networked OT devices, securing OT and IT networks, firewalls, authentication systems and monitoring solutions for hardware and software. Such measures strengthen the security of operational technology, minimise risks and enable the secure use of digital transformation in OT environments.
The most common challenges include
- No regulated areas of responsibility
- Legacy systems (outdated, no longer supported operating systems)
- Proprietary devices (controllers, sensors, motors, etc.)
- Remote access
Customised OT security strategies
To effectively counter threats in operational technology (OT), CANCOM Austria AG develops customised security solutions for critical OT infrastructure. We are guided by standards such as ISO/IEC 62443 and NIST 800-82 to ensure maximum OT security and cybersecurity in industrial networks.
Our security architectures are tailored to modern OT environments and networked OT systems. They support the control of physical processes, the monitoring of OT devices in real time and the protection of OT and IT networks against cyber attacks and security risks.
With hardware and software for monitoring, firewalls and authentication systems, we enable companies to sustainably protect their OT devices and industrial processes while securely utilising the benefits of digital transformation - for holistic OT security in every OT environment.
Our security measures include
- Network segmentation: separation of IT and OT networks to shorten attack paths.
- Zero Trust models: Minimisation of unauthorised access through strict access guidelines.
- Monitoring and detection: Use of tools for real-time detection and defence against known and unknown threats. see also RED, PURPLE team
- Hardening OT devices: Protecting critical hardware and software against malware and advanced persistent threats (APTs).
Understanding the difference between IT and OT
The difference between IT and OT systems requires specialised security approaches. While IT systems are designed to protect data and applications, OT systems focus on the integrity and availability of industrial processes. These different priorities require
- Security strategies that take both IT and OT needs into account.
- Protection mechanisms that are specially optimised for OT networks such as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Industrial Control Systems (ICS).
Your advantages with CANCOM
With our comprehensive solutions in the field of OT security, you benefit from
- Transparency and control over your OT infrastructure.
- Protective measures that are customised to the requirements of your industry and your systems.
- Best practices that minimise risks and ensure the security of your operational technology infrastructure.
We work with you to develop a robust OT security strategy that protects your critical infrastructure and ensures the secure operation of your industrial processes. Rely on CANCOM to prepare your OT environments for the future - effectively, sustainably and adaptably.
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