Operational Technology (OT) Cybersecurity

The digitalization of the industry as a challenge

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The ongoing digitalization of operational technology (OT) environments to increase efficiency and quality poses major challenges for IT departments. In OT environments, lifecycles of 15-20 or more years are not uncommon, which increases security risks when machines are networked with the IT enterprise network. Some OT systems are also heavily regulated, meaning that it is often difficult or impossible to make changes to the systems. These risks can be minimized through the use of suitable measures and technologies. At CANCOM Austria AG, we aim to secure your critical infrastructure using standardized security architectures in accordance with the frameworks "IEC 62443 - Security for industrial automation and control systems" or "NIST 800-82 - Guide to Operational Technology (OT) Security".

What is the difference between information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT)?

Information Technology (IT)

Information technology is home to hardware and software for processing, storing and transferring data and information to support business processes, decision-making and communication. This involves processing digital data such as texts, images, videos and other media. Standard IP networks and protocols such as web (https), name resolution (dns) or for authentication and authorization (ldaps) can be found in an IT environment. Data can usually be processed with a certain delay without this leading to serious problems in the business process.

Operational Technology (OT)

In an operating and automation technology, an OT environment, hardware and software components are used to control and monitor physical processes and systems. These usually process analog or digital data, which has a direct impact on the efficiency, physical security and reliability of operational processes. Due to various requirements in such environments, specialized, proprietary protocols and networks have been established that are optimized for automation. Protocols such as Profinet, Modbus, DNP3 and many more are frequently found in such networks. Real-time processing is crucial in operating and automation technology, as delays in the control of physical processes can have an impact on safety and therefore be dangerous for the environment. In addition, productions are subject to regulatory requirements aimed at safety and reliability.

The cybersecurity of these systems is increasingly becoming a priority, as they are vulnerable to cyber attacks. Our OT security measures protect production environments from threats and guarantee smooth operations.

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Threats and challenges in OT environments

The most common threats include:

Ransomware attacks
Sabotage of production facilities
Manipulation of sensor data
Attacks on SCADA systems
Visualization: An animated or interactive representation of a typical OT system with highlighted threat points.

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

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Services

OT Security Consulting
We analyze your existing systems, identify vulnerabilities (gap assessment) and develop tailor-made security strategies to minimize risks.
Architecture and implementation services
Our experts design and implement future-proof OT security architectures that are perfectly tailored to your requirements and business objectives.
Integration of security solutions
We integrate state-of-the-art security technologies for your OT systems to ensure seamless protection.
Definition of operating processes
We support you in creating the necessary operating processes to ensure that your environment remains secure and highly available in the long term.
Managed Services
Leave the responsibility for smooth operating processes to us so that your environment remains secure and highly available in the long term.
Compliance and regulatory advice
We navigate you through the complex world of legal requirements and ensure that your systems meet all relevant standards.

OT security for your company, your customers and partners

Stakeholder trust

Demonstrating a strong commitment to cybersecurity through compliance with international standards can strengthen the trust of customers, partners and regulators in the company.

Protection against cyber attacks

Industrial control systems are increasingly the target of cyber attacks. These attacks can lead to operational disruptions, production losses, data loss or even danger to employees and the environment.

Prevention of business interruptions

Security incidents can lead to significant business interruptions. The application of IEC 62443 helps to avoid such incidents or minimize their impact by implementing safe and adequate protective measures.

Competitive advantage

Companies that demonstrably adhere to high security standards can use this as a competitive advantage , as more and more customers are attaching importance to secure products and production environments.

Legal and regulatory requirements

In many countries, legal and regulatory requirements are placed on the safety of industrial control systems. Compliance with IEC 62243 can help companies to meet these requirements and minimize legal risks.