Why India’s industries must act on OT security now

OT security: Over the past decade, India has made significant strides in manufacturing, energy and infrastructure. The integration of Operational Technology (OT) with Information Technology (IT) systems has revolutionised industrial environments like never before. While Information Technology (IT) encompasses software, data and digital networks, Operational Technology (OT) refers to the hardware and software that controls physical devices and powers factories, power grids, transport and utilities. 

Earlier, OT systems functioned in isolation. However, advancement in technology has opened new doors for efficiency, connecting them to broader IT networks. Unfortunately, this growing convergence has also resulted in serious cybersecurity threats which need immediate attention.

According to a 2023 Cybersecurity Readiness Index by Cisco, India ranks among the top 5 countries most targeted by cyber attacks on critical infrastructure. A study by Siemens Energy and the Ponemon Institute reveals that cyber threats are quite frequent in oil and gas, petrochemicals, manufacturing, water and electrical utilities. Additionally, a report by PwC India highlights that over 40% of Indian industrial organisations surveyed had experienced a cyberattack on their OT systems in the past year.

Cyber threat landscape reveals ransomware as one of the most dangerous forms of attack. In such attacks, hackers take control of essential systems and demand payment in exchange for restoring operations. These incidents serve as reminders of the heavy financial and operational damage a single cyberattack can cause.

Another prominent reason for these security threats is that many factories and plants even today still rely on outdated systems which lack the resilience to withstand modern cyber threats. These legacy systems become soft targets for hackers who exploit their security weaknesses. Since the pandemic, increased reliance on remote access has further made it easier for attackers to infiltrate systems especially when strong authentication and protective measures are lacking.

In addition to this, India faces a shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals with expertise in OT environments. Apart from this, there are additional risks when industries depend on third-party vendors or contractors for maintenance. It is observed that even a single weak link in the supply chain can compromise the entire OT network. Addressing these challenges calls for better security training, updated technology, and stricter controls over all points of access. 

How Can Industries Minimise OT Security Threats? 

The approach to OT security must be holistic in nature, with innovative solutions tailored to the unique requirements of OT environments.

  1. Segregate OT & IT Networks

One of the important action Indian industries must take to protect their Operational Technology (OT) systems from cyber threats is to keep OT networks separate from IT and internet networks. This separation helps stop malware and hackers from moving laterally between different systems, thus reducing the risk of widespread disruption.

  1. Training Employees Regularly

Training workers and employees is essential as many cyber attacks stem from human error or lack of cybersecurity awareness. Regular cyber safety programs and teaching basic rules on how to handle the internet can help plant operators and other employees avoid making errors that can lead to security breaches.

  1. Follow CERT-In Guidelines 

India’s Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) provides guidelines to help industries protect critical infrastructure effectively. By following these protocols carefully, industries can stay compliant and protect themselves from security risks.

  1. Patch Legacy Systems

Companies should update outdated systems and patch vulnerabilities. This proactive maintenance helps close exploitable security gaps before attackers take advantage.

  1. Strong Public-Private Partnerships

Stronger partnerships between the government and private companies are essential to build better strategies against OT threats. Although there is growing awareness about OT security threats, continuous effort is needed right from workers to leaders to keep the country’s critical systems safe. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, AI and machine learning will become even more crucial in protecting OT systems. These technologies help create smart models that can spot and counteract dangers before they cause real harm.

Organisations must prioritise OT security as a central component of their overall cybersecurity strategy. While many present security companies offer robust point solutions, there is a huge need for an innovative, OT-specific approach for a comprehensive defence that is well-suited to the unique challenges of securing industrial operations. As India is growing fast and strengthens its position as a global manufacturing leader, protecting our OT systems is not just about technology but it’s also about building trust and a strong reputation on the world stage.

Source Link: https://techobserver.in/news/opinion/why-indias-industries-must-act-on-ot-security-now-316368/

Website Link: https://www.arraynetworks.com/

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