Operational Technology (OT) systems detect and can create changes by direct monitoring of all physical devices and processes in a company’s system. OT is usually found in Industrial Control Systems and other critical infrastructure. OT is used to control power stations, air traffic control, shipping systems, and run public transportation, expanding and integrating with other networks to create a more robust OT cyber security. This can only be strengthened when the blind spots are identified and fitted to be safe from any sign of attack. While many think of this being an IT matter, OT is also involved but not as thought of.
OT Network Monitoring involves getting ready to pay a high cost of the necessary stuff that is so unaffordable to smaller businesses and only major cities and corporations can afford. OT's modernization with IT comes with a lot consideration with security. Many OT systems were originally not designed for access in another location which can easily result in issue with connection. Unfortunately, those systems are not updated and the vulnerabilities of OT systems leave companies and their critical infrastructure at risk of cyberattacks and sabotage that causes a lot of damage.
Not looking at OT is similar to having the back door unlocked, where the firewall is up with a strong vulnerability assessment, but it does not consider the OT’s vulnerability. Security with the information technology (IT) is high, but the OT becomes the underbelly and a dangerous place easily exploited by professional hackers. Half of Internet-connected devices are not covered in the firewall and are exposed in the OT underbelly. Your PCs may be safe, but phones and voice-operated systems can be penetrated to expose personal information such as credit cards and social security information and even passwords to other types of accounts.
Securing OT Networks involves various measurements including process control domains (PCD), distributed control systems (DCS), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, safety instrumented systems (SIS), and Industrial Control Systems (ICS). Some OT factors have longer lifecycles compared to what’s in IT, providing major gains in certain areas of focus like data storage, processing, and communications. To cut down on costs and speed up response time, OT networks integrated IT-based systems, but the risk of mistakes remain high and in development. They are still a work-in-progress, but the challenge of complete security without disruption is still the ultimate goal.
Thanks to the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), a convergence of IT and OT are exploring an important issue, which is knowing the differences between the two and their cybersecurity systems. The tech and organizational side of things have to then be sorted out and thought of before being developed with a defense system that is highly effective against various invading threats. Trojan horses, malware, spyware, and other types of threats can be countered with the right OT cyber security so all systems are safe from harm.
It is basically a method to prevent unauthorized access, use, declaration, interference, diminution, inspection, recording, or destruction of information.
Many online professional courses are available which focuses on learning information security programs.
Suppose an employee of a particular department left the organization then all other departments will be informed about the “job left” status so that data is complete and accurate and in addition to this only authorized persons should be allowed to edit employee data.
In case, one needs access to an employee’s profile and working credentials, it requires collaboration from different organizational teams like network operations, development operations, incident response, and policy/change management.
Some principles that govern information securities programs are: Non-repudiation: means that there couldn’t be any denial of sending or receiving the messages or transactions.
These vulnerabilities can be a part of authentication or authorization of users, the integrity of code and configurations, and mature policies and procedures which can create breaches at the entry points in the information securities.
An operation theater, also known as an operating theatre or operating room, is a facility within a hospital where surgical operations are carried out in a sterile environment.
Operating rooms are spacious, easy to clean, and well-lit, typically with overhead surgical lights, and may have viewing screens and monitors.
Operating rooms are generally windowless and have controlled temperature and humidity.
Electricity support has backup systems in case of a black-out.
Rooms are supplied with wall suction, oxygen, and possibly other, anesthetic gases.
Key equipment consists of the operating table and the anesthesia cart.
Internet Native applications and services are demanding more performance, bandwidth, and flexibility forcing Networks to evolve.
Enterprises rely heavily on WAN networks for connecting their branch offices and ensure uninterrupted connectivity to remote locations.
Software-defined wide area networks (SD-WAN), hybrid WAN, network function virtualization (NFV), and application performance management (APM) are some new technologies able to meet these needs.The unstoppable growth in data volumes due to the Digital transformation is prompting organizations to deploy these new networking technologies to push ever more business traffic over cellular networks and public Internet links pushing it outside the boundaries of an organization.
It’s a complex, vulnerable environment, that’s both difficult and vital to protect.MPLS and Ethernet services are still playing an important part in the network landscape, the rise in the importance of these new technologies means that they need to be included in wider networking, with an embedded security strategy that incorporates cellular bandwidth provision and local Internet breakout.A parallel change can be observed in the role of Security Technology in the new virtualized environment driven by the evolution of Network Technology.
Earlier it was easier to design a network with the hardware and software applications in the data center being the focus of the security defenses.
As software extends to start controlling the network it will also require to control the security.The process starts with the virtualization of core network security devices and ends with completely connected and streamline defenses, security controls, responses, and processes around events.
