What is an OT Cyber Risk Framework?
An OT Cyber Risk Framework is a structured approach designed to identify, assess, manage, and mitigate cybersecurity risks in Operational Technology environments. These frameworks are essential for protecting the critical systems that underpin necessary services. Unlike traditional IT systems, OT environments require specialized controls to address their unique vulnerabilities and the potentially severe consequences of a cyber attack.
Purpose
The primary purpose of an OT cyber risk framework is to protect critical infrastructure by providing a structured method for:
- Identifying cybersecurity risks that affect physical operations and safety.
- Assessing the potential impact of cyber threats on critical industrial systems.
- Mitigating these risks through targeted security controls and strategies tailored to OT environments.
- Ensuring continuity of physical processes and operational safety in the event of a cyber incident.
Given the increased connectivity between IT and OT network security systems, an OT-specific framework addresses the gaps between traditional IT risk management and the physical security needs of industrial systems.
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The New OT CSF: A Tailored Approach to OT Risk Management
One of the latest and most comprehensive OT Cyber Risk Frameworks is the OT Cybersecurity Framework (OT CSF) developed by Centraleyes. This framework is a significant advancement in OT risk management, offering a tailored OT cyber security solution that meets the specific needs of OT environments.
Key features of the OT CSF include:
- 146 Targeted Questions: The OT CSF includes a detailed set of 146 questions designed to assess the cybersecurity posture of OT systems thoroughly. These questions are based on the well-established NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) version 1.1 but are enhanced with OT-specific controls that address the unique challenges of managing OT network security.
- Custom Risk Register: The OT CSF introduces a specialized risk register with 25 risks particularly relevant to OT environments. This register helps organizations identify and prioritize risks that could have the most significant impact on their OT systems.
- Based on NIST 800-83 Rev 3: The framework draws on section 6 of NIST Special Publication 800-83 Revision 3, which applies the Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) to OT systems. This alignment with NIST OT cybersecurity guidelines ensures that the OT CSF is grounded in industry best practices for cybersecurity.
Other Widely Recognized OT Frameworks
- IEC 62443: This international standard addresses the cybersecurity of industrial automation and control systems, offering a structured approach to managing OT cyber risks.
- C2M2: The Cybersecurity Capability Maturity Model (C2M2) helps organizations assess and improve their cybersecurity capabilities across IT and OT domains.
Challenges in OT Cybersecurity
Securing OT environments presents unique challenges that differ significantly from those faced in traditional IT environments. Some of the key challenges include:
- Legacy Systems: Many OT systems were not designed with cybersecurity in mind and may run on outdated hardware and software, making them vulnerable to attacks.
- Lack of Visibility: OT networks often need more visibility, making monitoring and detecting potential threats difficult.
- Critical Uptime Requirements: OT systems often require continuous operation, which limits the ability to take systems offline for updates or security patches.
- Converging IT and OT: Integrating IT and OT systems increases the attack surface, as vulnerabilities in IT networks can potentially compromise OT systems.
Key Differences Between OT and IT in Security
While both IT and OT cyber risk frameworks aim to protect systems from cyber threats, OT frameworks are unique in several ways:
| ASPECT | Operational Technology (OT) Security | Information Technology (IT) Security |
| PURPOSE | Controls and monitors physical processes (e.g., manufacturing, energy) | Manages data storage, processing, and communication |
| PRIMARY FOCUS | Safety, reliability, and availability of physical systems | Confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA triad) of data |
| RISK PRIORITIZATION | Prioritizes availability and safety over confidentiality | Prioritizes confidentiality and integrity over availability |
| IMPACT OF COMPROMISE | Can lead to physical damage, operational downtime, or endangerment of lives | May result in data breaches, financial loss, or reputational harm |
| SYSTEM LIFECYCLE | Often uses legacy systems with long lifecycles (decades) | Systems are more frequently updated or replaced with new technology |
| RESPONSE TO THREATS | Requires maintaining continuous operations, even during an attack | Can implement immediate patches or shutdowns in response to threats |
| VULNERABILITY TO DISRUPTION | More vulnerable to physical, environmental, and process-related threats | More vulnerable to data-based threats like malware and hacking |
| PATCH MANAGEMENT | Patching is often delayed due to the critical need for uptime | Regular and frequent patching and updates are common |
| CONNECTIVITY | Traditionally isolated, but increasingly connected to the internet (IoT, IIoT) | Highly interconnected with internal and external networks |
| REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS | Compliance often revolves around safety regulations (e.g., NERC CIP for energy) | Governed by data privacy and security regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) |
| INCIDENT RESPONSE | The response needs to ensure physical safety and continued operation | Focuses on protecting data and network integrity |
This comparison highlights the fundamental differences in priorities and challenges between OT and IT security.
Final Thoughts
Centraleyes’ OT Cybersecurity Framework (OT CSF) development marks a new era in OT risk management. The OT CSF offers a comprehensive and tailored solution for securing OT environments by leveraging AI and aligning with the latest NIST guidelines.
As OT systems continue to evolve, staying ahead of cyber threats requires not only the adoption of advanced frameworks like the OT CSF but also a commitment to ongoing risk management and adherence to OT security best practices. By doing so, organizations can ensure the resilience and safety of their critical infrastructure in an increasingly connected world.
Start Getting Value With
Centraleyes for Free
See for yourself how the Centraleyes platform exceeds anything an old GRC
system does and eliminates the need for manual processes and spreadsheets
to give you immediate value and run a full risk assessment in less than 30 days
