In today’s ever-evolving world, a close acquaintance of mine recently encountered a frightening incident that highlighted the crucial importance of cybersecurity. While pulling into their garage, his wife faced a harrowing situation as she lost control of her electric vehicle, which continued to accelerate despite her attempts to apply the brakes. The resulting crash caused significant damage to both their home and the vehicle. Fortunately, no injuries occurred, but the event served as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with our interconnected society.
From the essential utilities we rely on daily, like electricity and water, to the communication devices we use and the vehicles we drive, we are surrounded by a vast network of intelligent control systems. These systems, integral to our interconnected world, have the potential to cause chaos if manipulated by malicious actors. Hence, safeguarding critical operational infrastructure has become a paramount concern for both information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) security teams.
Navigating the complexity
OT environments consist of complex systems comprising various interconnected industrial control systems (ICS), many of which are outdated legacy systems. These systems are often intertwined with IT networks, creating numerous intricate vulnerabilities that can be exploited. Despite the technological advancements in cybersecurity tools, analytics, and automation, assuming that traditional IT security measures suffice for protecting OT environments is a misconception. The unique challenges presented by OT environments demand specialized security measures tailored to address their specific needs and vulnerabilities.
Recognizing this vulnerability, malicious actors have exploited the complexity of OT environments to infiltrate and manipulate industrial control systems for malevolent purposes. In 2023, ransomware attacks increased by 50%.
Collaborating to tackle OT cybersecurity challenges
This awareness prompted us to establish a technology alliance with Dragos, a renowned leader in ICS/OT asset and threat intelligence. The convergence of OT environments through the integration of modern IT systems with legacy ICS has led to the emergence of complex vulnerabilities spanning both IT and OT domains.
In our interconnected world, it has become evident that IT and OT cybersecurity teams must adopt a holistic approach, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the entire IT/OT landscape. This integrated approach should involve sharing historical knowledge across domains, an essential practice for comprehending evolving threats and devising effective countermeasures.
Additionally, the swift collection and correlation of native indicators of compromise (IOC) at machine speed have become imperative for early threat detection and prompt response. Identifying persistent threats in real-time allows organizations to react swiftly and effectively, minimizing potential harm and disruptions.
Innovative solutions for IT and OT cybersecurity professionals
Our alliance with Dragos addresses the critical challenges faced by modern IT and ICS/OT environments. Leveraging Turbine Canvas, OT experts can effortlessly create custom playbooks using low-code methods, seamlessly integrating with Dragos visibility and intelligence information. This integration streamlines cybersecurity workflows, saving time and resources while enhancing knowledge sharing between IT and OT domains. This collaborative solution reduces analysts’ workload and boosts the efficacy of OT cybersecurity programs. Discover more about how Swimlane and Dragos collaborate to secure critical infrastructure.
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