Converging Worlds: Securing IoT, OT, and Critical Infrastructure

The digital transformation journey in critical infrastructure organizations and other sectors like healthcare is increasingly connecting operational technology (OT) and integrating Internet of Things (IoT) devices. While this convergence of OT and IT creates efficiencies, it also introduces new vulnerabilities and expands the attack surface for cybersecurity threats. Cyber actors are actively exploiting internet-accessible OT assets against critical infrastructure, and these cyberattacks are growing in size, sophistication, and prevalence. Securing OT presents additional complexities compared to traditional IT security, partly due to differences in priorities (Availability, Integrity, Confidentiality in OT versus Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability in IT) and the mix of old and new technology used. Threats can range from insider risks and nation-state attacks to ransomware. In healthcare, integrating IoT devices offers benefits but exposes patients to unique cybersecurity threats, where compromising devices like implantable devices could cause harm The lines between physical security and cybersecurity have become blurred, as physical security systems are increasingly connected and cyber-physical systems bridge the digital and physical realms10. Siloed security functions, treating physical and cyber security separately, mean security leaders lack a holistic view of threats, creating blind spots and hindering rapid identification, prevention, mitigation, and response to complex threats. For example, an unsecured IoT device can serve as a backdoor into enterprise networks, allow unauthorized physical access, or disrupt operations by hijacking physical systems, as seen in the casino fish tank hack. Addressing these challenges requires a shift towards integrated security functions and a holistic approach that aligns physical and cybersecurity efforts. This includes unified risk assessments, enhancing visibility of unmanaged devices, implementing specific security measures like segmentation and hardening, employing robust authentication and secure design principles, establishing continuous monitoring, and developing comprehensive incident response plans, guided by frameworks such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, IEC 62443, and C2M2. Leveraging AI and machine learning can further enhance threat detection and anomaly detection. Ultimately, effective integrated security protects cyber-physical infrastructure and enhances resilience against hybrid threats.

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