The threats to Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), not least through the Operational Technology (OT) which is now so often used to manage it, have probably never been greater.
OT systems have in recent times transformed how organisations control their plant and processes, helping them attain new levels of efficiency and reliability.
But in an ever-evolving technology environment, new cyber risks and threats are emerging all the time – potentially compromising the security of OT and the performance and safety of the infrastructure it supports.
More than that, the regulatory complexities associated with OT security can make the route to reaching compliance a tough one to negotiate.
That’s why leading OT cyber security firm CyberPrism has published a practical guide designed to help organisations overcome these challenges and ensure their business-critical technology is protected.
Keith Chappell, technical director.
CyberPrism technical director, Keith Chappell, says: “We’ve produced this guide at a time when the threats to OT security are changing and growing at pace, and organisations need to be equipped to counter them if they are to keep their systems and processes safe.
“The report helps businesses to understand how they can navigate regulatory obligations – which can stem from government, international organisations, insurers and other stakeholders – as well as implement industry best practices in pursuit of OT resilience.
“OT security and associated compliance can present complex challenges, and we felt the time was right to prepare a simple guide which takes people through the key issues – in essence, a first step to help them land on the right solution for their operations.”
CyberPrism uses the internationally recognised ISA/IEC 62443 series of standards as its framework for implementing and maintaining OT security solutions on automation and control systems on behalf of clients.
“It’s recognised that reaching compliance with these standards essentially means adopting best practice in this arena, and that’s why it forms the foundation of our work with clients,” adds Keith.
“We’ve used the guide as a platform to set out the features and benefits of its risk assessment process, alongside broader advice, guidance and insights on how those in the energy and industrial sectors can best shape their approach to OT security.”
Download the free guide, Protecting the Operational Technology Essential for Safeguarding Critical Infrastructure.