Principles of Operational Technology Cybersecurity
The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has developed a comprehensive guide titled Principles of Operational Technology Cybersecurity, in collaboration with several international cyber security agencies, such as the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the National Security Agency (NSA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This collaboration underscores the critical nature of securing Operational Technology (OT) systems, which are foundational to functioning infrastructure and services worldwide.
The Six Fundamental Principles
The ACSC guide outlines six key principles for securing OT environments: Safety, Business Knowledge, Data Protection, Network Segmentation, Supply Chain Security, and Skilled Personnel. These principles serve as a foundation for organizations to structure their efforts in safeguarding OT, emphasizing a multi-faceted approach to security that is critical for mitigating risks associated with OT systems.
The first principle, Safety, is prioritized due to the life-threatening risks posed by failures in OT systems. Ensuring the safety of these environments can prevent catastrophic outcomes, which is of utmost importance given the critical roles these systems play in society.
Business Knowledge and Critical Infrastructure Focus
The guide stresses Business Knowledge as a principle, urging organizations to have a profound understanding of their OT systems. This understanding is fundamental to identifying vulnerabilities and enhancing the system's overall defense against potential cyber incidents. Businesses must recognize and manage their critical systems and processes to ensure operational integrity and security.
Specifically targeting organizations in critical infrastructure sectors such as energy, water, and transportation, the guidelines underscore that these sectors are vital to public safety and services. Therefore, it is imperative for these organizations to integrate the principles to protect the infrastructure upon which daily life relies.
Data Protection and Network Segmentation
Data Protection is another critical principle, with a focus on safeguarding valuable OT data, especially engineering configuration data. This data, which remains unchanged for decades, holds significant value to potential attackers and therefore must be secured comprehensively to prevent unauthorized access or manipulation.
Network Segmentation aims to further protect OT environments by isolating them from IT and external networks. This segregation is essential to mitigate risks from potential internet-facing threats or vulnerabilities introduced via vendor connections. By effectively segmenting networks, organizations can safeguard against incidents that traditional security measures might not address.
Supply Chain Security and Skilled Personnel
Ensuring Supply Chain Security is crucial in mitigating risks. Organizations must implement meticulous assessments of their external partners, demanding adherence to strict security protocols to prevent vulnerabilities from entering the OT environment through the supply chain.
The role of Skilled Personnel is highlighted as a vital facet of OT security. Training staff adequately ensures they are equipped to monitor, detect, and respond to incidents effectively. Cultivating a strong security culture through continuous training and awareness is paramount in maintaining and enhancing the security posture of any organization.
The global effort behind this guide, illustrated by its international contributions, represents a shared commitment to OT cybersecurity. By making the guide freely accessible, the ACSC and its partners aim to elevate the security of OT systems universally, ensuring that organizations worldwide can protect critical services effectively.