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Writer's pictureColin Mc Hugo

OT Security: What CISOs Need to Know in the Age of NIS2



As the landscape of cybersecurity evolves, Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) must adapt their strategies to address the unique challenges posed by Operational Technology (OT) environments. The introduction of the NIS2 Directive marks a significant shift in how organizations manage cybersecurity risks, particularly concerning supply chain vulnerabilities, threat vulnerability management, application-level hacking, and threat modelling. This blog will explore these critical aspects and emphasize the importance of comprehensive security solutions like Avocado Reveal Protect and Encrypt.


Understanding NIS2 and Its Implications for OT Security


Overview of NIS2

The NIS2 Directive aims to enhance the resilience of critical infrastructure across the European Union by imposing stricter cybersecurity requirements on essential and important entities. Key areas of focus include:


  • Risk Management: Organizations must implement robust risk management practices that encompass both IT and OT environments.

  • Corporate Accountability: Management is held accountable for cybersecurity measures, with potential penalties for breaches.

  • Incident Reporting: Entities are required to report significant cyber incidents within 24 hours, emphasizing the need for timely response capabilities.

  • Supply Chain Security: NIS2 mandates that organizations actively manage cyber risks throughout their supply chains, recognizing that these networks can be entry points for attackers.


These requirements necessitate a shift in how organizations approach OT security, moving from reactive measures to proactive risk management.


Key Aspects for CISOs to Focus On

  1. Threat Vulnerability Management

    • Continuous assessment of vulnerabilities within both IT and OT environments is crucial. CISOs should implement a comprehensive vulnerability management program that includes:

      • Regular scans for known vulnerabilities (CVEs).

      • Risk prioritization based on threat intelligence.

      • Remediation strategies that consider the unique operational constraints of OT systems.

  2. Application-Level Hacking

    • With increasing connectivity between IT and OT systems, application-level attacks pose significant risks. Organizations must:

      • Conduct thorough security assessments of all applications interacting with OT systems.

      • Implement secure coding practices to mitigate vulnerabilities during development.

      • Utilize tools that provide visibility into application behavior and potential attack vectors.

  3. Threat Modelling

    • Effective threat modelling is essential for understanding potential risks and attack vectors in both IT and OT environments. CISOs should:

      • Develop detailed threat models that account for asset interactions, data flows, and potential threats.

      • Regularly update these models to reflect changes in the environment or emerging threats.

      • Leverage automated tools like Avocado Reveal to streamline the threat modeling process.

  4. Supply Chain Security

    • Given that supply chain attacks have become increasingly common, organizations must enhance their security posture by:

      • Conducting thorough assessments of third-party vendors’ security practices.

      • Implementing stringent access controls and monitoring for any third-party interactions with OT systems.

      • Developing incident response plans that include scenarios involving supply chain breaches.

  5. Continuous Monitoring

A unified approach to monitoring IT and OT environments is essential for detecting anomalies early. This includes:

  • Deploying integrated security solutions that provide visibility across both domains.

  • Establishing a Cybersecurity Incident Response Team (CSIRT) capable of addressing incidents in real-time.


Increase in Threats


Application-level and OT-specific attacks are on the rise, with recent reports indicating a staggering 73% of organizations experiencing OT intrusions, up from 49% last year.


Additionally, 31% reported more than six intrusions in the past year, a significant increase from just 11% previously. As cybercriminals adapt to security measures, projections suggest that these trends will continue to escalate, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity strategies in both application and OT environments.


  1. Application-Level Malware: Reports indicate that application-layer attacks have been rising significantly. For instance, a 2022 report from the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) noted a 30% increase in application-layer attacks compared to previous years. This trend reflects the growing sophistication of attackers who exploit vulnerabilities in applications to gain access to sensitive data.

  2. OT Malware Variants: The number of cyber threats targeting Operational Technology (OT) has also surged. According to a report from Cybersecurity Ventures, OT-specific malware variants have increased by approximately 50% over the past two years. This rise is attributed to the increasing connectivity of industrial control systems and the growing focus on critical infrastructure.

The Role of Avocado Reveal Protect and Encrypt

In this evolving landscape, Avocado Reveal Protect and Encrypt stands out as a unique solution designed to address the complexities of modern cybersecurity challenges. Its patented technology offers:

  • Comprehensive Threat Modelling: Avocado Reveal automates threat modeling across applications, providing unparalleled visibility into vulnerabilities and potential attack vectors.

  • Real-Time Monitoring: The system continuously detects vulnerabilities at the moment they occur, allowing organizations to respond swiftly to threats before they escalate.

  • Process-Level Microsegmentation: By implementing microsegmentation at the process level, Avocado enhances Zero Trust security measures, effectively isolating critical applications from potential threats.

  • Integration with Existing Frameworks: Avocado’s capabilities align seamlessly with NIST guidelines, allowing organizations to enhance their compliance efforts while improving overall security posture.


Predictions for the Future

As we look ahead, several trends are likely to shape the future of OT security:


  • Increased Regulatory Pressure: Organizations will face heightened scrutiny regarding compliance with NIS2 requirements, leading to greater investment in cybersecurity measures.

  • Evolving Threat Landscape: The rise of sophisticated ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure will necessitate advanced defensive strategies.

  • Greater Emphasis on Automation: Tools that automate vulnerability management and threat modelling will become essential as organizations strive to keep pace with evolving threats.


Conclusion


As industries increasingly integrate IT and OT systems, CISOs must prfioritize a holistic approach to cybersecurity that encompasses risk management, supply chain security, threat vulnerability management, application-level protection, and threat modelling. The NIS2 Directive serves as a catalyst for change, urging organizations to adopt proactive measures against cyber threats. By leveraging advanced solutions like Avocado Reveal Protect and Encrypt, organizations can enhance their security posture while ensuring compliance with emerging regulations. As the landscape continues to evolve, staying informed about best practices and innovative technologies will be crucial for safeguarding critical infrastructure against future attacks.

Contact me colin@avocadosys.com if you want me to see what Avocado Systems patented products can do for your company. Here is a sample of what the products can do https://www.avocadosys.com/ & please check out the Webinar below for more advanced attacks and how they would be prevented.



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