The convergence of information technology (IT) and operations technology (OT) has created a complex landscape that many internal teams struggle to navigate alone. This is where managed services for OT cybersecurity are stepping in, offering specialized expertise to supplement and enhance internal teams and capabilities.
The evolution of technologies used in manufacuring—such as AI, IoT and remote access—has exposed critical infrastructure to new cybersecurity risks. Traditional IT approaches to security cannot be applied directly to OT environments due to their unique requirements and constraints.
Key challenges include:
- IT-OT convergence: Bridging the knowledge gap between IT and OT operations and security practices.
- Legacy systems: Securing older, often unsupported systems that are common in OT environments.
- Continuous operations: Implementing security measures with minimal disruption to critical manufacturing and infrastructure processes.
- Regulatory compliance: Adhering to industry-specific regulations and standards.
- Specialized threats: Defending against attacks specifically targeting industrial control systems.
Using managed services to supplement internal teams
Organizations can address these challenges by partnering with managed services providers that specialize in OT cybersecurity.
Here's how external experts can complement internal teams:
- Specialized expertise: Managed service providers bring in-depth knowledge of both IT and OT systems, as well as industry-specific expertise. This can fill knowledge gaps within internal teams and provide insights into emerging threats and best practices. The OT ecosystem is stepping up initiatives to fill the void of expertise and knowledge regarding industrial control systems (ICS).
- 24/7 monitoring and incident response: External teams can provide round-the-clock monitoring and rapid response capabilities, augmenting internal resources and ensuring constant cybersecurity vigilance.
- Advanced threat intelligence: Managed services often have access to broader threat intelligence networks, allowing them to identify and respond to new threats more quickly than internal teams might be able to respond.
- Scalability and flexibility: External services can scale resources up or down based on organizational and business needs, providing flexibility that can be difficult to achieve with internal staffing alone.
- Technology stack enhancement: Managed service providers often bring advanced tools and technologies that can integrate with and enhance existing internal security infrastructure.
- Compliance support: External experts can help navigate complex regulatory landscapes, ensuring that OT security measures meet all necessary compliance requirements.
- Training and knowledge transfer: By working alongside managed service providers, internal teams can gain valuable knowledge and skills, enhancing their own capabilities over time.
- Objective risk assessment: External experts can provide an unbiased view of the organization's security posture, identifying blind spots that internal teams might overlook.
Implement a hybrid approach
To maximize the benefits of managed services, organizations should consider a hybrid approach that combines internal expertise with external support. Following are five key ways a hybrid approach benefits manufacturing operations:
- Assess internal capabilities: Identify strengths and gaps in the internal team's skills and resources.
- Define clear roles: Establish clear responsibilities for internal and external teams to ensure seamless collaboration.
- Integrate systems and processes: Ensure that managed services can integrate smoothly with existing security operations and incident response processes.
- Foster communication: Establish regular touchpoints between internal and external teams to share insights and align strategies.
- Continuous evaluation: Regularly assess the effectiveness of the hybrid model and adjust as needed.
Delivering a comprehensive approach
Considering the complexity of OT environments, combined with the heightened risk of adverse cyber events, the need for specialized OT cybersecurity expertise has never been greater. By leveraging managed services to supplement internal teams, organizations can build a robust, comprehensive approach to OT security. This hybrid model combines the deep institutional knowledge of internal staff with the specialized skills and advanced capabilities of external experts, creating a security posture that is both stronger and more adaptable to emerging threats.
In an era where cyber threats to critical infrastructure are constantly evolving, this collaborative approach to OT cybersecurity is not just beneficial—it's becoming essential. Managed services is the ideal solution for organizations who want to protect their operations and maintain resilience in this age of heightened OT cybersecurity awareness.
Dino Busalachi is CTO and co-founder of Velta Technology, a certified member of the Control System Integrators Association (CSIA). For more information about Velta Technology, visit its profile on the CSIA Industrial Automation Exchange.
