Operational Technology (OT) is the backbone of industries that are essential to our everyday life and economy, including manufacturing, automotive, transportation, oil & gas, energy, and utilities. In the past, OT systems were primarily composed of specialized hardware and software that operated in isolation from broader network connections. However, the landscape of OT has evolved dramatically. Today, these systems frequently incorporate general-purpose hardware and software, similar to those found within IT environments. This integration of IT elements into the OT realm presents unique challenges, particularly in bridging the gap between IT and Engineering teams regarding the optimal methods for managing, maintaining, and safeguarding these technologies.
The transition of IT technology into OT systems, while innovative, has also introduced vulnerabilities. Historically, it is these IT devices that have served as entry points for attackers aiming to compromise the specialized OT devices, such as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). The critical nature of OT security cannot be overstated. It is essential for organizations to address the risk of cyber-attacks and bolster their defenses against internal and external threats. These threats, regardless of origin, pose serious risks to operational continuity, safety, and resilience across various sectors.
To counter these threats and enhance the security posture of OT environments, the IEC 62443 series of security standards has been established, providing comprehensive guidance and authoritative insight into industrial security practices.
Read the Using Armis to Enable the IEC62443 Standard for OT Security e-Book to answer the following questions and learn more about adopting the standards for your organization.
- What is the IEC 62443 standard?
- How does Armis support IEC 62443 compliance?
- What does the process of securing your critical infrastructure with Armis look like?