Prioritizing and Enhancing Full Situational Awareness in Operational Technology (OT) Assets

OT systems serve as the backbone of critical infrastructure across a multitude of industries. The integration of OT systems into modern industrial environments brings with it a unique set of challenges that demand innovative security approaches. The distinctive characteristics of OT systems, including legacy equipment, extended life cycles, and their convergence with IT networks, present complexities that traditional security methods struggle to address effectively.

These inherent weaknesses in OT environments make them attractive targets for threat actors seeking to exploit high impact vulnerabilities. Consequently, safeguarding OT systems against cyber threats is paramount to ensuring reliability, safety, and resilience within industrial operations.

Full situational awareness in OT assets is no longer a luxury but a necessity. This paper explores the unique vulnerabilities of OT environments, the current threat landscape, and provides an authoritative perspective on implementing robust security measures to safeguard against potential cyberattacks.