Operational Technology (OT) Cybersecurity

The digitalization of the industry as a challenge

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Security for operational technology: protecting your industrial infrastructure

The digitalization and networking of operational technology (OT) environments holds enormous potential for increasing efficiency and quality. At the same time, however, it increases complexity and the attack surface for cyber threats. OT security is therefore a decisive factor for the success and resilience of modern industrial processes.

Challenges in OT environments

OT systems, such as SCADA or Distributed Control Systems (DCS), are characterized by long life cycles of 15 to 20 years or more. These long innovation cycles mean that many systems are inadequately protected against current cyber threats. In addition, many of these operational technology systems are restricted by regulatory requirements that make changes or upgrades considerably more difficult.

A further risk arises from the growing networking of OT and IT systems. While the increasing integration of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and cloud technologies in OT environments improves data utilization and process control, it also increases the risk of security breaches and malware attacks.

Customized OT security strategies

To minimize these risks, we at CANCOM Austria AG develop tailor-made security solutions for your critical infrastructure. Based on proven frameworks such as IEC 62443 (Security for Industrial Automation and Control Systems) and NIST 800-82 (Guide to Operational Technology Security), we rely on standardized security architectures that are specifically tailored to OT environments.

Our security measures include

Network segmentation: separation of IT and OT networks to shorten attack paths.
Zero Trust models: Minimizing unauthorized access through strict access policies.
Monitoring and detection: Use of tools for real-time detection and defense against known and unknown threats.
Hardening OT devices: Protecting critical hardware and software from malware and advanced persistent threats (APTs).

Understanding the difference between IT and OT

The difference between IT and OT systems requires specialized security approaches. While IT systems are designed to protect data and applications, OT systems focus on the integrity and availability of industrial processes. These different priorities require

Security strategies that take both IT and OT needs into account.
Protection mechanisms that are specifically optimized for OT networks such as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Industrial Control Systems (ICS).

Your advantages with CANCOM

With our comprehensive OT security solutions, you benefit from:

Transparency and control over your OT infrastructure.
Protective measures that are tailored to the requirements of your industry and your systems.
Best practices that minimize risks and ensure the security of your operational technology infrastructure.

We work with you to develop a robust OT security strategy that protects your critical infrastructure and ensures the secure operation of your industrial processes. Rely on CANCOM to prepare your OT environments for the future - effectively, sustainably and adaptably.

What is the difference between information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT)?

Information Technology (IT)

Information technology is home to hardware and software for processing, storing and transferring data and information to support business processes, decision-making and communication. This involves processing digital data such as texts, images, videos and other media. Standard IP networks and protocols such as web (https), name resolution (dns) or for authentication and authorization (ldaps) can be found in an IT environment. Data can usually be processed with a certain delay without this leading to serious problems in the business process.

Operational Technology (OT)

In an operating and automation technology, an OT environment, hardware and software components are used to control and monitor physical processes and systems. These usually process analog or digital data, which has a direct impact on the efficiency, physical security and reliability of operational processes. Due to various requirements in such environments, specialized, proprietary protocols and networks have been established that are optimized for automation. Protocols such as Profinet, Modbus, DNP3 and many more are frequently found in such networks. Real-time processing is crucial in operating and automation technology, as delays in the control of physical processes can have an impact on safety and therefore be dangerous for the environment. In addition, productions are subject to regulatory requirements aimed at safety and reliability.

The cybersecurity of these systems is increasingly becoming a priority, as they are vulnerable to cyber attacks. Our OT security measures protect production environments from threats and guarantee smooth operations.

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Threats and challenges in OT environments

The most common threats include:

Ransomware attacks
Sabotage of production facilities
Manipulation of sensor data
Attacks on SCADA systems
Visualization: An animated or interactive representation of a typical OT system with highlighted threat points.

The most common challenges include

No regulated areas of responsibility
Legacy systems (outdated, no longer supported operating systems)
Proprietary devices (controllers, sensors, motors, etc.)
Remote access

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Services

OT Security Consulting
We analyze your existing systems, identify vulnerabilities (gap assessment) and develop tailor-made security strategies to minimize risks.
Architecture and implementation services
Our experts design and implement future-proof OT security architectures that are perfectly tailored to your requirements and business objectives.
Integration of security solutions
We integrate state-of-the-art security technologies for your OT systems to ensure seamless protection.
Definition of operating processes
We support you in creating the necessary operating processes to ensure that your environment remains secure and highly available in the long term.
Managed Services
Leave the responsibility for smooth operating processes to us so that your environment remains secure and highly available in the long term.
Compliance and regulatory advice
We navigate you through the complex world of legal requirements and ensure that your systems meet all relevant standards.

OT security for your company, your customers and partners

Stakeholder trust

Demonstrating a strong commitment to cybersecurity through compliance with international standards can strengthen the trust of customers, partners and regulators in the company.

Protection against cyber attacks

Industrial control systems are increasingly the target of cyber attacks. These attacks can lead to operational disruptions, production losses, data loss or even danger to employees and the environment.

Prevention of business interruptions

Security incidents can lead to significant business interruptions. The application of IEC 62443 helps to avoid such incidents or minimize their impact by implementing safe and adequate protective measures.

Competitive advantage

Companies that demonstrably adhere to high security standards can use this as a competitive advantage , as more and more customers are attaching importance to secure products and production environments.

Legal and regulatory requirements

In many countries, legal and regulatory requirements are placed on the safety of industrial control systems. Compliance with IEC 62243 can help companies to meet these requirements and minimize legal risks.