The growing intersection between operational technology and advanced connectivity necessitates a new security approach in the energy industry.
Digitalisation has brought new possibilities as well as new risks in its wake. While energy companies are trying to address the escalating cyber risks in information technology systems, operational technology systems are also undergoing an evolving set of threats. The conventional method of protecting energy infrastructure can only impact operational technology security since the solutions do not continuously adapt to Industrial Control Systems (ICS). Thus, targeted OT security is becoming mandatory for the energy industry, driving stakeholders towards creative approaches and upgraded capabilities.
The deployment of IoT and IIoT technologies has peaked in recent times. Most of the companies in the energy industry today have IoT and IIoT networks connecting the ICS. When critical operational infrastructures are connected, they run the risk of exposure.
Hackers on the prowl now have access to advanced tools and technologies which they can leverage to identify weak points in the connectivity to launch attacks on the OT. Hence, unprotected systems are vulnerable to targeted attacks, which can cripple entire power plants, and electric grids resulting in long-term outages. This will consequently impact every facility dependent on electricity supply.
One method for the energy sector to ensure OT safety is developing mechanisms that allow real-time monitoring of the ICS. Incorporating the monitoring and sensing systems into energy infrastructure from the outset makes it possible to have excellent opportunities for OT security. A tactic that makes risks discoverable without impacting the efficiency of operational systems is the ideal one. Each device in a network can contribute to safety instead of resulting in an increased attack surface.
As order methods become outdated and inefficient, energy companies should now focus on enhancing situational awareness with the help of technological, data-backed interventions. Modern risk reporting and automated response mechanisms can significantly boost OT security, enabling energy companies to ace digital transformation benefits while avoiding security issues.
