IT and OT – two worlds that both need to be secured
“I’ve been working in the industry for over 25 years, and there’s one thing I’m absolutely sure of: Security has never been more important. The cyberthreats we see today are far more serious than before, and businesses need to adapt quickly, both in terms of IT and OT,” says Ove.
OT systems differ from IT systems in that they potentially have a longer lifespan. While IT systems are regularly updated, OT systems can be operational for 20-25 years without major changes. This creates security gaps that attackers can exploit if not addressed. At the same time, digitalisation has led to OT systems increasingly connecting to networks, making them more vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Real threats require real solutions
Cyberattacks on OT systems can have serious consequences for both your business and society. Production downtime, serious financial losses and critical societal disruptions are real scenarios that you need to consider.
Older OT systems are often connected directly to networks, without security monitoring, which can lead to attacks that remain undetected for a long time. Hackers can exploit these vulnerabilities to access critical systems, which can result in you experiencing data loss and production downtime.
“Many people don’t know that older systems often allow direct access by suppliers without adequate security measures. We also see production PCs that have not been updated for many years and are extremely vulnerable. When such systems connect to a network, this enables attacks without anyone necessarily detecting them.
Ove also emphasises the importance of thinking about a unified approach to security:
“An advanced firewall won’t help if your OT systems have access paths that the IT department is unaware of. Furthermore, the OT environment itself can be on “network islands” that no one monitors. This is a risk that you need to be in control of.”
To meet the increasing demands on OT security, Embriq has partnered with Secure NOK, an OT security specialist.
“Together, we now offer a unified security solution that gives our customers a full overview of their risks. In practice, this means that the systems that monitor and protect IT are also adapted to your OT environments, giving your business even more comprehensive protection,” continues Ove.
NIS2 – a necessity for your future security
With the introduction of the NIS2 Directive, the security requirements for your critical infrastructure are being tightened and this will affect a lot of businesses in the future.
“NIS2 requires that you map and secure your OT systems on an equal footing with IT. Many companies don’t have the capacity to handle this alone – and that’s where we at Embriq come in,” explains Ove.
Embriq helps you understand the risks, implement the measures necessary and ensure your business complies with the regulations. The goal is to ensure that production is not only secure today, but also in the future.
Securing OT is an investment in stable operations
Ove adds that security is not just about protecting yourself from cyberattacks, but also about having good procedures in place for quick error rectification and learning. Through continuous monitoring and a proactive approach, Embriq can help you ward off threats before they can do any damage. If an attack occurs, we’re on the case right away, we solve the problem and improve your systems for the future.
“A unified OT security strategy ensures stability and prevents costly disruptions. We map attack vectors, build systems that monitor threats and ensure you have full control. It’s all about being ahead of the game, so you avoid a crisis before it occurs,” he says.
Want to know more?
Securing both your IT and OT systems is no longer a choice – it’s a necessity. Are you sure your infrastructure is adequately protected?