Best Practices for Securing OT Environments: The Power of Network Segmentation
A recent survey of ICS/OT professionals by Fortinet [1] reveals an alarming trend: both cyber intrusions and their negative impacts have significantly increased. 73% of OT professionals experienced intrusions impacting OT systems, up significantly from 49% in 2023, with 55% suffering operational outages.
Fortinet [1], SANS [2], NIST [3] all emphasize network segmentation as essential for building a defensible architecture and improving ICS/OT security.
However, many security leaders hesitate to implement segmentation solutions because they require complex network re-configuration and re-IP addressing—a process that causes extensive manufacturing downtime. This leads companies to either accept risks or rely on threat monitoring instead of implementing a defensible architecture that could contain attacks and reduce their impact in the event of an attack.
Fortunately, recent innovations now enable micro-segmentation of large factories within hours instead of weeks or months, all without operational downtime.
Defensible Architecture Best Practices
A defensible architecture is crucial for containing both ransomware and non-ransomware attacks. This strategy must integrate with other security measures, including a defense-in-depth approach, as outlined in the Fortinet [1], SANS [2], NIST [3] reports.
Deploy Segmentation: Create distinct zones between OT and IT networks
Establish Comprehensive Visibility: Deploy tools to identify all devices on OT networks
Integrate OT into Security Operations: Create OT specific incident response plans
Adopt a Platform Approach: Consolidate solutions to reduce complexity
Leverage OT-specific Threat Intelligence for OT applications and devices
The SANS report also highlights some key best practice technology controls:
ICS/OT-specific visibility and monitoring
Access controls and secure remote access with MFA
Endpoint detection and response
Backup and recovery tools
Organizations that implemented defensible architecture best security measures report improved response time to security incidents, enhanced operational efficiency, better alignment with business priorities, and strengthened compliance with industry regulations.
Path Forward: Implementing Segmentation with Zero-Downtime
Traditional network segmentation is often avoided due to its disruptive nature. However, Opscura's patented crypto-segmentation technology provides a major breakthrough.
How Opscura Works
Opscura operates at OSI Layer 2, ensuring compatibility with widely used protocols like Profibus, GOOSE, BACNet, and Modbus. This approach allows seamless segmentation without requiring re-IP addressing or complex network changes.
All OT traffic is funneled through encrypted tunnels, instantly cloaking the entire OT network from attackers and preventing any network reconnaissance attempts and lateral movement.
The crypto-tunnels remain invisible to the OT network while providing the same benefits as traditional network segmentation—but without the extensive downtime typically required.
Opscura's innovative approach completely eliminates the downtime barrier by implementing crypto-segmentation in hours instead of weeks.
Real Results: Complete Drop-In Protection
Opscura combines multiple protection technologies into a single drop-in appliance, providing a cost-effective, disruption-free solution that addresses most OT/ICS cybersecurity challenges.
Provides basic Network Asset/Traffic Visibility
Extracts OT traffic for 3rd Party visibility solutions
Provides Instant Network Segmentation
Encrypts the OT Network Traffic
Cloaks Assets & Vulnerabilities
Provides ZERO Trust Access Control with MFA
Taking Action: Strengthen OT Defenses
As cyber threats continue to evolve, organizations must make defensible architecture—with network segmentation at its core—their top priority. The first steps are to assess your current security posture, document IT-OT boundaries, and explore innovative solutions that don't cause operational downtime.
Companies that put strong segmentation and visibility measures in place see consistent benefits: faster incident response, better operational efficiency, and improved business alignment.
It’s time to move beyond traditional barriers and embrace the future of OT security.
References
[1] State of Operational Technology and Cybersecurity Report, Fortinet, 2024
[2] SANS 2024 State of ICS/OT Cybersecurity
[3] Guide to Operational Technology (OT) Security, NIST SP 800-82r3
