Trends that Could Shape OT Security in 2024
Discover the transformative shifts reshaping Operational Technology (OT) security in an evolving threat landscape.
2023 has been a milestone year for industrial cybersecurity. In today’s interconnected digital landscape, the protection of OT systems has become increasingly important and so is the need for robust OT security measures. Organizations worldwide face increasing scrutiny, from pressure to adhere to new and updated cyber regulations for critical infrastructure to increasing their adoption of OT security best practices.
As we peer into 2024, our OT security experts at Tenable see a number of pivotal trends that are set to redefine the sector. We believe these trends will require OT security teams to:
- Rethink strategies for integration and collaboration with their IT counterparts;
- Adopt a more holistic approach and mature playbook for OT security;
- Prepare for a continued rise of ransomware attacks against OT; and,
- Expand cybersecurity practices beyond simple patch management;
Read on to learn more about these trends, and watch an in-depth panel discussion: 2024 OT Security Trends — From the Boardroom to the Industrial Floor. The webinar features Marty Edwards, Tenable's Deputy CTO IT/IoT and guest speaker Brian Wrozek, Principal Analyst at Forrester, in a moderated roundtable discussion.
Holistic security: Going beyond OT silos
In our work with customers, Tenable’s OT security experts are seeing the convergence of IT and OT continue to accelerate, as well as the convergence of OT-related security products, from exposure management to integration between multiple OT security vendors. This requires organizations to take a more holistic view of their security practices in the year ahead. Successful security strategies demand a comprehensive evaluation across the entire company, and the ability to single out exposures pertinent to the OT environment. A more holistic approach to security requires integration of both IT and OT security, which is only possible through a collaborative relationship between the two disciplines.
Organizations must evolve their OT security playbooks to encompass a range of scenarios, draw from a robust knowledge base, outline incident response protocols and define strategic reactions. The evolution of playbooks will predominantly stem from OT vendors, who are actively refining and disseminating them. Their urgency is underscored by the continued rise of ransomware attacks targeting OT environments. The need for a more advanced, adaptable and preemptive approach to safeguarding OT infrastructure has never been more critical.
We’re also witnessing a shift in vulnerability management as organizations are moving from just worrying about fixing small problems in their systems to understanding how devices are used in a bigger picture. We believe a partnership between IT and OT teams is necessary to reduce risks and vulnerabilities, without compromising operational agility.
Holistic approaches to security require organizations to extend their practices into the realms of compliance and financial evaluations of security investments. As climate control regulations and preferences evolve, security efforts also need to extend to building management systems (BMS) and internet of things (IoT) devices, which play a pivotal role in reducing energy consumption. Security leaders will also do well to consider the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in optimizing operations. Grid Security Infrastructure (GSI) vendors and managed security service providers (MSSPs) will also continue to expand into the OT cyber business in 2024. Each of these facets interlace to create an environment in which collaboration, contextual understanding and proactive strategies are the cornerstones of safeguarding OT environments in 2024.
Looking for more key trends and strategies for OT security in 2024?
Join us for a webinar as part of our Tenable OT Security Leadership Series, in which industry leaders delve deeper into these trends and equip you with the insights and strategies necessary to navigate the evolving landscape of OT security in 2024.
In this webinar, you will hear insights from Tenable experts on:
- New attack tactics and defense techniques;
- What to expect from an evolving regulatory landscape;
- Latest trends in the market for cyber insurance;
- Key business drivers that lead to OT/IoT/industrial internet of things (IIoT) device adoption; and
- How to calculate return on investment for OT versus IT security.
Register to view the webinar: 2024 OT Security Trends — From the Boardroom to the Industrial Floor
Don't miss this opportunity to safeguard your company and be at the forefront of OT security in 2024!
Learn more
- Explore the Tenable OT Security Leadership Series
- Learn more about shifts in OT Security roles and responsibilities
- Visit the Tenable OT Security product page
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- Industrial Control Systems Monitoring
- IT/OT
- OT Security