The convergence of operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) has opened new doors for efficiency but also for cyber threats. In the realm of Industrial Control Systems (ICS), the risks are more than just digital—they can impact physical safety, production continuity, and national infrastructure integrity. At Saturn Partners, we keep a sharp focus on how cybercriminals are increasingly targeting these systems, especially as legacy technology and modern IIoT environments collide.
Cyberattacks on ICS environments are no longer rare. We’re seeing a steady rise in intellectual property theft, ransomware threats, and even nation-state infiltration. And yet, most of the industrial networks in use today were never built with cybersecurity in mind. Originally designed to be isolated, these systems are now increasingly connected for operational efficiency, inadvertently widening the attack surface.
Legacy Systems and the Skills Gap
SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, once the backbone of OT environments, are aging out. With many in service for more than 30 years, these systems pose two critical issues: lack of support for modern security protocols and a shrinking pool of skilled personnel. The engineers who built and maintained these systems are retiring, and the newer workforce often lacks training in both legacy systems and the advanced security tools needed to protect them.
The segmentation of newer industrial networks has also created entry points for attackers. Today’s adversaries are highly organized, well-funded, and often equipped with nation-state-level tools. This evolving threat landscape requires OT teams to secure not just new IIoT systems, but also the outdated infrastructure that’s still mission-critical.
Survey Data That Raises Red Flags
According to recent Fortinet studies:
- Nearly 50% of industrial organizations have experienced operational outages due to cyber incidents.
- 33% reported data loss, revenue loss, and reputational damage.
- 66% of OT security leaders admitted they don’t fully understand patch deployment status across devices.
- 90% of organizations that experienced an attack disclosed the event publicly, and nearly half said the impact was significant.
Clearly, industrial operators cannot afford to ignore OT cybersecurity any longer.
Bridging the OT-IT Gap: Tools and Best Practices
While IT and OT share some security fundamentals, OT security demands a different approach. Here’s what we recommend for a baseline ICS security strategy:
- Inventory and Segmentation: Maintain a full inventory of devices and software, and implement flat network segmentation to minimize lateral movement.
- Deep Packet Inspection (DPI): Use passive DPI firewalls to inspect ICS traffic without interfering with sensitive industrial processes.
- Intrusion Detection and Prevention: Deploy IDS to identify suspicious activity and IPS (Intrusion Prevention System) to block threats in real time. A Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) combining both capabilities should be tailored with industrial-grade threat signatures.
- Signature Management: Ensure your NGFW or IPS provider delivers high-quality, timely, and relevant signatures. Ask how signatures are created, validated, and updated.
- Zero-Day Readiness: Security services must be capable of identifying zero-day vulnerabilities through proactive research and post-attack analysis.
- Patch Management: Even in production-heavy environments, patches must be prioritized. Schedule maintenance windows and deploy updates strategically.
Final Thought: Expertise and Training Are Non-Negotiable
All ICS, including SCADA, DCS (Distributed Control Systems), and critical infrastructure are now in the crosshairs. While some IT security practices are applicable, ICS defense requires dedicated tools, processes, and people. Security software must be purpose-built, maintained by OT-specific vendors, and supported by engineering firms with real-world experience.
Just as importantly, your in-house teams must be continuously trained and engaged with the cybersecurity lifecycle. Regular training and strong collaboration between cybersecurity teams and industrial engineers are essential.
If you’re unsure how your OT systems measure up or you know it’s time to revisit your risk posture our team at Saturn Partners is here to help. Let’s protect what drives your operations.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation tailored to your ICS and OT cybersecurity needs.