Changes in today’s global and local marketplaces are hitting every organization from every direction—whether it’s the cost of raw materials, tighter shipping margins, or increased worldwide competition. But perhaps the biggest equalizer affecting all industries right now is the growing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks. Regardless of your size—whether a small manufacturer or a massive utility—your ability to withstand and respond to attacks will increasingly define your resilience.
The threat landscape has become too large and too fast-moving to ignore. And if you’re planning for growth, digitalization, or operational expansion, it’s critical to recognize that every new device or connection expands your attack surface.
Converging Systems, Expanding Risks
Operational Technology (OT) and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) were once isolated from the internet—a comfort zone of limited exposure. But the need for connectivity in modern automation, logistics, HVAC, manufacturing, and maritime sectors has changed the game. Connectivity brings speed, insight, and efficiency—but also vulnerability.
Executives must now view cybersecurity not as a tech issue, but as a core part of their operations plan. Gone are the days when operational resilience meant being prepared only for weather events or power outages. Cybersecurity now sits alongside those traditional concerns as a critical business continuity risk.
IoT Blind Spots and Identity Risks
The rapid spread of connected devices across industrial environments has created unseen risks. Printers, cameras, and sensors—all seemingly benign—can be vulnerable to weak passwords, default credentials, and poor network hygiene. These entry points are often overlooked, especially in SMBs with stretched IT departments or limited cybersecurity skill sets.
In a 2023 CyberArk survey, 99% of respondents expected an identity-related compromise in the coming year. The reason? Ongoing cloud adoption, legacy system migration, and automation—all contributing to a wider and more complex attack surface.
Security Starts Before Installation
Whether integrating facial recognition tech in a casino or upgrading HVAC systems in a smart building, organizations must build security in from day one. Before any new equipment is brought in, penetration testing and vulnerability assessments—both internal and external—should be conducted. After installation, test again. These assessments aren’t just technical steps—they should become part of your operational documentation and regularly rehearsed through tabletop exercises.
And for those who lack the in-house staff to monitor threats in real time, Virtual Security Operations Centers (vSOCs) are a strong and scalable option. A vSOC provides 24/7 monitoring and remediation—catching the 3 a.m. Saturday intrusion attempts you never saw coming.
Critical Infrastructure Is Most at Risk
The energy and utility sectors continue to be among the most vulnerable, and the most targeted. As systems modernize and digital transformation continues, the risks will grow. Many industries are not only underprepared—they’re still clinging to the belief that they’re too small to be targeted. This false sense of security has left numerous companies exposed and under-protected.
Real-World Consequences
Recent breaches underscore just how real the risks are:
- A Canadian mining company shut down for a week due to a ransomware attack that forced a reversion to manual processes.
- A UK water company had its chemical control systems compromised, leading to customer data being published on the dark web.
- A U.S. agricultural equipment firm saw manufacturing operations impacted by ransomware, disrupting production and business continuity.
Each of these incidents began with a seemingly minor vulnerability—an overlooked system or unprotected access point.
Final Thought: Security Is a Process, Not a Product
Whether you’re dealing with legacy SCADA systems, smart building tech, or full-scale industrial automation, your defense strategy must be layered, rehearsed, and constantly evolving. The days of relying on perimeter-only security are long gone. Today’s threats demand proactive planning, skilled teams, and tested response plans.
And remember—security isn’t something you buy once. It’s a continuous process that must be revisited, refined, and reinforced over time.
As we’ve said since founding this company in 2001: Security is a process—not a product.
Need help designing a cybersecurity roadmap for your IoT/OT environment?
Contact Saturn Partners for a consultation and learn how we help organizations of all sizes harden their environments against today’s cyber threats.