### Introduction
As cyberattacks continue to increase in frequency and complexity, critical infrastructure is coming under greater scrutiny. The National Cybersecurity Strategy has rightly sensitized the stakeholders in the industrial world to a range of potential risks, including those relating to information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT). However, as Dr. Terence Liu and Jeff DePasse of TXOne Networks note, the policies that work for IT might not necessarily provide adequate protection for OT systems.
### Threats to Critical Infrastructure
The risks posed by cyber attacks against industrial control systems (ICS) have been well documented. Bad actors who wish to target vulnerable ICSs, especially critical infrastructure like the power grid, water supply and transportation networks, are often looking for more than just financial gain. They may want to interrupt operations, damage equipment or even cause loss of life.
### Evolution of Industrial Security Solutions
In order to stay ahead of the perpetrators of these attacks, there has been an evolution in the approaches to industrial security solutions. Traditional network security is no longer sufficient; instead, a multi-layered, defense-in-depth approach is necessary. Organizations like TXOne Networks have developed cutting-edge solutions that take into account the complexities of OT environments. Their customized offerings, designed specifically for ICS and OT environments, are helping to ensure system reliability and safety from cyberattacks.
### Zero Trust in OT Applications
One area of particular interest to Liu and DePasse is zero trust. The principle of zero trust assumes that everything – and everyone – is potentially a threat, and as such, access controls should be as strict as possible. This principle has been applied to IT environments, but Liu and DePasse argue that it can be equally as effective in OT applications. By adopting zero trust, organizations can ensure access to their systems and devices is closely managed, mitigating the risk of unauthorized access.
### Conclusion
As the threat landscape in the industrial world continues to evolve, it is clear that a one-size-fits-all solution will not suffice. Industrial security solutions need to be constantly reevaluated and adapted to respond to new threats. In conclusion, Dr. Terence Liu and Jeff DePasse’s insight reinforces the importance of investing in truly effective industrial cybersecurity solutions that can guard against ever-evolving threats. Furthermore, zero trust can be an effective approach to cybersecurity in OT environments, tightening access controls to defeat unauthorized entry attempts.
<< photo by Elliott Ledain >>
