Exploring the importance of Honeywell’s new OT cybersecurity solution

New Honeywell OT Cybersecurity Solution Helps Identify Vulnerabilities, Threats

Honeywell recently announced the launch of a new cybersecurity solution, known as Cyber Insights, designed to help organizations identify vulnerabilities and threats in their OT (operational technology) environments. This solution is part of its Forge cybersecurity offering, specifically designed for OT systems. The tool collects data from Honeywell products and various existing third-party security solutions, including vulnerability data, security events, potential threats, and compliance issues. It provides curated near real-time and historical information that can be leveraged by on-site staff for threat hunting or for conducting investigations, and incidents can be forwarded to either an off-site SOC or to a managed security service provider like Honeywell.

Importance of OT Cybersecurity Solutions

As operational technology (OT) has proliferated across industrial environments and the IoT (Internet of Things) devices have become more common and capable, the importance of ensuring their cybersecurity has skyrocketed. These systems, which are typically involved in processes like managing power grids, production lines, or water treatment plants, are often subject to attacks, which can cause significant disruption, damage to equipment, and even endanger human lives. Given that many of these systems are critical infrastructure that are connected to the internet but not necessarily designed with cyber protection in mind, having dedicated cybersecurity solutions such as Honeywell’s Cyber Insights in place can help ensure that assets are monitored and potential issues are addressed in real-time.

Philosophical Discussion: Leveraging Technology in OT Cybersecurity Solutions

One interesting aspect of Honeywell’s Cyber Insights solution is that it emphasizes the importance of leveraging technology in order to secure operational technology. While technologically-savvy actors have been responsible for many of the highest-profile attacks on major industrial facilities in recent years, it is also labor shortages in key cybersecurity positions that have left major organizations vulnerable to attack. Having tools such as Cyber Insights installed in a facility can help augment these personnel shortages and bring visibility to potential threats and vulnerabilities that would otherwise go unnoticed.

Advice for Organizations

For organizations that have OT systems that require cybersecurity solutions, it is essential to consider adopting tools such as Honeywell’s Cyber Insights to detect vulnerabilities and threats in real-time. It is also important to ensure that systems are adequately monitored and that personnel have access to the resources they need to take action when incidents occur. In addition, businesses should carefully assess their own capabilities and consider partnering with a skilled managed security service provider in order to ensure that their OT systems are appropriately maintained over time. Finally, organizations should prioritize the implementation of OT cybersecurity solutions and set goals and milestones for regular cybersecurity checkups to help ensure that assets are continually protected.