Machina Matrix: OT Security and Operations in Cyber Overdrive Building Operational Resilience

In the era of smart factories, the convergence of IT and OT systems, and the rise of the distributed workforce, the traditional concept of air gaps has become obsolete. Surprisingly, Operational Technology (OT) security budgets still hover between 3% to 5% of total cybersecurity spend. This presentation delves into the dynamic relationship between OT security and operations teams, exploring the challenges they face in aligning objectives and seizing the opportunities presented by security by design and operation. The session emphasizes how decisions regarding data architecture, system maintenance, and design can yield substantial benefits for both OT security and operations teams. For instance, the shift from traditional VPN architectures to OT data lakes supporting read-only use cases with fine-grained data access controls can enhance collaboration. By creating shared views of system and equipment data, security and operations teams can streamline troubleshooting, reduce Mean Time to Repair (MTTR), and optimize spending on upgrades and maintenance. Additionally, the presentation highlights the critical role of next-gen factories and greenfield projects in integrating cyber resilience into lifecycle budgeting, addressing often overlooked cybersecurity aspects such as End of Life of software products. Attendees will gain insights into strategic investments that promise significant Return on Investment (ROI) for both OT Security and Operations. The session will feature real-world examples of ROI sources and provide guidance on quantifying impact to support investment decisions, ultimately fostering stakeholder engagement and securing leadership buy-in for collaborative cybersecurity initiatives. Join us to explore how collaborative efforts between operations and security can enhance efficiency, reduce labor costs, and mitigate the probability of events impacting operation in the industrial context.
SANS ICS Security Summit 2024
Machina Matrix: OT Security and Operations in Cyber Overdrive Building Operational Resilience
Susan Peterson Sturm, Senior Director, Cybersecurity Business Development & Strategic Partnerships, Wabtec
Tomomi Aoyama, Senior Director of Product, Omny
View upcoming Summits: www.sans.org/u/DuS