OPERATIONS
RNS IN LD
In the growing threat landscape businesses must implement a comprehensive OT security strategy to reduce security risks and protect critical infrastructure
WRITTEN BY : KATY ALLAN
Operational technology ( OT ) security is crucial for safeguarding industrial control systems ( ICS ) and other critical infrastructure from cyberattacks . These systems manage and monitor physical processes , making them susceptible to disruptions that could have severe consequences .
OT systems face a range of security vulnerabilities , including malware infiltration , human error , lack of visibility , outdated software and insecure remote access . Malware can enter systems through phishing emails , infected removable media , or unpatched software vulnerabilities . Human error , such as clicking on malicious links or opening infected attachments , can also provide attackers with access to OT systems . Lack of visibility , outdated software , and insecure remote access are all other leading causes of OT security vulnerabilities .
Common vulnerabilities in OT security In 2023 , ransomware activity remained high , with threat actors claiming hundreds of new victims and attacks increasing by more than 95 % compared to the year before . Paul Evans , Principal Sales Engineer of Northern Europe at Nozomi Networks says : “ The most impactful ransomware event was orchestrated by the Cl0p ransomware gang , which continues to exploit the CVE- 2023-34362 vulnerability in MOVEit Transfer software , with the first known exploits deployed at the end of May .
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