Fundamentals:
- Incident Response Plan (IRP): Do you have an IRP that includes your OT environments and assets? An IT IRP won’t suffice.
- Testing IRP: When was the last time you tested your OT Incident Response Plan?
- Defining OT Assets: Ensure you have a clear definition or list of your OT assets.
In high-availability environments with often outdated equipment, finding a roadmap to operational security can be challenging. Our Tabletop BTR Exercise (TTX) can test critical components of an OT IRP without risking downtime or causing unexpected results in a sensitive production environment.
History of OT Security
Operational Technology (OT) systems monitor or control production equipment, assets, processes, and events. Commonly found in critical infrastructure, these systems are increasingly targeted by cyberattacks. According to the 2021 Internet Crime Report, 649 complaints were filed by critical infrastructure organizations targeted by ransomware attacks.
Cyber-attacks on OT environments aren’t new. The Stuxnet worm, discovered in 2010, highlighted the vulnerabilities in cyber-physical systems. Since then, attacks have only escalated.
Importance of OT Security
OT environments have unique security considerations. In 2022, the cost of a ransomware attack on critical infrastructure hit a record $4.82 million USD (IBM & Ponemon Institute data):
- 27% of companies faced destructive or ransomware-specific attacks.
- 57% stated their OT environments are not cyber-ready.
- 55% lack confidence in minimizing cyber exploit risks.
These statistics highlight the urgent need for robust OT security measures. Traditional methods like air-gapping are no longer sufficient, given the increased IT/OT convergence.
Benefits of our Tabletop BTR Exercises
Tabletop BTR Exercises (TTX) are informal, discussion-based sessions where teams review their roles and responses to hypothetical incidents. By combining TTX with our Cyber Range BTR, we achieve exceptional results. This integrated approach helps identify gaps in Incident Response (IR) plans, enhances team coordination, and ensures preparedness for real-world scenarios.
Additional Benefits:
- No Wrong Answers: TTX is not an audit; it’s a safe space for discussion.
- Identify Gaps: Reveals missing steps in IR plans and conflicting perspectives.
- Adapt to Changes: Tests responses to evolving global events.
Tabletop BTR Exercise for OT Security Improvement
A TTX BTR can be a powerful tool to assess and improve your OT security posture, no matter where you are on your security maturity journey.
Effective Mitigation Strategies:
- Forming a cross-functional incident response team.
- Having an OT-specific Incident Response Plan (IRP).
- Regularly testing the IRP.
Organizations that follow these guidelines can see up to a 58% cost reduction during data breaches, saving up to $2.66 million USD.
Differences Between IT and OT Tabletop Exercises
IT and OT have different priorities:
- IT: Focuses on Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability (CIA).
- OT: Prioritizes Safety, Integrity, Availability, and Confidentiality (SIAC).
Understanding these differences is crucial for effective collaboration between IT and OT teams during TTX.
Enhancing OT Security with Cyber Range BTR and Tabletop BTR
Our Cyber Range BTR provides a realistic, hosted environment for comprehensive OT security training. It allows for detailed simulations of cyber-attacks, helping to identify vulnerabilities and improve response strategies without risking actual OT systems.
Our Tabletop BTR exercises complement this by offering scenario-based discussions that test and refine your Incident Response Plan. Together, they form a robust approach to securing your OT environments.
Key Benefits:
- Realistic Training: Enhance readiness with real-world simulations.
- No Infrastructure Needed: Hosted solutions reduce costs and complexity.
- Customizable Scenarios: Tailored to your specific environment and needs.
Best Practices for Building Your Tabletop Exercise
- Identify the Goal: Focus on a specific area or topic to test.
- Encourage Conversation: Create a judgment-free zone.
- Maintain Flow: Monitor for signs of frustration or conflict.
- Collect Key Takeaways: Identify strengths and areas for improvement.
- Deliver Actionable Insights: Provide suggestions and next steps post-exercise.
Levels of OT Security Maturity
Foundational:
- Teams: Management, Cybersecurity, OT/IT Network Architects, Key Vendors.
- Discussion Points: Backup validation, incident detection roles, contingency plans.
Intermediate:
- Teams: Engineering, Cybersecurity, Management, OT Operators, Compliance.
- Discussion Points: Removable media processes, known good baselines, after-hours monitoring.
Advanced:
- Teams: Management, Cybersecurity, SOC Analysts, OT Operators/Managers, MSP representatives.
- Discussion Points: Alert escalation, internal monitoring, shutdown impact, attack tracking.
Conclusion
Operational Technology (OT) systems are crucial for critical infrastructure and are increasingly under attack. Regularly testing IR plans through Tabletop Exercises and leveraging our Cyber Range BTR is vital for identifying weak points, fostering team collaboration, and protecting OT environments.
Call to Action
Ready to enhance your OT security? Contact us today to schedule a demo of our Cyber Range BTR and learn how our Tabletop BTR exercises can improve your cybersecurity posture.
Find out more about how Optimize Peak Performance can help secure your cyber-physical environment here.
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