OT security for production and critical infrastructure
A production stop often costs far more than a breach of the office network. You get protection of your OT environment, SCADA, PLCs, ICS and industrial networks, without putting operations and uptime at risk.
Definition
OT is not office IT. PLCs, SCADA and sensors are built for stability, not to withstand attacks.
OT (Operational Technology) is the systems that control physical production: PLCs, SCADA, HMIs, sensors and industrial networks. They are often old, rarely patched and designed to run stably, not to withstand attacks.
When IT and OT converge (Industry 4.0, remote access, cloud monitoring), the attack techniques from the office network suddenly become a risk to production. A ransomware attack that shuts down a factory costs money for every hour the line stands still. NIS2 now legally requires you to protect it.
Threat landscape
Six threats to your OT environment. The consequence is production stops, physical damage and supplier failure, not just lost files.
OT attacks look like IT attacks on the surface, but the consequences are typically far greater: production stops, physical damage and supplier failure.
Ransomware against production
Encrypts engineering workstations and HMIs, and the factory stops. We segment and harden, so a breach on the office network does not spread to production.
Legacy systems without patches
Windows XP, Server 2003 and PLC firmware that is never updated. We build compensating controls and virtual patching without touching the vulnerable devices.
Flat networks without segmentation
The entire factory on the same VLAN, so one compromised coffee machine reaches the PLC. We segment per the Purdue model and document the data flow.
Insecure remote access to SCADA
VPNs left open, vendors with permanent accounts and RDP straight to HMIs. We build jump hosts, MFA and just-in-time access.
Supply chain attacks
Compromised vendor software or updates (SolarWinds-style). We validate software bills of material and monitor vendor traffic.
Insider and USB-based attacks
USB spread (Stuxnet-style) and unintentional mistakes by technicians. We introduce USB control, asset whitelisting and logging on every engineering workstation.
Three phases
From blind spot to control. Three phases that do not stop production: mapping, segmentation and monitoring.
OT security cannot be introduced over a weekend. The work runs in three phases: First the environment is mapped (passive asset discovery). Then the network is designed and segmented together with your OT team, and finally ongoing monitoring is set up.
Critical systems are not touched without a lab test or dialogue with your machine vendor. Operations and safety always come before security measures, even when a deadline is pressing.
Services
Six OT security services. From the first risk assessment to ongoing monitoring and NIS2 reporting.
The services cover the entire lifecycle, from the first risk assessment to ongoing monitoring and NIS2 reporting. You choose where to start.
OT risk assessment
Passive mapping of assets, data flows and vulnerabilities. Delivered with a prioritised roadmap and budget estimate, typically 3-5 weeks of work.
IT/OT network segmentation
Design and implementation per the Purdue model. Firewalls, VLANs and data diodes where it makes sense, tested before going into production.
Asset discovery & inventory
Complete, maintained overview of every PLC, HMI, switch and sensor. The foundation for security, NIS2 documentation and better operations.
Secure remote access
Centralised jump host with MFA, session recording and just-in-time access for vendors. Replaces ad hoc VPNs and shared accounts.
Ongoing OT monitoring
Continuous OT-aware monitoring that recognises industrial protocols (Modbus, DNP3, OPC UA) and alerts on abnormal behaviour.
NIS2 compliance for production
Risk analysis, incident reporting, supplier management and board approval. You get the documentation regulators will ask for.
NIS2 and critical infrastructure
NIS2 hits more companies than you think. As a supplier to a covered company, the requirements apply to your production too.
NIS2 covers companies in energy, food, transport, water, pharma, chemicals and manufacturing, including as a supplier to other covered companies. Fines can reach 2% of global revenue, and the board is personally liable.
The first step is to determine whether you are covered. We then close the gaps in your OT security and document compliance, before the regulator (the Centre for Cyber Security) comes knocking.
Questions about OT security. NIS2, vendors, operations during implementation, duration and price.
Certified Microsoft partner
Industry, utilities and life science. OT environments secured for Danish manufacturers since 2010, from small factories to critical infrastructure.
Since 2010 we have secured OT environments for Danish manufacturers, from smaller factories to critical infrastructure. Book an OT assessment and get a concrete roadmap.
Related glossary terms and guides
Ready to secure your production? Book a meeting, and we will clarify whether NIS2 covers you and where the risk lies.
The first conversation is 30 minutes and free. You get an assessment of whether NIS2 applies to you, and where your biggest OT risks are likely to sit.