In the world of cybersecurity, patching is a critical practice to address vulnerabilities and protect systems from potential threats. However, the approach to patching differs significantly between information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) environments.
While IT departments regularly update their systems, OT environments face unique challenges that often result in infrequent or nonexistent patching practices.
The OT patching divide
IT environments typically follow a rigorous patching schedule, with many organizations implementing updates as soon as they’re released, often on a weekly basis. This proactive approach helps maintain a strong security posture against evolving threats.
In contrast, OT environments, which include industrial control systems and manufacturing equipment, patch far less frequently, if at all. This discrepancy creates a significant gap in vulnerability management between interconnected IT and OT networks.
Unique challenges in OT patching
Several factors contribute to the reluctance to patch OT systems:
- Downtime Costs: Unlike IT disruptions, which may temporarily affect productivity, OT system downtime can halt production lines, resulting in substantial financial losses.
- Legacy Systems: Many OT assets have lifecycles spanning decades, often lacking the resources (memory, processing power) required for modern patches.
- Patch Dependencies: OT systems may require specific patch sequences, making it impossible to skip directly to the latest update without intermediate steps.
- Software Interdependencies: Updates to operating systems often necessitate corresponding updates to supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) or control system applications, increasing complexity and potential points of failure.
- OEM Restrictions: Some original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) prohibit patching to maintain warranty validity, creating an “OEM blockade.”
- Safety Concerns: Patches that affect safety systems could potentially introduce risks to personnel or the environment.
- Quality Control: Changes to OT systems may impact product quality or production flow, a critical concern in manufacturing environments.
The impact of neglecting OT patching
Failing to patch OT systems can have serious consequences. The following four areas are potential implications of ineffective OT patching practices.
- Increased Vulnerability: Unpatched systems remain exposed to known security flaws, making them attractive targets for cyberattacks.
- Insurance Implications: Many cybersecurity insurance providers now require evidence of proper asset inventory and vulnerability management, which may be lacking in OT environments.
- Regulatory Compliance: Publicly traded companies may face challenges in meeting disclosure requirements related to material breaches if they cannot accurately assess or validate their OT security posture.
- Mergers and Acquisitions: Inadequate OT security practices can impact valuations and due diligence processes during corporate valuations for merger or acquisition transactions.
Strategies for improving OT patching
Despite the challenges, organizations can take steps to enhance their OT patching practices.
The following are strategies for improving OT patching for greater cybersecurity and operational protection from unexpected downtime.
- Use Virtual Patching: Implement technologies that provide protection against known vulnerabilities without modifying the underlying systems.
- Complete a Comprehensive Asset Inventory: Develop and maintain an accurate inventory of all OT assets, including their current patch levels and vulnerabilities.
- Ensure Continuous Monitoring: Implement systems to actively monitor OT networks for potential security issues and unauthorized access attempts.
- Monitor Remote Access: Carefully manage and monitor remote access to OT systems, which has become increasingly common since the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Foster Cross-Functional Collaboration: Establish cooperation between IT and OT teams to develop holistic security strategies that address the unique needs of both environments.
- Engage External Partners: Work closely with OEMs and system integrators to understand patching limitations and explore alternative security measures.
- Complete Patch Risk Assessments: Regularly evaluate the potential impact of not patching against the risks associated with implementing updates.
- Leverage Staged Implementation: Utilize test environments or pilot programs to validate patches before full deployment in production environments.
- Prioritize Executive Education: Ensure that leadership understands the importance of OT security and allocates appropriate resources for cybersecurity improvement initiatives.
Mitigating the patching gap
Addressing the patching gap and differences between IT and OT environments requires a multifaceted approach. Organizations must recognize that traditional IT security practices cannot be directly applied to OT environments and industrial equipment without consideration for their unique operational requirements.
By fostering collaboration between IT and OT teams, engaging with strategic external partners and implementing targeted security measures like virtual patching, companies can significantly improve their overall cybersecurity posture.
As industrial systems become increasingly connected and cyber threats continue to evolve, the importance of effective OT patching strategies will only increase.
Organizations that proactively address these challenges will be better positioned to protect their critical infrastructure, maintain operational continuity and meet regulatory requirements in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
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