Operational technology (OT) environments, especially within critical sectors like energy, utilities, and manufacturing, are facing escalating cybersecurity challenges. In 2023, at least 68 cyberattacks caused physical consequences to OT networks across more than 500 global sites, leading to damages of up to $100 million. IBM confirms the rising cost of ... Read More

It is often said that operational technology (OT) and industrial control systems (ICS) environments face “unique” security challenges. But beyond emphasizing the different security needs of OT and Information Technology (IT), what does this statement mean? What are the major challenges that OT/ICS environments face when it comes to security, ... Read More

What is Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)? VDI is a technology that can create a full desktop experience served through a client application, rather than using a local computer. VDI usage eliminates the need for companies to provide employees and third-party vendors with a powerful physical machine, as authorized users can connect ... Read More

What is Privileged Access Management (PAM)?  Privileged access management (PAM) is a subset of Identity and Access Management (IAM) that enables organizations to exert control over the elevated (“privileged”) access and permissions for identities, users, accounts, and systems across an information technology (IT) environment. By “right-sizing” privileged access controls, PAM helps organizations minimize ... Read More

Until quite recently, organizations operated, managed, and maintained information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) separately from one another. But in the last several years, the increasing digitalization of the industrial sector, coupled with the rise of widespread remote work, has blurred the borders between IT and OT. The resulting ... Read More

Now is the Time for Stronger, Safer Secure Remote AccessForty-nine percent of respondents to a recent Ponemon Institute survey reported that their organization uses Secure Remote Access (SRA) tools to allow employees and/or third-party vendors to connect remotely to operational technology (OT) environments. An additional 48% reported using Virtual Private ... Read More

Secure Remote Access for OT Faces Growing Pains  Remote connectivity has brought significant benefits to industrial organizations – from faster incident response to reduced operational costs. However, the expansion of remote access into operational technology (OT) environments has also introduced a rapidly growing attack surface for cyber threats targeting cyber-physical systems (CPS).Ransomware, ... Read More

One of the most persistent and overlooked threats in the manufacturing industry is shadow remote access. Shadow remote access often arises for the most innocent of reasons – employees and third-party vendors simply want to get their work done. When approved processes and tools are too complicated or cumbersome to ... Read More

For industrial enterprises, operational technology (OT) plays a pivotal role in managing and controlling critical processes. OT environments are distinct from traditional IT systems, and they come with unique challenges and requirements.  One controversial topic within the OT realm is the deployment of Active Directory (AD), a common IT technology. Some ... Read More

The world of operational technology (OT) is undergoing a period of evolution. Industrial enterprises across sectors are embracing digitization and connectivity, with 72% pursuing some degree of convergence between OT and information technology (IT) systems according to recent research. In this new reality, ensuring secure access to critical systems has ... Read More