One single security breach in an operational technology (OT) environment can halt production for days, trigger costly regulatory penalties, and damage hard-earned customer trust. While IT security gets the spotlight, OT systems, the backbone of industrial operations, often run on aging technology that wasn't designed with today's cybersecurity threats in mind.
This blog discusses the importance of securing operational technology systems and five proven strategies for enhancing OT security without disrupting critical operations. These approaches provide robust protection while respecting the unique needs of industrial environments.
The Importance of Securing Operational Technology Systems
Operational Technology (OT) systems are essential in managing industrial processes, utilities, and infrastructure. While IT focuses on data management, OT systems control physical operations, making them prime targets for cyberattacks.
Therefore, securing operational technology is vital to maintaining operational continuity and strengthening resilience against any breaches that might expose sensitive information.
1. Implement Network Segmentation
Access control and instance segmentation serve as fundamental security measures for IT environments. Enterprises can prevent potential security breaches and threats by creating distinct access levels and instance segments for different operational functions.
This strategy involves:
- Establishing clear boundaries between IT and OT networks through firewalls and DMZs.
- Creating separate development, test, and production instances with appropriate data isolation.
- Implementing strict authentication controls between segments.
- Utilizing industry firewalls explicitly designed for enterprise protection and OT protocol.
- Monitoring and controlling all traffic between business systems.
This approach significantly reduces cyberattacks and helps maintain operational stability even if one segment is compromised. ServiceNow supports OT security through automation, asset tracking, and compliance management; however, it does not replace dedicated OT security solutions like firewalls, SIEMs, or intrusion detection systems.
ServiceNow's Configuration Management Database (CMDB) can help map network segments and their interdependencies. It offers a comprehensive view of the entire network architecture.
Additionally, the ServiceNow Discovery tool identifies and classifies OT assets within each segment, ensuring organizations maintain accurate asset inventories and security controls.
2. Ensure Real-Time Monitoring and Incident Response Plans
Continuous IT system monitoring is essential to quickly detect and respond to security incidents. ServiceNow security operations can enhance this strategy by:
- Integrating existing security tools to consolidate alerts and events.
- Applying machine learning techniques to identify patterns and reduce false positives.
- Automate initial response actions for common security incidents.
- Provide structured workflows for security incident investigation.
- Providing structured workflow for security incident investigation.
- Foster collaboration between security and IT teams.
- Generating comprehensive reports on security metrics and KPIs.
ServiceNow's security incident response module allows organizations to significantly decrease the mean time to detect (MTTD) and mean time to respond (MTTR), mitigating security breaches with minimal impact.
The Security Operations platform provides a unified dashboard for monitoring IT and OT security events, with Risk Management capabilities to prioritize threats based on potential operational impact.
3. Regularly Update and Patch OT Systems
While patching OT systems1 presents unique challenges due to their continuous operation requirements and legacy components, maintaining current security updates is crucial. Organizations should:
- Develop a systematic approach to vulnerability assessment and patch management.
- Create testing environments to validate patches before deployment.
- Schedule maintenance windows for critical updates.
- Implement compensating controls when patching isn't immediately possible.
- Maintain detailed documentation of all system components and their patch levels.
ServiceNow Vulnerability Response2 can automate the patch management process, whereas the Change Management module provides accurate testing and approval procedures for updating OT systems. The Asset Management module keeps up-to-date OT asset and patch status inventory to facilitate strategic planning of patches, which reduces business disruption.
4. Train Employees on Operational Technology-Specific Threats
Human error remains a significant risk in operational security incidents and could be minimized through training.
Comprehensive training programs should include the following:
- Training should focus on OT-specific risks, such as SCADA system vulnerabilities and industrial malware threats
- Provide hands-on industrial control system security.
- Cover proper incident response procedures and escalation protocols.
- Include regular security awareness updates and refresher courses.
- Address the challenges associated with maintaining security in operational environments.
ServiceNow Service Portal provides a simple user interface for viewing training content and informing potential security incidents.
5. Align with Global Frameworks to Overcome Compliance Challenges
Adopting internationally recognized security frameworks helps organizations to develop security programs and meet regulatory compliance.
Key considerations include:
- Implementation of IEC 62443 standards for industrial automation and control systems.
- Aligning with NIST Cybersecurity Framework for critical infrastructure protection.
- Following industry-specific guidelines and regulations.
- Regular assessment and certification against relevant standards.
- Maintaining documentation for compliance audits and reviews.
ServiceNow GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) module automates compliance monitoring and reporting across both IT and OT environments. The Policy and Compliance Management feature helps track adherence to security frameworks, while Audit Management streamlines the certification process and maintains comprehensive compliance documentation.
Conclusion
Securing Operational Technology is no longer optional—it is essential for ensuring continuous industrial operations, safeguarding critical assets, and maintaining compliance with evolving cybersecurity regulations. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, organizations must adopt a proactive, multi-layered security strategy that addresses IT and OT environments.
Businesses can create a resilient OT security framework without disrupting operational efficiency by implementing network segmentation, real-time monitoring, structured patch management, employee training, and compliance alignment. However, OT security is not just about technology—it requires a cultural shift toward risk awareness and continuous improvement.
With ServiceNow’s security and compliance solutions, organizations can enhance visibility, automate risk management, and streamline incident response—ensuring a unified and efficient approach to OT governance and protection.
Ready to strengthen your OT security posture? inMorphis, a ServiceNow invested partner, is here to implement a proactive, future-ready security framework for seamless IT-OT integration. Contact us today to get started.
Reference:
1. https://www.servicenow.com/products/security-operations/what-is-patch-management.html
