Operational Technology (OT) cyber security is not merely a technical necessity; it is vital for industries that support modern society. When the stakes involve halting critical infrastructure or endangering public safety, the requirement for specialised approaches becomes evident. While effective in their realm, traditional Information Technology (IT) solutions fall short in tackling the unique challenges presented by OT environments. The impetus behind establishing SIS Industrial Cyber Security was the growing concern about cyber terrorism. In the wake of 9/11, it became apparent that critical infrastructure, especially SCADA systems, was increasingly on the radar of threat actors. Recognising this escalating risk and the urgent need to safeguard OT/ICS from emerging cyber threats, Dr Christopher Beggs devoted his career to developing customised OT security solutions that protect vital systems from increasingly sophisticated attacks.
Why Traditional IT Security Measures Do Not Suffice
The differences between IT and OT systems are fundamental. IT and OT operate in different environments, serve different purposes, and have unique requirements. They also require specialists with different skill sets.
IT environments prioritise data confidentiality and integrity, relying on constant updates and patches to maintain security. In contrast, OT systems oversee physical processes that are essential to industries like energy, water, and manufacturing. Here, stability and availability are paramount. Legacy hardware, uninterrupted processes, and strict safety requirements mean that downtime isn’t just costly—it can also pose risks and dangers.
These realities indicate that traditional IT security strategies need more practical experience and customisation in OT, as they can sometimes be inadequate and disrupt operations in ways that OT systems cannot tolerate.
Common Industry Problems
Many organisations encounter common pitfalls when tackling OT cyber security. Rushing prematurely to technology solutions often results in wasted resources on ineffective measures. Adopting a blanket approach to security control coverage is unmanageable due to the complexity and variety of different OT systems.
Gaps in communication between IT and OT teams create silos, undermining the effectiveness of security initiatives. The inability to develop a convincing business case for OT security can hinder progress, while a lack of accurate risk assessments leaves organisations unaware of their actual risk position. Compounding these issues is a tendency to underestimate the ongoing effort necessary to manage OT cyber threats, treating security as a one-off project instead of a continuous process.
At SIS, we address these challenges by combining expertise with a commitment to education. Beyond implementing tailored solutions, we accelerate clients and their people through industry-leading training programmes. By demystifying OT security and raising awareness, we equip organisations to navigate their unique challenges confidently. The rapidly evolving threat landscape demands this proactive approach. With new vulnerabilities emerging daily, staying ahead of potential risks is crucial to maintaining operational continuity and protecting critical assets.
SIS Industrial Cyber Security’s Foundational Principles
The SIS methodology is grounded in six foundational principles, each designed to address the nuanced needs of OT environments. These principles—Business-Driven, Risk-Based, Enterprise-Wide, Methodical, OT Security-Focused, and OT Security-Compliant—form a holistic approach to delivering world-class industrial cyber security. They emphasise the alignment of security efforts with business objectives, the tailoring of defences to specific risks, and the assurance of comprehensive integration across the organisation. By adopting a systematic, specialist-led approach, SIS ensures not only compliance but also resilience, adapting to evolving threats with agility.
Our mission goes beyond safeguarding infrastructure—it’s about enabling industries to thrive in a secure, stable environment. By prioritising the unique needs of OT environments and continuously refining its methodologies, SIS ensures that clients are not only compliant but also prepared for the future. The distinction between IT and OT security has never been more critical, and SIS’s dedication to this specialised field equips organisations with the tools and strategies they require to face the challenge head-on. This commitment to world-class outcomes ensures that critical infrastructure, along with the communities that depend on it, remains resilient against ever-changing threats.
If you’re interested in how your organisation measures up, you can take the SIS Industrial Cyber Security Assessment Scorecard—a tool to benchmark your efforts against the Industrial Cyber Security Principle Method™ with a personalised report and actionable insights to elevate your cybersecurity practices.