Industrial cyber security isn’t merely about applying the same level of security controls to all systems; it’s about prioritising protection where it counts the most. That’s the crux of the Risk-Based principle in the Industrial Cyber Security Principle Method™.
Organisations often treat all OT assets as equal when it comes to security, applying uniform controls across high-risk and low-risk systems.
Applying a blanket approach is unmanageable due to the complexity and array of different OT systems wasting resources and increasing complexity with security management.
A risk-based approach tailors security to the unique vulnerabilities and risk level of each system and sub system ensuring protection is both targeted and practical.
What Does “Risk-Based” Mean?
A risk-based cybersecurity approach centres on understanding the distinct threats, vulnerabilities, and impacts that each system or subsystem faces. Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all security method, it ensures that protections align with genuine risks and business priorities.
At its core, this principle requires security teams to:
- Adopt a risk-based mindset for all industrial security decisions.
- Conduct comprehensive asset discovery across Levels 1, 2, and 3 of the Purdue model.
- Perform detailed risk assessments for each system and subsystem.
- Utilise methodologies like the ICS Cyber Kill Chain1 to analyse real-world attack scenarios.
- Align security objectives with business risks, ensuring security efforts support broader organisational goals.
- Prioritise high-risk systems first, rather than spreading security investments too thinly.
Failing to apply a Risk-Based approach leads to inefficient spending, fragmentation, security gaps and misalignment with business needs.
Risk-based industrial cyber security means precision over uniformity
A truly business-driven industrial cyber security approach goes beyond IT and security teams; it demands input from operations, engineering, management, and Cyber threats are dynamic, and not all OT systems face the same level of risk. A Risk-Based approach acknowledges this reality, ensuring OT security measures are deployed strategically rather than indiscriminately.
By prioritising high-risk systems and tailoring protections to actual threats, organisations can:
- Strengthen defences where they matter most, without overburdening low-risk areas.
- Make informed OT security investments, balancing protection with operational needs.
- Adapt to evolving cyber threats by continuously refining risk assessments.
- Define a blueprint for best-practice OT security risk analysis across the lifecycle of an organisation’s OT systems, meeting the challenges involved in sustaining long-term cyber security strength.
Effective industrial cyber security isn’t about applying more controls everywhere—it’s about applying the right controls in the right places. A Risk-Based approach transforms your OT security from a rigid, check-the-box exercise into a flexible, intelligence-driven strategy.
If your organisation is still taking a broad-stroke approach to industrial cyber security, it’s time to shift toward more risk-driven precision.
Download the White Paper to learn more about the Industrial Cyber Security Princple Method
- Michael J. Assante and Robert M. Lee (2015) The Industrial Control System Cyber Kill 7 © 2024 SIS. All Rights Reserved. Chain Available at: https://sansorg.egnyte.com/dl/HHa9fCekmc [March,2025] ↩︎