Navigating the Convergence of IT and OT Security
As the realms of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) increasingly merge, organizations face a daunting challenge: outdated security tools that fail to identify real threats. Tenable, a leader in exposure management, has developed a hybrid discovery method that offers organizations comprehensive visibility across IT, OT, and Internet of Things (IoT) systems. This approach not only enhances security but also optimizes risk management, allowing companies to protect their most valuable assets while minimizing operational disruptions.
The Evolving Role of the CISO
From Tactical to Strategic
The role of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) has transformed significantly over the years. Once viewed predominantly as implementers of technical security controls, modern CISOs now occupy strategic leadership positions within organizations. They have moved beyond being mere gatekeepers to becoming essential contributors to the C-suite, often reporting directly to the CEO or the board.
Bridging IT Security and Business Risks
Today’s CISOs are tasked with managing enterprise-wide risks that encompass not only IT security but also the complexities of operational technology and smart infrastructure. They must effectively translate intricate technical risks into language that business leaders can understand, thereby aiding informed decision-making around risk appetite. This evolution emphasizes collaboration, as modern CISOs work across departments to foster a security-centric culture, ensuring compliance with evolving data privacy regulations and mitigating legal risks.
Tenable’s Hybrid Discovery Method: A Shift in Focus
Rethinking Vulnerability Management
With the surge in security data, organizations face an overwhelming challenge: too much information without context. The merging of IT and OT often leads to siloed security tools that generate a plethora of alerts, obscuring genuine cyber threats. This imbalance creates a strategic risk where a single vulnerability can lead to significant operational failures.
Tenable’s innovative strategy helps organizations streamline their focus by providing insights from an attacker’s perspective. Rather than merely identifying vulnerabilities, Tenable maps the most likely paths that could compromise critical assets, often referred to as “crown jewels.”
Business Impact as a Priority
The Tenable One Exposure Management Platform stands out by prioritizing risks based on their potential impact on business rather than solely on technical factors. Using proprietary AI technology, the Vulnerability Priority Rating (VPR) ensures that security teams concentrate their efforts on addressing critical vulnerabilities that pose the most significant risk. This focus is particularly essential in OT environments, where stability is paramount.
Tenable’s hybrid discovery method combines safe, continuous passive monitoring with targeted active queries tailored to specific device protocols. This approach provides thorough inventory management without risking operational continuity, effectively managing the entire converged attack surface.
Addressing Tool Sprawl: A Unified Approach
The Risks of Fragmentation
Organizations are increasingly aware that a fragmented security posture can lead to blind spots and vulnerabilities. Traditional security tools often lack the integration needed to cross the boundaries of IT, OT, and IoT, leaving organizations susceptible to cyber threats that can exploit these disconnections.
Consolidating Visibility with Tenable
Tenable addresses this challenge by offering an all-encompassing exposure management platform that consolidates visibility across the entire cyber landscape. This integrated approach allows security teams to gain a centralized view of all assets and associated risks, regardless of the environment—be it IT, OT, cloud, or IoT. By streamlining data from various tools into a cohesive framework, organizations can better identify true exposures and make informed security investments.
Real-World Impact: Success Stories in OT Security
A Leading Beverage Manufacturer’s Transformation
A compelling example of Tenable’s effectiveness comes from a regional beverage manufacturer that has successfully utilized Tenable Nessus and Tenable Security Center for IT vulnerability management. When the company sought assistance for its OT environment, Tenable conducted a Proof of Value (PoV) that significantly improved their security posture.
In just two weeks, Tenable established a robust system to catalog a wide range of operational technologies—from cutting-edge machinery to outdated devices. This comprehensive inventory not only outlined system software and vulnerabilities but also laid the groundwork for an enhanced security framework.
With Tenable OT Security in place, the manufacturer reported an impressive reduction of alerts, dropping from over 80 per 1,000 systems to just 38 while addressing critical vulnerabilities that had been overlooked for years. This capability to proactively identify and mitigate risks underscores the urgent need for effective OT security solutions.
The Future of Exposure Management in OT
A Holistic Perspective
As organizations evolve, there’s a growing recognition that risks must be addressed comprehensively rather than in isolation. The convergence of IT and OT has blurred traditional lines, creating an operational landscape that includes various technologies—laptops, servers, cloud systems, and interconnected devices.
Exposure management emerges as a vital discipline, offering unified visibility, enhanced insights, and proactive strategies to mitigate risks. In today’s world, where IT and OT realms intersect, integrating threat intelligence across the board is essential for effective security management.
By implementing these modern strategies and tools, organizations can not only navigate the complexities of converged environments but also set the stage for a secure and resilient future.
