Page 28 - Cyber Defense eMagazine July 2024

Understanding Operational Technology (OT)

What is OT?

Operational Technology (OT) refers to the hardware and software systems used to manage, monitor,
and control industrial equipment, processes, and infrastructure. These systems are critical in various
industries such as manufacturing, energy, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. OT systems include
devices like Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Supervisory
Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, and other specialized control systems.

Why is OT Relevant?

OT systems are essential for the smooth operation of critical infrastructure and industrial processes. They
ensure the efficient and safe functioning of physical systems by automating tasks, monitoring system
performance, and providing real-time data for decision-making. The relevance of OT systems extends to
several key areas:

• Industrial Automation: OT systems automate complex industrial processes, reducing the need for
manual intervention and increasing efficiency.
• Critical Infrastructure: OT is crucial for managing utilities like electricity, water, and gas, ensuring
these services are delivered reliably to the public.
• Safety and Reliability: OT systems help maintain safety standards by monitoring conditions and
controlling operations to prevent accidents and failures.
• Operational Efficiency: By optimizing processes and providing detailed operational data, OT
systems enhance the overall efficiency of industrial operations.

Given their importance, the security of OT systems is paramount. Any disruption or manipulation of these
systems can have severe consequences, including physical damage, financial loss, and threats to public
safety.

Timeline of Cyber Attacks on OT

Historical Context

The history of cyberattacks on OT devices reveals a concerning trend of increasing sophistication and
impact. In 2000, a third-party insider incident in Maroochy Shire, Australia, caused a large spill of
untreated sewer liquids by accessing OT systems without authorization. The 2010 Stuxnet worm marked
a significant escalation, targeting Iranian nuclear facilities and physically damaging centrifuges. This was
followed by Russian cyber actors de-energizing seven substations in Ukraine in 2015, affecting 225,000
customers, and a similar incident in 2016 causing a one-hour outage in northern Kyiv. The rise of double
extortion tactics in 2020 further increased cyber activity against OT. By 2023, pro-Russia hacktivists were
manipulating Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) in North America and Europe to cause equipment
malfunctions.

Cyber Defense eMagazine – July 2024 Edition 28
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