Page 34 - Cyber Defense eMagazine Annual RSA Edition for 2024

Kirsten Turnbull emphasized the significance of segmentation in OT environments, where devices often
behave like enterprise IoT devices. She noted, "When you hear about ransomware taking down hospitals,
one of the reasons is because there's nothing segmented." This underscores the urgency for robust
segmentation strategies to fortify healthcare, and other OT networks against cyber threats.

To bridge the gap between IT and OT monitoring effectively, organizations can adopt the following
strategic approaches:

• Comprehensive Visibility: Implementing solutions that provide comprehensive visibility across
both IT and OT networks. This entails leveraging technologies capable of monitoring diverse
protocols and network architectures, as mentioned by Kirsten Turnbull.
• Collaborative Governance: Establishing collaborative governance structures that facilitate
cross-functional communication and decision-making. This involves fostering dialogue between
IT and OT teams to align security objectives and priorities.
• Unified Security Frameworks: Adopting unified security frameworks that encompass both IT
and OT environments streamlines security operations and enhances threat detection capabilities.
Integration with solutions such as Microsoft Defender for IoT, as discussed by Kirsten Turnbull,
can bolster the security posture of OT networks.
• Skill Development: Investing in continuous skills development initiatives ensures that personnel
are equipped with the knowledge and expertise to navigate the complexities of IT and OT security.
This includes training programs focused on protocol parsing, segmentation strategies, and
incident response protocols.
• Proof of Concepts (POCs): Engaging in POCs, as advocated by Chase Applegate, enables
organizations to evaluate the efficacy of cybersecurity solutions in real-world scenarios. This
hands-on approach fosters informed decision-making and facilitates the adoption of innovative
technologies.

Why do customers trust Microsoft Defender?

Chase Applegate highlighted that customers trust Microsoft Defender for its comprehensive security
capabilities, advanced threat detection capabilities, and seamless integration with existing Microsoft
solutions. With its robust threat intelligence, machine learning algorithms, and real-time protection
features, Microsoft Defender provides organizations with the confidence they need to defend against a
wide range of cyber threats across both IT and OT environments.

What kind of automation use cases can I find in OT security operations?

Automation plays a pivotal role in OT security operations, enabling organizations to streamline processes,
enhance efficiency, and mitigate human errors. Common automation use cases include asset discovery
and inventory management, vulnerability scanning and patch management, incident response, and
compliance reporting. By automating these tasks, organizations can bolster their security posture and
free up valuable resources for strategic initiatives.

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