Zero Trust Implementation in Operational Technology
Navigating the Zero Trust Journey for Industrial Environments
The digital transformation of Operational Technology (OT) demands robust security, but implementing Zero Trust in these complex environments presents unique challenges. Our latest paper explores the benefits, hurdles, and provides a strategic approach using the Deloitte Zero Trust Framework.
Many industrial organisations are facing a common challenge, should we adopt Zero Trust in our OT environments? While Zero Trust architectures are widespread within IT, their application in OT presents unique challenges and the journey to implement remains unclear for many. Our paper delves into the benefits and complexities of applying Zero Trust principles to critical industrial systems and applies a Zero Trust framework defining what is possible.
We provide a clear pathway based on our industry experience and leveraging trusted frameworks. Key themes include:
- The Imperative for Zero Trust in OT: Highlighting the critical need for robust security in OT environments due to increasing hyperconnectivity, digital transformation, the convergence of IT and OT, and an expanding attack surface. Traditional security models are no longer sufficient against sophisticated cyber threats.
- Unique Challenges of OT Environments: Exploring the specific difficulties of applying Zero Trust principles to OT, such as the prioritisation of real-time operations, safety, legacy systems, proprietary protocols, and the need for continuous operational resilience.
- Strategic Benefits of Zero Trust for OT: Outlining the practical advantages of adopting a Zero Trust approach, including reduced third-party compromise risk, improved access controls, enhanced breach containment, secure cloud enablement, and greater asset visibility.
- Taking a Structured Approach: Providing a framework that addresses governance, enablement, and technical domains (Identities, Workloads, Data, Networks, Devices), aligning with international standards such as IEC 62443 and NIST 800-82.
- Phased and Pragmatic Implementation: Advocating for a strategic, adaptable, and phased rollout of Zero Trust in OT, emphasising the importance of tailoring solutions to unique business structures and existing technology landscapes, while balancing security with operational availability.
Download our whitepaper to get started on your OT Zero Trust journey.
