Remote access across operational technology (OT) is under more strain than ever before. Vulnerabilities in legacy systems that cyber adversaries are increasingly exploiting with alarming precision are growing alongside industrial networks. Convenience-driven traditional OT remote access security solutions frequently fall victim to complex attacks, exposing vital infrastructure. It’s just as hard not to let operational defenses get in the way of organizational agility.
Balancing usability with security is walking a tightrope. Lax rules breed violations, but overly strict rules can hinder productivity. Granular access restrictions, adaptive authentication, and session monitoring that adapts to risk, without getting in the way of workflows, are the answer.
Monitoring remote access in complex OT environments involves more than just reviewing logs; organizations need to know who is connecting, when, and why at all times. Suspicious activity should create an immediate response, not cool analysis in hindsight. Organizations have NERC and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) frameworks, but that kind of compliance really is not sufficient….
