Is shadow OT lurking in your industrial network?

In the fast-evolving landscape of industrial cybersecurity, a new threat looms large: shadow OT. It lives in the places where information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) converge. Understanding shadow OT, identifying its forms, and appreciating the stakes involved in mitigating its risks are essential for manufacturers and businesses operating within industrial environments.

Maintenance engineers and technicians can be both a source of shadow OT and a mitigator for its expansion. Stopping shadow OT starts with an accurate asset inventory but long-term will require cross-functional teams long-term and a shift in manufacturing culture. In a connected world, industrial cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility.

What is shadow OT?

At its core, shadow OT comprises systems, software, and devices operating within the industrial domain without formal oversight or acknowledgment by the organization's IT security policies. It is the silent creeper in the digital ecosystem, often overlooked because it doesn't fit the conventional image of a cybersecurity threat, such as the use of laptops, cellphones, or other remote monitoring equipment.

The genesis of shadow OT is often well-intentioned. Unlike overt cyber threats that announce their presence through breaches and system failures, shadow OT is insidious, arising from the very tools and processes meant to streamline operations. Remote cellular or wireless condition monitoring apps are widely used across industries including manufacturing, energy, and agriculture to track equipment performance and environmental factors in real-time.

While beneficial for efficiency and maintenance, these applications can contribute to the footprint of one’s shadow OT. As employees implement user-friendly, cloud-based solutions without following cybersecurity protocols, they ultimately create security vulnerabilities and data silos that can expose critical infrastructure to threats.

Additionally, the isolated data from these apps may not integrate with enterprise systems, leading to fragmented decision-making. So, while monitoring apps may offer operational advantages, the uncontrolled spread of these apps can complicate an organization's OT landscape and cybersecurity stance.

Finally, the integration of IT and OT systems is a hallmark of the modern industrial enterprise. It is driven by the pursuit of efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and the seamless orchestration of complex processes. However, the interconnectedness of IT and OT systems means that vulnerabilities in one can quickly become liabilities in the other, magnifying the potential for disruption. Without clear ownership and regular audits, these systems can become the weak links in the organization's cybersecurity armor.

The stakes: beyond operational disruption

The risks associated with shadow OT extend far beyond operational hiccups. In industrial settings, where processes are often critical to safety, environmental stewardship, and public health, the stakes are much higher.

A vulnerability in an overlooked component of shadow OT can lead to catastrophic outcomes, including physical harm, environmental damage, and significant financial losses. Moreover, the reputational damage from such incidents can be long-lasting. In an era where consumer trust is as valuable as the bottom line, the fallout from a shadow OT-induced breach can erode stakeholder confidence, leading to a decline in market value and competitive standing.

Strategies for mitigating shadow OT risks

Addressing the challenge of shadow OT requires a multifaceted approach, combining both technological solutions and organizational strategies:

Comprehensive asset inventory. The first step is to gain a complete understanding of all assets within the IT and OT landscape. This inventory should include not only hardware but also software applications and network connections.
Regular security audits. Regular reviews of IT and OT systems can help identify vulnerabilities in shadow OT components. These audits should assess compliance with security policies and the effectiveness of existing security measures.
Cross-functional teams. Bridging the gap between IT and OT can be facilitated by establishing cross-functional teams that understand the nuances of both domains. These teams can ensure that security considerations are integrated into the design and operation of all systems.
Continuous monitoring and patch management. Implementing continuous monitoring systems can help detect anomalies that may indicate a shadow OT issue. Coupled with a robust patch management process, this can ensure that all components are up-to-date and protected against known vulnerabilities.
Cultural shift. Perhaps most importantly, mitigating shadow OT risks requires a cultural shift within organizations. This involves fostering an environment where cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility, and where reporting potential risks is encouraged and rewarded.

Shadow OT represents a significant and often overlooked risk in the convergence of IT and OT systems within industrial environments. Its infiltrating nature, stemming from the very integration that powers modern industrial operations, demands a vigilant and proactive approach to cybersecurity.