FAQ Category: Oil and Gas

Why is OT Firewall Lifecycle Management necessary for a factory environment?

03/28/2024

Organizations that have already taken steps to segment their manufacturing environments may realize that firewall hardware does not have the same long life expectancy that some traditional OT assets have. Similarly, firewall vendors generally don’t support platforms in perpetuity either. So what happens at the end of that roughly 4-6 year lifespan? As if the […]

What is network segmentation?

03/28/2024

Segmenting a network means dividing it into smaller, isolated parts. In manufacturing environments, where the protection of sensitive information and critical infrastructure is particularly important, segmenting the network can be an effective way to reduce the risk of a cyberattack.

What is ‘Defense in Depth’ and how does it apply to OT?

03/28/2024

Industrial control systems (ICSs) are an integral part of critical infrastructures, helping to facilitate operations in vital industries such as electricity, oil and gas, water, transportation, manufacturing, and chemical manufacturing. The growing issue of cybersecurity and its impact on ICS highlights fundamental risks to the Nation’s critical infrastructure. Efficiently addressing ICS cybersecurity issues requires a […]

What are Industrial Control Systems (ICS)?

03/28/2024

An information system used to control industrial processes such as manufacturing, product handling, production, and distribution. Industrial control systems include supervisory control and data acquisition systems used to control geographically dispersed assets, as well as distributed control systems and smaller control systems using programmable logic controllers to control localized processes.

What is ransomware and what are the impacts?

03/28/2024

Ransomware is an ever-evolving form of malware designed to encrypt files on a device, rendering any files and the systems that rely on them unusable. Malicious actors then demand ransom in exchange for decryption. Ransomware actors often target and threaten to sell or leak exfiltrated data or authentication information if the ransom is not paid. […]

What is the purpose of network segmentation?

03/28/2024

Operational Technology (OT) networks are a fundamental for many industrial businesses as they provide the infrastructure for critical processes. However, these networks are vulnerable to cyberattacks, which may lead to costly disruptions and the loss of critical data. To protect OT networks, many organizations are turning to Network Segmentation to increase their overall security posture. […]

What vulnerabilities are prevalent in manufacturing environments?

03/28/2024

As the world continues to advance technologically, more and more devices, namely IoT devices, are being connected to the Internet in order to increase efficiency and automation in various industries, including manufacturing. However, as we move towards a more interconnected world, it becomes increasingly important to consider the potential security threats that come with this […]

Why should I invest in Consulting/Enablement Services?

03/28/2024

As OT systems are increasingly being connected to IT networks, relying on traditional measures is not enough to protect such systems from cyberattacks. Organizations need to invest in security measures tailored to OT systems to best protect the organization’s OT assets. Investing in an OT cybersecurity strategy: Improves OT system safety, reliability, and availability; Improves […]

What are some benefits of OT Network Segmentation?

03/28/2024

OT Network Segmentation remains crucial in limiting the propagation of malware. Some of the other benefits include: Reduced network congestion for ‘noisy’ applications (better performance), Limited blast radius for potential cyber-attacks (reduced lateral damage), Restricted access to key resources (less opportunity for ‘accidents’)

Why L5C for OT Segmentation?

03/28/2024

Success in OT network security involves a holistic approach with extensive planning and communications. Collaboration with stakeholders, including process engineers and maintenance teams, makes a significant difference. Our experts have been doing global OT network segmentation programs for decades now and we know how to avoid the pitfalls.