Time to boost federal OT security now

TLDR:

• Threats exploiting operational technology (OT) vulnerabilities are increasing.
• Federal government urged to prioritize OT security due to concerns over Chinese nation-state targeting and CISA-reported vulnerabilities.

Threats exploiting operational technology (OT) vulnerabilities are on the rise, prompting the federal government to take action. The article highlights concerns over Chinese nation-state targeting and vulnerabilities reported by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). With critical services relying on OT assets, the urgency to enhance OT security is emphasized. Despite challenges such as the complex infrastructure of aging assets, federal OT administrators have been working on improving security posture by increasing coordination between IT and OT teams. Recommendations for agencies include adopting best practices, prioritizing skill development, and implementing security tools tailored for OT. The article stresses the importance of vigilance, deterrence, and preparedness in defending OT networks across the federal government.