The article "Build More Robust OT Security With the NIST Framework" from Dark Reading emphasizes the importance of adopting the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework to enhance the security of Operational Technology (OT) environments. As cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure continue to rise, the NIST Framework offers a structured approach to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities within OT systems.

The NIST Framework is built upon six interrelated functions:

1. Identify: Establishing a comprehensive inventory of all OT assets, including legacy systems and modern sensors, to recognize potential vulnerabilities.
2. Protect: Implementing safeguards such as multifactor authentication, strict access controls, and network segmentation to prevent unauthorized access and limit the impact of potential breaches.
3. Detect: Utilizing continuous monitoring and real-time alert systems to promptly identify anomalous activities or unauthorized access attempts within OT networks.
4. Respond: Developing and maintaining an incident response plan to effectively address and mitigate the consequences of security incidents.
5. Recover: Establishing strategies for timely restoration of services and systems affected by cybersecurity events to ensure operational continuity.
6. Govern: Integrating governance practices to oversee and guide the implementation and management of cybersecurity measures across the organization.

By aligning OT security practices with the NIST Framework, organizations can proactively address vulnerabilities, enhance their resilience against cyber threats, and ensure the reliability of critical infrastructure operations.

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Source: https://www.darkreading.com/ics-ot-security/build-more-robust-ot-security-nist-framework