Think beyond IT security — cyber resilience to build future-ready world : OT and ICS, critical infrastructure and beyond

Abstract

In the current scenario, cyber security professionals, along with industry leaders, are working hard to protect digital assets from current and emerging threats. Besides this, little thought has been given to securing the physical world consisting of vulnerable connected systems. Insecure operational technology (OT) and industrial control systems (ICS) have been installed within critical infrastructure and the manufacturing industry, making it vulnerable to cyberattack. Aside from that, satellites play a key role in communication, mobile phone networks, global positioning systems (GPS), weather prediction, ships, defence forces and much more, which are insecure and vulnerable to hacking. This paper provides insight into current issues, disintegrated workforces and its challenges, critical infrastructure security and how to think beyond information technology (IT) security to secure the digital and physical world. While providing an insight into the US Army in multi-domain operations 2028, it explains how taking a similar approach within the cyber security industry will help improve cyber maturity to defend against adversaries.