The Rise of Collaborative Communities in OT/ICS Cybersecurity
As the digital landscape evolves, so do the threats that accompany it. Across the globe, communities, associations, and alliances are emerging to foster information sharing and awareness engagement in the Operational Technology (OT) and Industrial Control Systems (ICS) space. These initiatives are crucial for preparing for and mitigating the increasing cyber threats and attacks that pose significant risks to critical infrastructure. Industry coalitions are designed to promote active participation among cybersecurity professionals, facilitating the exchange of information, competencies, and skills.
The ISA Global Cybersecurity Alliance: A Collaborative Platform
One of the most prominent initiatives in this realm is the ISA Global Cybersecurity Alliance (ISAGCA), established by the International Society of Automation (ISA). This collaborative platform aims to enhance awareness, education, preparedness, standardization, and knowledge sharing in OT cybersecurity. With over 50 member companies generating a collective revenue exceeding $1.5 trillion and operating in more than 2,400 global locations, ISAGCA is well-positioned to address the cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities that jeopardize facilities, processes, and community safety.
ISAGCA actively promotes the ISA/IEC 62443 industrial cybersecurity standards, which are internationally recognized as leading consensus standards for OT cybersecurity. By collaborating with stakeholders across various sectors, ISAGCA works to ensure the adoption of these standards into laws, regulations, and industry practices.
The Role of CISA in Connected Communities
The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is also playing a pivotal role in the cybersecurity landscape. CISA focuses on Connected Communities that utilize networks of connected technologies to enhance infrastructure efficiency and sustainability. This initiative presents an opportunity for state and local governments to leverage technological innovation and data-driven decision-making to improve the lives of their constituents. However, the increasing reliance on converged IT and OT systems raises concerns about potential disruptions to critical infrastructure operations, which could have cascading impacts across the U.S.
CISA is committed to collaborating with government, industry, and international partners to develop risk mitigation strategies for smart and connected technologies. The agency recognizes that the compromise of these technologies could introduce new risks to infrastructure operations, affecting not only critical services but also the security of sensitive government and personal data.
Building Cybersecurity Communities: A Global Perspective
In Cyprus, the Cybersecurity Community serves as a hub for stakeholders from the private and public sectors, academia, and research institutions. This community integrates cybersecurity knowledge, skills, and expertise, promoting active participation in research and training projects to disseminate information and competencies among its members. The support of such communities is vital for maintaining and developing technological and industrial capabilities in cybersecurity across the European Union.
Another notable community is OT Security Professionals, which collaborates with partners like the Cloud Security Alliance Bangalore Chapter and Security BSides Ahmedabad. This community focuses on enhancing knowledge, fostering connections, and driving growth in OT cybersecurity. Through workshops, seminars, and certification programs, members continuously learn and adapt, improving their skills while contributing to the collective expertise of the community.
Overcoming Early Challenges in ICS/OT Communities
The journey of establishing ICS/OT communities has not been without challenges. Puneet Tambi, a senior OT cybersecurity architect at Baker Hughes, shared insights into the early hurdles faced by the OT Security Professionals community. Founded in December 2020, the community initially struggled with raising awareness about the importance of OT security and encouraging engagement among professionals from diverse backgrounds. However, consistent efforts to deliver valuable content and maintain a focus on quality led to significant growth.
A pivotal moment for the community was the launch of the first OTSecurityProTechTalk in February 2023, which highlighted the importance of OT security and brought together a dedicated team of contributors. This event marked a turning point, fostering collaboration and engagement among members.
Driving Community Growth Through Common Initiatives
The primary focus of the OT Security Professionals community is to empower OT security professionals by leveraging the diverse expertise of its members. Key activities include expert-led Tech-Talk sessions, knowledge sharing on trends and case studies, and mentorship programs that support aspiring professionals. The community has also expanded its outreach through partnerships with initiatives like BSides Ahmedabad and The Hackers Meetup, enhancing engagement through social media and webinars.
Similarly, the OT Security Huddle, founded by Shiv Kataria, aims to empower professionals with the knowledge and resources needed to excel in OT security. The community conducts online sessions covering a wide range of topics and provides free mentorship to individuals seeking guidance in their careers.
Engaging Members and Expanding Outreach
Engagement within these communities is robust, with the OT Security Professionals community engaging over 1,400 professionals monthly on WhatsApp and boasting a LinkedIn following of over 10,000. Strategies to boost engagement include interactive webinars, fireside chats, and collaborations with global OT security organizations.
The OT Security Huddle also engages thousands of professionals monthly, focusing on high-quality content, interactive sessions, and mentorship. Regular activities such as Tech-Talks, panel discussions, and online meetings ensure that members remain connected and informed.
Vision for the Future of ICS/OT Communities
Looking ahead, the vision for ICS/OT communities is to foster a collaborative, knowledge-driven ecosystem where professionals work together to safeguard critical infrastructures. As the complexity of OT security continues to grow, the need for cross-functional expertise and continuous learning becomes increasingly crucial.
The OT Security Professionals community aims to establish itself as a non-profit marketplace for a vetted talent pool of OT security professionals, while the OT Security Huddle seeks to become a globally recognized knowledge community. Both communities emphasize the importance of creating safe spaces for knowledge sharing and networking, devoid of marketing pitches and hype.
Assessing Impact and Future Strategies
The impact of these communities on the OT cybersecurity sector is significant. They have raised awareness about OT security, driven the adoption of best practices, and empowered professionals to address challenges in securing industrial control systems. Moving forward, the communities plan to expand globally, strengthen partnerships, and offer specialized training focused on practical aspects of OT security.
In conclusion, the rise of collaborative communities in the OT/ICS cybersecurity space is a testament to the industry’s commitment to addressing the evolving landscape of cyber threats. By fostering knowledge sharing, collaboration, and continuous learning, these communities are paving the way for a more secure and resilient future for critical infrastructure worldwide.