Securing IT and OT Networks: Key Insights from Fortinet’s 2023 State of Operational Technology and Cybersecurity Report

In the rapidly evolving landscape of cybersecurity, staying informed about the latest threats and trends is crucial. Fortinet’s 2023 State of Operational Technology (OT) and Cybersecurity Report provides valuable insights into the current state of OT cybersecurity, based on a global survey of 570 OT professionals.

The convergence of OT and IT networks is accelerating, driven by the benefits of data utilization, efficiency, cost savings, and performance. However, this convergence also exposes OT environments, previously isolated, to cyber threats. As a result, OT cybersecurity has become a top priority for organizations worldwide.

Key takeaways from the report include:

1. High Rate of Cyber Attacks: Despite improvements in security measures, three-fourths of OT organizations reported at least one intrusion in the past year. Malware and phishing were the most common types of incidents.
2. Overestimation of OT Security Maturity: The number of respondents who consider their organization’s OT security posture as “highly mature” fell from 21% in 2022 to 13% in 2023. This suggests a growing awareness among OT professionals about their organizations’ cybersecurity capabilities.
3. Growth in Connected Devices: Nearly 80% of respondents reported having more than 100 IP-enabled OT devices in their environment, highlighting the challenge of securing an expanding threat landscape.
4. Alignment of OT Security under the CISO: Nearly every organization plans to place the responsibility for OT cybersecurity under a chief information security officer (CISO) in the next 12 months.

The report also outlines best practices for protecting IT and OT networks. These include developing a vendor and OT cybersecurity platform strategy, deploying network access control (NAC) technology, employing a zero-trust access approach, and incorporating cybersecurity awareness education and training.

As a proud partner of Fortinet, VIcom is committed to helping organizations leverage these insights and best practices to enhance their cybersecurity posture.

Concerned about the security of your IT and OT networks? Contact VIcom today to learn how we can assist you in integrating Fortinet’s powerful cybersecurity solutions into your business strategy.