5 Reasons Why Risk-Based Vulnerability Management Matters in OT

As industrial systems expand and become more connected, risk-based vulnerability management has become a cornerstone of OT cybersecurity. This approach is vital for organizations navigating the complexities of operational technology environments.  

What Is Risk-Based Vulnerability Management? 

Risk-based vulnerability management focuses on identifying, assessing, and addressing OT system vulnerabilities based on their impact and likelihood of exploitation. This method prioritizes vulnerabilities that pose the greatest risk to a company’s operations, safety, and bottom line. 

Why You Need Risk-Based Vulnerability Management in OT

1. Prioritization: With limited resources, focusing on the most critical vulnerabilities is essential, and the list is often overwhelming. Knowing which vulnerabilities truly matter in the context of your equipment and processes is the key to prioritization. 
2. Operational Continuity: Traditional patching methods often require system shutdowns, which is not always feasible in OT environments. While enterprise IT security has clear processes for vulnerability management, cyber-physical systems handle physical outcomes, not just data. This makes managing vulnerabilities more challenging, as these systems can’t be easily or frequently patched. 
3. Contextual Understanding: OT-specific risk assessment provides more accurate vulnerability impact analysis. 
4. Efficient Resource Allocation: By focusing on high-risk vulnerabilities, organizations can make the most of their cybersecurity resources. 
5. Compliance: Many regulatory frameworks require organizations to demonstrate (and report on) effective vulnerability management practices.

What Are Cyber-Physical Systems?  

Gartner defines “cyber-physical systems” to encompass concepts such as IoT, IIoT, smart cities, smart buildings, and grid modernization efforts created because of operational technology (OT) and IT convergence. This term urges security and risk leaders to think beyond IT security and address the full range of cyber-physical risks.

Gartner predicts that by 2025, 50% of asset-intensive organizations such as utilities, resources, and manufacturing firms will converge their cyber, physical, and supply chain security under a chief security officer reporting to the CEO. These teams will face the challenge of adopting risk-based vulnerability management tailored to OT needs.

The Challenge in OT Environments 

OT environments present unique challenges when it comes to vulnerability management: 

• Continuous operation requirements 
• Complex, proprietary protocols
• Legacy systems with limited update capabilities 
• Diverse range of equipment from various manufacturers 
• Balancing competing priorities such as uptime, safety, and security

These factors contribute to significant problems: 

• More than 250 different OEMs and advisory sources covering the OT environment 
• 30% of vulnerability advisories have incorrect data 
• 27% of advisories offered no patch
• 18% of advisories without a patch also offered no mitigation

The Impact of Poor Vulnerability Management 

The consequences of inadequate vulnerability management in OT environments can be severe: 

• 52% of vulnerabilities could cause both loss of view and loss of control 
• 79% of vulnerabilities required existing access to a control systems network to exploit 
• 20% of advisories were applicable to products bordering the enterprise

How the Dragos Platform Solves the Problem

The Dragos Platform addresses the risk-based vulnerability management challenge in OT environments through: 

• Comprehensive Asset Inventory: Automated discovery and management of all assets in OT environments – IT, OT, IoT, and IIoT. 
• Continuous Monitoring: Real-time visibility into OT networks, providing a timely source of truth. 
• Risk-Based Prioritization: Utilizes a “Now-Next-Never” methodology to prioritize vulnerabilities based on their actual risk to the environment. 
• Contextual Analysis: Provides corrected, enriched mitigation guidance specific to OT environments. Dragos vulnerability researchers work closely with equipment manufacturers and software providers to provide the best advice for mitigation.  
• Integration: Seamlessly integrates with existing security systems (like ServiceNow) to enhance overall vulnerability management capabilities.

Operators use the Platform to verify vulnerabilities or supply chain compromise risks, using the corrected, enriched, prioritized guidance within the Platform to manage the full lifecycle of specific vulnerabilities in their environments.

A Maritime Terminal Operator case study highlighted the Dragos Platform’s effectiveness

Award Winning: The Dragos Platform’s Now-Next-Never Vulnerability Prioritization 

Dragos was the only Forrester Wave participant to earn a perfect 5 rating in Vulnerability Management, underscoring the unique advantages of the Dragos methodology. In October 2024, Dragos earned the Cybersecurity Breakthrough Awards Vulnerability Management Solution of the Year. These awards recognize the importance of risk-based vulnerability management to maintain the security and operational integrity of cyber-physical systems.  

Request a Dragos Platform demo to learn more on how our technology provides the most comprehensive solution for risk-based vulnerability management in OT.