Cyber security alliance for operational tech

The Operational Technology Cyber Security Alliance (OTCSA) aims to bridge dangerous gaps in security for operational technology and industrial control systems.

“The compromise of operational technology used in production facilities is becoming a preferred stepping stone for cyber criminals looking to find a way into a company’s network,” explained Mark Milford, vice president, cyber security at Wärtsilä.

“Wärtsilä has taken strategic actions to become an industry leader in cyber resilience to enable sustainable business success to our customers. Cyber secure operational technology is high both on our and our customers’ agenda,” he added.

Operational technology (OT) encompasses the hardware and software used to control physical systems such as machinery in factories, power stations, ships or ports. Interconnectedness of production systems in smart factories means that there is a rapidly growing risk of security breaches.

The OTCSA is providing architectural, implementation, and process guidelines to OT operators and solution providers. These guidelines will cover the entire lifecycle and also address aspects related to people, process, and technology.

Other founding members in the OTCSA are ABB, Check Point Software, BlackBerry Cylance, Forescout, Fortinet, Microsoft, Mocana, NCC Group, Qualys, SCADAFence and Splunk.