The Hidden Risk in OT Security: What You Can’t See Can Hurt You
In 2023, over 75% of cyber incidents targeting critical infrastructure were traced back to unknown or unmanaged assets. Yet, most OT environments still operate without complete asset visibility. Unlike IT networks, where asset inventories are well-established, OT environments often rely on legacy systems, proprietary protocols, and air-gapped assumptions—leaving security teams blind to potential risks.
If you don’t know what’s connected to your network, how can you secure it?
A recent study by the Ponemon Institute found that 65% of industrial organisations lack real-time visibility into their OT assets, increasing the risk of cyber threats and operational disruptions. In one case, a global manufacturing firm suffered a $140 million loss when a single vulnerable PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) was exploited in a ransomware attack, bringing production to a halt for two weeks. These incidents illustrate why asset discovery is not just an operational necessity—it’s a security imperative.
The average time a hacker goes undetected in an Operational Technology (OT) environment can vary significantly. However, some reports suggest that the average “dwell time” for attackers in general environments can range from 11 days to 287 days.
(In OT environments, the detection time can be longer due to the specialised nature of these systems and the potential lack of advanced monitoring tools. This extended dwell time allows attackers to conduct extensive reconnaissance, move laterally within the network, and potentially cause significant damage before being detected.)
Why Asset Discovery is the Foundation of OT Security
Operational Technology (OT) networks underpin critical infrastructure—from energy grids to hospitals and manufacturing plants. However, these environments were not designed with modern cybersecurity threats in mind. The convergence of IT and OT has amplified the risks, making asset visibility the first line of defence against cyber threats.
Key Challenges in OT Asset Management:
- Legacy Systems & Proprietary Protocols– Many OT devices were never designed to be monitored in real-time, making it difficult for traditional IT security tools to detect them. Many industrial systems still rely on Windows XP or older, unsupported firmware, making them prime targets for exploitation.
- Lack of Integration with IT Security Tools– OT environments often exist in silos, disconnected from broader security operations. Traditional IT-based asset management solutions struggle to interpret OT-specific communication protocols like Modbus, DNP3, and SCADA systems, leaving security teams with blind spots.
- Regulatory Mandates– Governments are ramping up pressure on critical infrastructure providers to improve security. The Australian Security of Critical Infrastructure (SOCI) Act requires organisations to maintain robust security postures, including asset visibility and risk assessments. Non-compliance can result in significant fines and legal implications, as seen in recent enforcement actions against non-compliant energy providers.
The Business & Security Risks of OT Blind Spots
Without complete asset discovery, organisations expose themselves to:
- Unpatched vulnerabilities in legacy systems– Attackers exploit outdated software that operators don’t even realise is running. In 2021, a water treatment facility in the U.S. was compromised when an attacker gained access through an unmonitored remote terminal, attempting to alter chemical levels in drinking water.
- Regulatory non-compliance– Failure to report asset risks can lead to penalties and reputational damage. In 2022, an Australian energy company faced scrutiny for failing to meet minimum cybersecurity standards outlined in the SOCI Act, resulting in operational disruptions and significant financial repercussions.
- Increased attack surface– Supply chain risks and ransomware attacks often originate from unmanaged devices. The infamous Norsk Hydro attack cost the aluminium producer an estimated $75 million in damages, largely due to attackers exploiting an unpatched OT device.
How to Approach Asset Discovery in OT
A robust OT security strategy starts with comprehensive, ongoing asset discovery. Here’s what IT and OT leaders should prioritise:
- Real-time Discovery & Risk Profiling– Understanding assets isn’t enough; organisations need current Critical Infrastructure Risk Management plans (CIRMP). Cyber threats evolve daily, and a one-time scan will quickly become outdated. Businesses must implement automated discovery tools that provide real-time insights into every device, protocol, and communication pathway within the OT environment.
- Compliance & Continuous Monitoring– Asset discovery should support ongoing compliance with frameworks like SOCI, NIST, and ISO/IEC 62443. This means maintaining detailed records of OT assets, tracking changes over time, and ensuring that vulnerabilities are addressed before they can be exploited.
- Integration with SOC & Threat Intelligence– Critical Asset require real time monitoring. The best security strategies feed asset data directly into Security Operations Centres (SOCs) and integrate with threat intelligence platforms. This approach enables organisations to proactively identify and neutralise threats before they escalate into full-scale incidents.
Beyond discovery, organisations need Compensating Controls or Positive Security Objects (PSO’s) to support operations across longer lifecycle assets. A know vulnerability can be addressed at with an effect Risk Management Plan, especially when primary controls are not feasible or effective. An example being OT Network segmentation to isolate high-risk devices and implementing Virtual Patching solutions tailored for OT environments.
What Comes After Discovery?
Asset visibility is step one—but security leaders must also:
- Implement continuous monitoring and risk scoring to detect threats in real-time.
- Strengthen compliance reporting with actionable data for audits.
- Integrate asset discovery with OT SOC services for an end-to-end cybersecurity approach.
The Future of OT Security: From Reactive to Proactive
OT security isn’t just about defending against threats—it’s about understanding your environment before an attacker does. Asset discovery isn’t a one-time project; it’s an ongoing strategy that lays the foundation for a resilient, compliant, and secure OT ecosystem.
The reality is, no security strategy is complete without full visibility into the assets within an OT network. As threats evolve and regulations tighten, organisations that fail to address asset visibility will find themselves increasingly vulnerable—not just to cyberattacks, but to regulatory penalties and operational failures.
Orro helps organisations navigate the complexities of OT security with real-time digital asset discovery, network segmentation and virtual patching, managed OT SOC services, and compliance-driven solutions. Our expertise ensures that organisations don’t just identify their assets—they protect them.
Want to know where your blind spots are? It’s time to find out.
