For some, vulnerability management is seen as a simple software patch and check-the-box compliance effort. If you have legacy systems, you may have all but tossed it to the side. But in 2025, with the increasing connectivity of assets, successful organizations will prioritize vulnerability management, seeing it as akin to knowing where your kids are at 10 pm.
Systems Are Doing More, Remotely
With the purpose of improving efficiency, reducing manpower and human error, industrial control systems (ICS), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and other operational technology (OT) systems and networks are more connected than ever. In addition, COVID accelerated the need to have the ability for these systems to work remotely, often adding third-party driven solutions to the mix. These smart technologies have increased the asset’s complexity and provided the ability for end users to perform more functions with available data. As a result, systems and networks maintain functionality, reliability and resiliency, but vulnerabilities are growing exponentially as new technology is implemented and legacy equipment remains.
This is why vulnerability management is more than software patching. It’s knowing how your OT assets are connected and configured and the threat vectors that could affect them. Without it, you’re exposing your operations to risks like loss of functionality, damage to your system, and destruction to the environment.