Ask the Experts: What is network segmentation and why is it important in OT environments?

Overview

Network segmentation is a powerful tool in operational technology (OT) environments! Our expert explains how dividing networks helps boost security, safeguard critical assets and reduce risks in OT systems.

Transcript:

Network segmentation is about dividing the different segments in order to isolate the zones within a network. It's important to OT because it reduces the spread of a compromise within an OT network and it also ensures security and the protection of the critical infrastructure.

In IT, the priorities are different than in OT. What we're looking at is mainly confidentiality and integrity. Whereas in OT, we are looking at availability and safety and the dedicated data flows. So, when conducting OT segmentation, it’s important to look more into the safety critical operation, real-time operation, and also make sure that we're taking account of legacy systems.

There are various measures to put in place in order to ensure the segmentation is working in OT environments. First of all, they need to make sure they have thorough monitoring of the network and they do conduct regular audits and penetration testing in order to ensure the segmentation is effective. Also the adoption of a baseline architecture, in line with the baseline architecture we're seeing.

At Black & Veatch, we have developed a Cybersecurity Asset Lifecycle Management (CALM) approach that we use for greenfield as well as brownfield scenarios and the asset in that case is the plant, is the utility, is the critical infrastructure that we are looking at. What we're trying to achieve is cyber resilience throughout the various stages of a project, regardless of where our clients are.

When it comes to segmentation in a greenfield scenario, we do embed it right at the beginning, in the early design stages to ensure to monitor that throughout the various subsequent stages of a construction. When it comes to brownfield scenarios, we conduct a gap analysis and we evaluate the various gaps that we’re looking at and the mitigations strategies to put in place. Segmentation usually comes as one key control that we apply, although not very cost efficient. This is why we propose to embed cybersecurity right at the early stages of any construction project that we are looking at.

In both scenarios, when we are conducting segmentation, we look at monitoring, we conduct thorough monitoring, thorough testing, and we make sure that we are adopting the segmentation in line with baseline architecture that we have defined.

Benefits of network segmentation

Enhanced Security Segmenting networks into smaller, isolated units helps prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data, making it significantly more difficult for attackers to reach critical systems.
Reduced Attack Surface By limiting the number of devices and users within each segment, the number of potential entry points for cyber threats is minimized.
Improved Network Performance OT network segmentation can enhance overall performance by reducing congestion and enabling more efficient management of data traffic.
Simplified Troubleshooting Issues can be more easily identified and resolved when confined to specific network segments, streamlining the troubleshooting process.
Regulatory Compliance Segmentation supports compliance efforts by ensuring that sensitive information, SCADA systems and ICS networks are properly isolated and protected in accordance with regulatory standards.

Why is network segmentation important?

In an era where cyber threats are increasingly targeting OT systems, industrial network segmentation is a key cybersecurity strategy. By isolating critical systems, reducing the attack surface and enabling more precise monitoring and control, segmentation not only enhances security but also supports operational resilience and regulatory compliance. Our Cyber Asset Lifecycle Management (CALM) services offer tailored solutions to address your organization’s needs. Whether designing from the ground up or retrofitting legacy environments, investing in OT cybersecurity segmentation is not just a technical decision—it’s a strategic imperative for safeguarding the future of industrial operations.

Learn more about Black & Veatch's industrial cybersecurity here.

What is Operational Technology (OT) Security?

Operational technology (OT) cybersecurity references the software, hardware, practices, personnel, and services deployed to protect operational technology infrastructure, people, and data. As data collection and analysis become more important, and as IT and OT converge to enable “big data” initiatives, it has become necessary to reassess cybersecurity best practices for protecting OT.

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