The Cyber Defense eMagazine January Edition for 2024

Closing the Gap: Safeguarding Critical
Infrastructure’s IT and OT Environments
By Victor Atkins, Director | Cybersecurity, 1898 & Co.
The rise in the age of digitalization has provided numerous benefits for modern society, from the ability
to conduct a telehealth doctor’s meeting from the comfort of home to greater access to education for
rural, isolated communities. Those who work in the critical infrastructure industry aren’t strangers to the
benefits — but also the downsides — of a more digitally connected world.
With an increase in streamlined, automated controls and the capability to work from remote locations,
critical infrastructure decision-makers now have a greater ability to provide reliable services for the
communities they serve. However, expanded access to critical infrastructure systems has led to
information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) systems becoming more vulnerable and
susceptible to cybersecurity threats through a variety of attack vectors. These attack vectors can include
any data communication pathways that hackers can exploit to illegally enter a network or system.
With critical infrastructure operations continuing to push toward more digitized solutions, IT and OT
systems have become more integrated and dependent on each other. The increased connectivity
between these two traditionally separated systems provides the opportunity for adversaries to gain
access to either the IT or OT system, which if left unchecked by cybersecurity measures, can result in a
major impact to the integrated environment. Quality of life and the stability that comes from knowing the
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