ICS and OT buyer's guide
Why this guide matters
Securing Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Operational Technology (OT) is no longer optional, it's a necessity. The convergence of IT and OT has created new vulnerabilities, making critical infrastructure a prime target for cyberattacks. Choosing the right ICS/OT security solution is crucial to protecting your organization from costly downtime, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties. This guide provides a framework for evaluating and implementing the right solution to safeguard your industrial operations.
What to look for
When evaluating ICS/OT security solutions, prioritize capabilities that address the unique challenges of industrial environments. Look for passive asset discovery to avoid disrupting sensitive systems, deep packet inspection for protocol-level visibility, and risk-based vulnerability management to focus on the most critical threats. Integration with existing security infrastructure and compliance mapping are also essential for a holistic security posture. The solution should be easy to use, provide actionable insights, and align with your organization's specific needs and risk profile.
Evaluation checklist
- Critical Passive discovery of Level 1 & Level 0 devices
- Critical Support for specific proprietary protocols (e.g. S7, CIP, Modbus)
- Critical Risk-based vulnerability management with operational criticality
- Important Built-in Secure Remote Access (SRA) for vendors
- Important Native integration with existing SIEM/SOAR platforms
- Important Automated reporting for industry regulations (e.g. NERC CIP)
- Important OT-specific threat intelligence feeds
- Nice-to-have Hardware availability (Ruggedized options for harsh areas)
- Nice-to-have Generative AI assistant for alert triage and explanation
Red flags to watch for
- IT-first pedigree with a new OT module
- Reliance on active scanning as the primary discovery method
- Opaque pricing with usage-based fees
- Lack of in-house OT research and threat intelligence
- Weak financials or history of frequent acquisitions
From contract to go-live
Implementing an ICS/OT security solution requires careful planning and coordination between IT and OT teams. The implementation journey typically involves a phased approach, starting with discovery and planning, followed by configuration, testing, and go-live. Optimization is an ongoing process to ensure the solution remains effective and aligned with evolving threats. Success depends on clear communication, well-defined roles, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Implementation phases
Discovery & Planning
30-90 daysNetwork mapping, asset inventory, baseline behavior
Configuration & Tuning
2-4 monthsPolicy configuration, false positive elimination
Governance & Hardening
6-12 monthsPolicy enforcement, secure remote access rollout
Optimization
OngoingIntegration with SOC workflows, threat hunting
The true cost of ownership
Beyond the software license fee, consider the hidden costs associated with implementing and maintaining an ICS/OT security solution. These costs can include professional services, hardware and infrastructure upgrades, training, and integration development. Understanding the total cost of ownership is crucial for budgeting and ensuring a successful deployment.
Compliance considerations for ICS and OT
ICS/OT security solutions must meet industry-specific regulations and standards, such as NERC CIP for utilities, TSA's Pipeline Security Directives, and IEC 62443. Ensure the solution provides automated compliance mapping and reporting to streamline audits and demonstrate adherence to these requirements. Compliance dependencies can significantly impact the overall cost and complexity of the implementation.
Your first 90 days
Post-implementation success depends on a well-defined plan and clear milestones. Focus on verifying admin access, establishing core workflows, and activating monitoring on Day 1. Within the first week, complete team training and capture baseline metrics. By Month 1, initiate the first optimization cycle and gather user feedback. By Quarter 1, measure ROI, plan for Phase 2, and schedule a vendor QBR. These milestones ensure a smooth transition and maximize the value of your investment.
Success milestones
- 100% of visible network segments monitored
- First automated inventory generated
- All "critical" vulnerabilities identified
- Mitigation plan assigned
- MTTD and MTTC baselined
- First secure remote access session audited
Measuring success
Success in ICS/OT security is measured by the transition from a reactive to a proactive security posture. Focus on leading indicators such as Maturity Scores and Response Velocity, rather than lagging indicators like the number of blocked attacks. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) should track the speed with which the organization can identify vulnerabilities and implement compensating controls.