Running a Successful OT Cybersecurity Assessment

What is an OT Cybersecurity Assessment?

An OT cybersecurity assessment is a critical first step in securing an organization’s industrial environment.

It involves a thorough evaluation of control systems, network infrastructure, security policies, and operational cyber practices.

 

The primary goal is to identify strengths, gaps, and vulnerabilities while providing actionable recommendations for improvement.

 

At Insane Cyber, we specialize in conducting tailored OT cybersecurity assessments that align with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.

Key Components of an OT Cybersecurity Assessment

Each OT cybersecurity assessment consists of several essential components, which can be customized based on an organization’s specific needs:

1. Control System Topology Review

• Analyzes the architecture of control systems, including physical process controllers, supervisory control systems, engineering servers, and business interfacing systems.

• Reviews the underlying compute and storage infrastructure supporting industrial operations.

2. Network Topology Review

• Evaluates network architecture, configurations, traffic flows, and firewall rules.

• Assesses access control lists (ACLs) and segmentation strategies to reduce attack surfaces.

3. Crown Jewel Analysis

• Identifies the most critical systems and assets that support industrial operations.

• Prioritizes security measures for high-value targets to mitigate operational risks.

4. Threat Landscape Analysis

• Develops a threat intelligence profile based on open-source intelligence (OSINT).

• Correlates threats with network topology, critical assets, and existing security controls.

5. OT Program Review

• Maturity assessment based on industry frameworks such as:

  • Department of Energy (DOE) Cybersecurity Capability Maturity Model (C2M2)

  • Department of Defense (DoD) Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)

• Policy, procedure, and playbook review to assess adherence to best practices.

• Compliance gap analysis aligned with standards such as:

  • ISA99/IEC 62443

  • NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF)

  • NIST SP 800-82

  • Center for Internet Security (CIS)

  • NERC CIP, TSA Security Directives, EU NIS/NIS2 Directives

6. OT Detection Analysis

• Evaluates the effectiveness of security monitoring tools within the OT environment.

• Identifies gaps in log collection, anomaly detection, and incident response processes.

7. Prioritized Findings & Recommendations

• Comprehensive findings detailing:

  • Observed vulnerabilities and security gaps

  • Impact analysis of each finding

  • Tailored recommendations addressing people, processes, and technology

Deliverables: What You Gain from an OT Cybersecurity Assessment

The primary deliverable is a detailed assessment report, which includes:

• Comprehensive documentation of all assessed components.

• A prioritized list of security findings and actionable recommendations.

• Supporting materials such as topology diagrams, risk matrices, and compliance checklists.

 

Beyond the report, organizations benefit from interactive sessions and knowledge transfer throughout the assessment process. The closeout briefing ensures that teams understand key takeaways and next steps. 

Best Practices for a Successful OT Cybersecurity Assessment

Maximize the value of your OT cybersecurity assessment by following these expert tips:

1. Involve the Right Teams

• Engage stakeholders from operations, engineering, IT, OT, security, compliance, and leadership.

• If applicable, include third-party vendors, integrators, or control system manufacturers.

2. Provide Relevant Data & Documentation

• Supply as much Request for Information (RFI) data as possible to enable a thorough evaluation.

3. Define Clear Objectives & Goals

• Work with the assessment team to establish expected outcomes, priorities, and audience in advance.

4. Foster Collaboration Across Departments

• Encourage cross-functional discussions to bridge gaps between IT and OT teams.

5. Treat the Assessment as a Learning Opportunity

• Use the engagement to build cybersecurity awareness and improve internal capabilities.

Strengthen Your OT Cybersecurity Posture with Insane Cyber

An OT cybersecurity assessment is not just a compliance exercise—it is a strategic initiative to protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats. By understanding vulnerabilities, improving detection capabilities, and aligning with industry best practices, organizations can build a resilient security posture.

 

Ready to assess and enhance your OT cybersecurity? Contact Insane Cyber to schedule a customized assessment today.