How to Run a Successful OT Cybersecurity Assessment

Securing operational technology (OT) systems is no longer optional—it’s essential. A well-executed OT cybersecurity assessment is the foundation for protecting critical infrastructure and maintaining operational integrity.

What Is an OT Cybersecurity Assessment?

An OT cybersecurity assessment is a comprehensive review of an organization’s industrial control systems and related security measures. It looks at how control systems are configured, how data flows across the network, and whether existing security protocols are effectively mitigating risk.

The goal is straightforward: identify vulnerabilities, evaluate system maturity, and offer strategic guidance to improve overall cyber resilience.

At Insane Cyber, we help organizations conduct these assessments with precision, tailoring each one to meet specific operational needs and industry regulations.

What’s Included in an OT Cybersecurity Assessment?

Every organization is unique, and so is each assessment. However, most evaluations include a combination of the following areas:

Review of Control Systems Architecture

We start by analyzing how your control systems are structured. This includes examining physical components like PLCs and DCSs, engineering workstations, and any interfaces connecting to business systems. It also covers the computing infrastructure—servers, storage, and backup systems—that supports these operations.

Network Design and Security Evaluation

Understanding how your OT network is built is crucial. We assess configuration details, segmentation between zones, firewall settings, and access controls to uncover weaknesses in design or implementation. The aim is to reduce the pathways attackers could exploit.

Critical Asset Identification (Crown Jewel Analysis)

Not all systems carry equal risk. We work with your team to pinpoint the most vital assets—the “crown jewels”—that, if compromised, could disrupt core operations. These systems receive priority when designing protective measures.

Threat Landscape and Risk Context

Threats evolve constantly. Using open-source intelligence (OSINT) and threat feeds, we map real-world risks to your environment. By aligning these threats with your network layout and critical assets, we build a more accurate risk profile.

Evaluation of Cybersecurity Programs

We review your cybersecurity policies, procedures, and incident response playbooks to assess alignment with frameworks like NIST CSF, ISA/IEC 62443, and NIST SP 800-82. We also evaluate compliance with sector-specific standards such as NERC CIP and TSA directives.

Maturity models like the DOE’s C2M2 or the DoD’s CMMC help us benchmark where your security program stands—and how far it needs to go.

OT Threat Detection Capabilities

Detection is a key line of defense. We examine how your systems monitor for anomalies and collect logs, and whether they’re equipped to respond swiftly to incidents. If there are blind spots, we help you find them.

Prioritized Results and Recommendations

Once the assessment is complete, we compile our findings into a report that’s clear and actionable. Each issue is analyzed for its potential impact, and recommendations are tailored to your business—addressing people, processes, and technology.

What You’ll Receive

The deliverables of an OT cybersecurity assessment go far beyond a simple checklist. You’ll gain:

• A detailed report outlining all assessment areas

• A prioritized list of vulnerabilities and improvement strategies

• Visual aids such as network diagrams, risk matrices, and compliance gap charts

In addition, we conduct a closeout session with your team to ensure everyone understands the findings and how to move forward effectively.

Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Assessment

Here are a few best practices to ensure your OT assessment delivers maximum value:

• Involve the right people early – Get input from operations, security, engineering, compliance, and leadership teams. Include vendors if necessary.

• Be transparent with data – The more relevant information you provide (network diagrams, asset inventories, policies), the more accurate and insightful the assessment will be.

• Clarify your goals – Work with the assessment team to define success, set priorities, and understand who the final report is for.

• Encourage collaboration – Foster cooperation between IT and OT to bridge organizational silos.

• See it as a growth opportunity – Use the experience to build cybersecurity awareness internally and strengthen team readiness.

Why It Matters

An OT cybersecurity assessment isn’t just a checkbox for compliance—it’s a proactive strategy to defend what matters most. From preventing downtime to safeguarding public safety, the benefits extend well beyond technical security.

At Insane Cyber, we believe every industrial organization deserves a strong, tailored cybersecurity posture. Our assessments are built to guide, educate, and empower teams at every stage.

Ready to take the next step? Contact Insane Cyber today to schedule a custom OT cybersecurity assessment for your organization.