Here’s how experts think CISA should tell agencies to protect OT
Experts urge CISA to issue a binding directive for federal agencies to protect operational technology systems.
A coalition of cyber firms and critical infrastructure operators has recommended that CISA issue a binding operational directive (BOD) to federal agencies for protecting operational technology (OT) systems. This comes after recent attacks on water utilities highlighted significant gaps in agency compliance with existing OT security requirements. The proposed directive aims to clarify responsibilities, establish minimum cybersecurity practices, and provide CISA with better visibility into federal OT assets.
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The lesson from this incident
Full lessonRecent attacks on water utilities and other critical infrastructure have exposed a critical gap: federal agencies operating OT systems lack clear, enforceable cybersecurity baselines. Without a binding directive, compliance with existing OT security guidance remains inconsistent and unverifiable. CISA currently has limited visibility into what OT assets federal agencies are running, making risk assessment and incident response nearly impossible. This matters because OT systems control physical processes — compromises can have life-safety consequences far beyond typical IT breaches.
What helps against this
How we list vendors- Identity governance and single sign-on
People who leave or change roles lose access everywhere at once, and forgotten accounts stop piling up.
- Cyber asset inventory
You cannot patch, monitor or protect the devices, cloud resources and accounts you do not know you have.
- OT and industrial control system security
Factory, building and utility control systems get visibility and protection.
Indicators of Compromise
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- malware — AI