This article is based on a 2024 ICS/OT Cybersecurity SANS survey conducted with over 530 professionals across various sectors, providing a comprehensive overview of the challenges and advancements in cybersecurity practices within these critical infrastructures.

Key Findings and Trends
One of the most significant findings from the survey is the increasing adoption of cloud technologies in ICS/OT applications. The survey indicates that 26% of respondents are now utilizing cloud services, marking a 15% increase from previous years. This shift highlights the growing trend of integrating cloud solutions for remote monitoring and business continuity planning, which is essential for modernizing industrial operations.

Another critical insight is the workforce’s readiness to tackle cybersecurity challenges. The survey reveals that 51% of respondents lack ICS/OT-specific certifications, indicating a pressing need for enhanced training and certification programs. This gap in knowledge and skills could hinder organizations’ ability to effectively manage cyber risks and respond to incidents.

Priorities in Cybersecurity
The survey outlines the top priorities for organizations regarding their cybersecurity programs. Respondents ranked the “safety of the industrial process/facility” and “reliability and availability of the industrial process” as the highest priorities, reflecting a strong focus on operational integrity. In contrast, areas such as “protecting company reputation” and “meeting regulatory compliance” were deemed less critical, suggesting a potential misalignment in organizational priorities.

Budget allocation for cybersecurity initiatives also reveals interesting trends. The top budget priorities among the SANS Five ICS Cybersecurity Critical Controls include defensible architecture and ICS/OT-specific visibility and monitoring. These areas received the highest percentage of budget allocation, emphasizing the importance of establishing robust defenses and monitoring capabilities to protect against cyber threats.

The Role of AI in Cybersecurity
The survey also highlights the growing interest in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies within industrial organizations. Many respondents indicated plans to deploy AI solutions in the next 18 months, particularly in areas such as autonomy, computer vision, and decision science. This trend suggests that organizations are looking to leverage AI to enhance their cybersecurity posture and improve operational efficiencies.

Conclusion and Recommendations
In conclusion, the 2024 ICS/OT Cybersecurity survey serves as a vital resource for organizations aiming to refine their cybersecurity strategies. The insights provided should act as a catalyst for action, encouraging organizations to critically assess their security postures and adopt standards-based governance. By prioritizing workforce development and embracing advanced technologies, organizations can better protect their critical infrastructure in an increasingly complex cyber threat landscape.