Securing Mission-Critical OT with Zero Trust Framework

This white paper outlines the application of the Zero Trust framework within Operational Technology (OT) environments, specifically for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of War (DoW). It addresses the unique challenges faced in securing OT systems, which are critical for national security and can have real-world consequences if compromised. The document details the necessary capabilities for implementing Zero Trust in OT, including cyber vulnerability baselining, advanced threat detection, and anomaly monitoring. It emphasizes the importance of tailored security controls that differ from traditional IT approaches, focusing on mission-critical operations and safety. The paper also presents key use cases for Zero Trust implementation, such as asset discovery, vulnerability management, secure remote access, network segmentation, and threat detection, which collectively support mission continuity and resilience in high-stakes environments. Furthermore, it discusses the Claroty Platform's role in facilitating these Zero Trust principles within DoD/DoW OT networks.