Risk-Based Vulnerability Management Framework for Operational Technology

This guide presents a framework for managing vulnerabilities in operational technology (OT) environments, which are essential for industrial operations but face distinct cybersecurity challenges. The document outlines foundational steps, including asset inventory and network mapping, to facilitate centralized tracking, prioritization, and risk-based mitigation of vulnerabilities. It emphasizes the importance of passive monitoring to avoid disruptions in critical processes while ensuring operational continuity. The guide discusses key challenges such as legacy systems, continuous operations, and mixed environments, and provides strategies for securing OT, including the use of asset profiles linked to common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs). Furthermore, it details a centralized process for managing vulnerabilities, highlighting the need for collaboration across security, operations, and engineering teams to address vulnerabilities effectively. The Dragos Platform is introduced as a tool that supports this framework by providing real-time updates, threat intelligence, and compliance reporting, ensuring organizations can maintain security without compromising operational efficiency.