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OT Asset Management:
A Key to Strengthen Cybersecurity
The Visibility Challenge
Organizations face a critical gap between perception and reality regarding network visibility. While 94% believe they maintain complete real-time oversight of their connected assets, nearly half still manage inventories using basic spreadsheets, and 55% rely on multiple disconnected systems. This fragmented approach creates inaccurate device counts and a false sense of security, leaving organizations vulnerable to threats hidden within undetected blind spots.
What is OT Asset Management
OT (Operational Technology) asset management refers to the systematic mapping, maintenance, and management of all OT systems and devices. This process provides an organization with a comprehensive overview of the devices in use, their software versions, locations, responsible parties, and their connections and dependencies. This ensures that all critical devices and systems are under control, and their status is visible in real-time.
Asset management involves a variety of information, including the following:
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What devices are there, and where are they located?
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What software versions and configurations do they use?
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Who owns and is responsible for the devices?
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What connections and dependencies do they have with other systems?
Role in OT Cybersecurity
OT asset management is an essential part of an overall cybersecurity strategy. It helps achieve several important goals:
Visibility & Management
​Enables the discovery of "unknown devices" and shadow IT. This creates a basis for risk assessment, determining which devices' protection is a priority.
Vulnerability Management
When software versions and device information are clearly known, updates and controls can be targeted to the correct locations.
Network Segmentation & Access Management
Asset management data indicates which devices need access to where. This facilitates network segmentation and access management.
Incident Response & Forensics
In the event of an incident or disruption, it is immediately known which device or system is involved and what is associated with it, speeding up the response
Lifecycle Management
Identification of old and unsupported devices enables modernization before they become significant risk factors.
Immediate Benefit to the Customer
OT asset management offers significant advantages for improving cybersecurity:
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Making risks and vulnerabilities visible immediately, avoiding blind operation
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Faster response to anomalies: for example, a strange device on the network is noticed immediately
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Efficient allocation of resources to the most critical areas
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Meeting regulatory and audit requirements: for example, IEC 62443, NIS2, and ISO 27001 require asset management
Summary
OT asset management is a key tool that enables organizations to strengthen their cybersecurity, reduce risks, and ensure business continuity. It provides transparency, better control, and enables a more effective response to potential threats. The collaboration of personnel and technology is key to success in these demanding cyber environments.
We bring asset management to life in the Nordics. Contact us and let's discuss how to solve your visibility problems.
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