The Unique Nature of OT Cybersecurity

OT systems are designed to monitor and control physical processes in industries such as energy, manufacturing, and transportation. Unlike traditional IT systems, OT systems often have a direct impact on the physical world, making their security crucial. The convergence of IT and OT has added complexity to the cybersecurity landscape, as it requires expertise in both areas.

Securing OT environments requires a deep understanding of industrial control systems (ICS) and the unique vulnerabilities they present. As John Doe, an industry specialist, explains, “Securing OT environments requires a deep understanding of both IT and industrial control systems. This blend of skills is rare, which makes finding qualified professionals challenging.”

Employee Perspectives: Challenges in Getting Hired

• Investment in Certifications and Training

Professionals in OT cybersecurity often invest heavily in their education and certifications. Certifications such as Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional (GICSP), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) are highly regarded in the industry. These certifications require significant time, effort, and financial investment.

“I’ve spent years and thousands of dollars on my certifications. I need a role that values this expertise,” says Mathew Thompson, an OT security professional in a leading O&G company, highlighting the personal investment required to excel in this field.

• Specialized Skill Sets

OT cybersecurity professionals need specialized knowledge that goes beyond traditional IT security. They must understand the intricacies of SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), Industrial Network Devices and other industrial control systems. This specialized skill set can make it challenging for professionals to demonstrate their unique qualifications in a job market that often lacks understanding of these requirements.

“OT cybersecurity isn’t just about IT security; it requires a blend of engineering and security skills,” notes Suresh Patel, a senior cybersecurity analyst in ICS consulting company. This specialized skill set makes these professionals unique and in high demand.

• Lack of Standardized Career Pathways

The career progression in OT cybersecurity is often unclear, with many professionals struggling to find correct roles that match their skills and experience. The lack of standardized career pathways can deter new entrants and make it difficult for existing professionals to advance.

“I love the challenge of securing critical infrastructure, but finding the right role is tough,” shares Amanda Lee, an OT security consultant with a leading Cybersecurity Consulting firm in OT/ICS. Ensuring job satisfaction is crucial for retaining top talent in this field.

• High Expectations and Job Security

Given the high stakes of the field, employers often set high expectations for prospective employees. This includes a thorough understanding of both IT and OT, and a proven track record in handling complex security issues. Additionally, job security can be a concern due to the evolving nature of cyber threats and the need for constant adaptation.

“The demands are intense, and there’s always a need to stay ahead of the latest threats. This can be daunting for anyone considering a career in OT cybersecurity,” says David Nguyen, a cybersecurity engineer at a major Power Grid Utility in Asia.

• Geographical Limitations

OT cybersecurity jobs are often tied to specific geographic locations, such as industrial hubs or areas with a high concentration of critical infrastructure. This can limit job opportunities for professionals who are not located near these areas or are unwilling to relocate.

“Many of the best opportunities are in specific regions, which means relocating or facing a limited job market,” explains Sarah Johnson, an OT security specialist at a Manufacturing facility in UK. This geographical limitation can be a significant barrier for many professionals.

• Industry-Specific Knowledge Requirements

Each industry within the OT space, such as energy, pharma, manufacturing, or transportation, has its own unique systems and regulatory requirements. Professionals must not only be cybersecurity experts but also have a deep understanding of the specific industry’s operations and compliance needs.

“Understanding the specific regulatory and operational nuances of different industries adds another layer of complexity to an already challenging field,” says Michael Davis, a senior OT cybersecurity advisor working for Railway Security Systems Company. This industry-specific knowledge requirement can further narrow the pool of qualified candidates.

• Adaptability and Continuous Learning

The rapidly evolving nature of cybersecurity threats requires professionals to be highly adaptable and committed to continuous learning. This can be both a motivating and challenging aspect of the job, as staying current with the latest technologies and threats is essential.

“Keeping up with the latest developments and adapting to new challenges is a constant requirement in this field,” notes Emily Zhang, an OT security analyst at a leading Power Generation Company. The need for continuous learning can be a significant commitment for professionals.

• Balancing Technical and Soft Skills

OT cybersecurity professionals must balance technical skills with soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Effective collaboration with other departments, such as engineering and operations, is crucial for securing OT environments.

“Strong technical skills are essential, but so are the ability to communicate and work effectively with diverse teams,” says Carlos Ramirez, an OT security manager at Industrial Safety Solutions compay in Brazil. Balancing these skills can be challenging but is necessary for success in the field.

These perspectives highlight the unique challenges faced by OT cybersecurity professionals in getting hired and thriving in their roles. Understanding these challenges can help employers develop strategies to attract and retain top talent in this critical field.

Employer Perspectives: Challenges in Hiring

• Boom in OT Cybersecurity Demand

The demand for OT cybersecurity professionals has surged in recent years due to the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber-attacks targeting critical infrastructure. According to a recent report, the OT cybersecurity market is expected to grow from $15.6 billion in 2020 to $32.4 billion by 2025, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.6%.

“With the rise of cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure, the demand for OT cybersecurity experts has skyrocketed,” says Jane Smith, an analyst at a talent hiring company. This rapid growth has outpaced the supply of qualified professionals.

• Shortage of Qualified Candidates

There is a significant gap between the demand for and supply of qualified OT cybersecurity professionals. Employers struggle to find candidates with the right mix of skills and experience. The specialized nature of the field means that there are fewer professionals with the necessary expertise.

“We struggle to find candidates who have both IT security expertise and experience with industrial control systems,” explains Robert Brown, a hiring manager at automation solutions company. This shortage makes hiring a slow and challenging process.

• High Salary Expectations

Due to the specialized nature of OT cybersecurity roles and the high demand for skilled professionals, salary expectations are often high. This can strain the budgets of some organizations, particularly smaller companies and salary parity in bigger organizations. Balancing competitive salaries with budget constraints is a common challenge for employers.

“The salary expectations for qualified OT cybersecurity professionals can be very high, which makes it challenging for us to compete with larger companies,” says Laura Martinez, an HR director at a leading MNC.

• On-the-Job Training Needs

Even when qualified candidates are hired, there is often a need for additional on-the-job training to ensure they are fully prepared to handle the specific OT environments, products and technologies used by the employer. This additional training time can impact productivity and delay the full integration of new employees.

“Even with certifications, new hires often need extensive on-the-job training to understand our specific systems and processes,” notes Henry Wilson, an OT cybersecurity leader at large O&G company.

• Retaining Top Talent

Once hired, retaining skilled OT cybersecurity professionals is another challenge. Employers need to offer competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, meaningful work and a positive work environment to keep their employees satisfied.

“Retention is a major concern. We invest heavily in training, but we also need to ensure our employees feel valued and challenged,” states Mary Johnson, a senior manager at cybersecurity services company in UK. Retaining talent is essential for maintaining a robust cybersecurity posture.

• Navigating Regulatory Requirements

The OT cybersecurity field is heavily regulated, with various compliance standards that professionals must adhere to. This can add another layer of complexity to the hiring process, as candidates must be well-versed in regulatory requirements.

“Finding candidates who not only have the technical skills but also understand the regulatory landscape is crucial,” says William Harris, a hiring manager at leading MNC.

Bridging the Gap

Collaborative Efforts

Addressing the skills gap in OT cybersecurity requires collaboration between industry, academia, and government. Each stakeholder brings unique strengths and resources that can contribute to developing a robust pipeline of skilled professionals.

• Industry-Academic Partnerships
  • Internship and Co-op Programs: Establishing strong internship and co-op programs between universities and industry can provide students with hands-on experience in real-world OT environments. This practical experience is invaluable and can significantly enhance the employability of graduates.
  • Curriculum Development: Industry professionals can collaborate with academic institutions to develop and update curricula that reflect the latest trends and challenges in OT cybersecurity. This ensures that students are learning relevant and up-to-date skills.

“By working closely with universities, we can ensure that the next generation of cybersecurity professionals is well-prepared to meet the challenges of protecting critical infrastructure,” says Susan Clark, a collaborative effort leader and SVP at a leading Consulting Firm.

• Government Initiatives
  • Grants and Funding: Government grants and funding can support research and development in OT cybersecurity, as well as provide financial assistance for students pursuing careers in this field.
  • Public-Private Partnerships: Governments can facilitate public-private partnerships to enhance cybersecurity capabilities and share knowledge and resources across sectors.

“Government support is crucial in bridging the skills gap in OT cybersecurity. Public-private partnerships can leverage the strengths of both sectors to develop comprehensive solutions,” notes Shiva Ganeshan, a government official at Department of Power & Water of major country.

Innovative Training Programs

To prepare the next generation of OT cybersecurity experts, innovative training programs that go beyond traditional classroom learning are essential. These programs should focus on providing practical, hands-on experience and developing critical thinking skills.

• Boot Camps and Intensive Courses
  • Immersive Learning: Boot camps and intensive courses offer immersive learning experiences that can quickly bring participants up to speed on the latest OT cybersecurity practices. These programs often include simulated cyber-attacks and defensive strategies, providing practical experience in a controlled environment.

“These boot camps provide hands-on experience that is crucial for understanding OT environments and responding to real-world cyber threats,” says James Lee, a recent graduate of an OT cybersecurity boot camp.

• Mentorship and Apprenticeship Programs
  • On-the-Job Training: Mentorship and apprenticeship programs pair less experienced professionals with seasoned experts. This allows for on-the-job training and knowledge transfer, ensuring that new hires can quickly adapt to their roles and responsibilities.
  • Career Development: These programs also offer clear pathways for career development, helping to retain top talent by providing continuous learning and growth opportunities.

“Mentorship programs are invaluable. They provide new professionals with the guidance and support needed to navigate the complexities of OT cybersecurity,” explains Karen White, a mentor and senior OT security consultant at a big consulting firm.

Continuous Learning and Professional Development

Given the rapid evolution of cybersecurity threats and technologies, continuous learning and professional development are essential for both new and experienced professionals in the OT cybersecurity field.

• Certifications and Continuing Education
  • Regular Training: Employers should support their employees in obtaining relevant certifications and attending regular training sessions to stay current with the latest developments in OT cybersecurity.
  • Online Courses and Workshops: Access to online courses and workshops can make it easier for professionals to update their skills and knowledge without having to take time off work.

“Continuous education is crucial in our field. Employers who invest in their employees’ ongoing training see significant benefits in terms of both retention and performance,” says Alex Kim, an OT cybersecurity expert.

• Professional Associations and Conferences
  • Networking Opportunities: Participation in professional associations and conferences provides valuable networking opportunities and exposure to the latest research and best practices in OT cybersecurity.
  • Knowledge Sharing: These events also facilitate knowledge sharing among peers, helping to spread innovative solutions and strategies across the industry.

“Attending conferences and being part of professional associations has been instrumental in my career. It’s a great way to stay informed and connected with the cybersecurity community,” says Rachel Green, a senior OT security analyst at ICS consulting firm in UK.

Conclusion

Hiring in the OT cybersecurity space is challenging due to the unique nature of the field and the specialized skills required. Both employees and employers face significant hurdles, but by understanding the perspectives of each other, it would make the hiring process smooth. I would like to emphasis that addressing the hiring difficulties in OT cybersecurity is crucial for securing our critical infrastructure and ensuring a safe and resilient future.