As industries embrace unprecedented levels of digital connectivity, the integration of Operational Technology (OT) and the Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized industries by enhancing efficiency, productivity, and innovation. Underlining this positive growth path, IoT Analytics forecasts the number of connected IoT devices to reach 18.8 billion by the end of 2024, up from 16.6 billion in 2023. However, the escalating surge in digital interconnectivity brings with it significant security challenges, particularly in managing the identity lifecycle of an array of connected devices, writes Tyler Gannon, VP North American Ops, Device Authority.
Across sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and logistics, the rapid proliferation of devices introduces new vulnerabilities that traditional Identity and Access Management (IAM) systems were not designed to address. Organizations must therefore rethink their strategies to protect this expanding digital frontier by securing devices, automating identity processes, and implementing effective lifecycle management for a diverse and dynamic range of devices.
Identity lifecycle management
Managing identities in OT and IoT environments presents unique challenges that differ markedly from traditional IT settings. In typical IT environments, the focus is primarily on human identities – employees, administrators, and other personnel. However, in OT and IoT landscapes, devices often vastly outnumber human users, with non-human identities potentially representing a 45-to-1 ratio compared to human identities.
Every device in these environments requires a unique identity, complete with authentication credentials and specific access controls, to interact securely within the network. This necessity complicates the security framework, as each device must be meticulously managed to prevent unauthorized access and potential breaches.
Compounding this complexity is the fact that many devices were designed to function in isolated, air-gapped setups. These devices were never intended for internet connectivity, yet as organisations integrate them with broader IT systems, they create extensive attack surfaces vulnerable to malicious actors. This integration demands a comprehensive security approach to safeguard these previously isolated devices from external threats.
Lifecycle management across these devices introduces an additional layer of difficulty. From deployment to decommissioning, each device’s access must be carefully managed, especially as they connect with various systems and even change ownership over time. Traditional manual IAM processes fall short in these contexts, as they cannot keep pace with the rapid evolution and proliferation of devices, each requiring distinct and often changing credentials.
Approaches to identity lifecycle management
To effectively manage identities in OT and IoT settings, organisations must adopt a comprehensive, automated approach that addresses the entire lifecycle of a device’s identity. Given the sheer scale of device identities, the solution must encompass everything from registration and authentication to policy-based management of credentials and keys. Automation is essential in this context, as it minimises human error, a critical factor in many security breaches, and enforces uniform security standards across every device and identity within the network.
One effective strategy is to implement a zero-trust framework that extends throughout the lifecycle of both human and non-human identities. This framework ensures that each identity, whether it belongs to a person, device, or process, is verified, authenticated, and granted only the minimum level of access required for its role.
Integrating privileged access management (PAM) solutions enhances control by safeguarding high-risk identities and sensitive systems, extending strategies traditionally used for human identities to encompass device identities as well. Through centralised control and policy enforcement, PAM systems ensure secure access to critical devices and systems while maintaining operational efficiency, seamlessly weaving security into daily operations.
Even if a device’s credentials are compromised, the damage can be contained to prevent it from spreading across the network. Advanced PAM solutions enable organisations to uphold stringent security standards while ensuring smooth, interconnected operations.
Reaping the rewards
The benefits of automating identity lifecycle management for OT and IoT devices are substantial, particularly in terms of speed, security, and scalability. Automation reduces the reliance on human intervention, effectively eliminating much of the human error that has historically led to security breaches.
This enhancement not only improves the accuracy of identity management but also significantly boosts response times to potential security incidents. With automated systems in place, security teams can act swiftly to mitigate risks before they escalate, ensuring that vulnerabilities are addressed promptly and efficiently.
Coupled with this, implementing a comprehensive identity lifecycle management solution simplifies the maintenance of regulatory compliance, a critical consideration for organisations operating in industries where the stakes extend beyond financial loss – such as energy, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Compliance with strict security regulations is essential, and automated identity management helps companies adhere to these requirements by ensuring that access controls and security measures remain consistent across the lifecycle of each device and system. This consistency not only aids in regulatory compliance but also fortifies the overall security posture of the organisation, providing peace of mind in an increasingly complex threat landscape.
Looking ahead
As the volume and complexity of connected devices grow, identity lifecycle management solutions will need to evolve to keep pace. Emerging technologies, such as AI-driven analytics, offer promising enhancements in real-time threat detection and automated responses, which will be pivotal to future identity management frameworks.
Organisations must plan for scalability, ensuring that their identity management solutions can adapt as their OT and IoT ecosystems expand. Future developments are likely to emphasise even greater automation, more refined real-time monitoring capabilities, and enhanced interoperability across diverse environments. These advancements will be critical as organisations leverage identity management solutions that provide end-to-end security in an increasingly interconnected world.
In conclusion
Securing identities in complex OT and IoT environments is a multi-faceted challenge that requires a strategic, automated approach. As the number of connected devices continues to surge, organisations must prioritise robust identity lifecycle management to safeguard their digital infrastructure.
By adopting comprehensive, automated solutions rooted in zero-trust frameworks and enhanced by PAM systems, businesses can effectively mitigate vulnerabilities and ensure the security and integrity of their operations. With technology advancing rapidly, security strategies must evolve to outpace threats, ensuring resilience and safeguarding the digital infrastructure.
