Collaboration essential to protect national security against OT attacks in 2025
In the rapidly evolving world of operational technology (OT), cybersecurity challenges have significantly increased over the past year. In 2024, the security of operational technology faced a challenging year with increasing complexity and severity of threats.
The complexity of OT systems, combined with growing connectivity, revealed new vulnerabilities in 2024. Geopolitical tensions have led to an increase in targeted attacks on critical infrastructures, with the Netherlands often being a target. These attacks, frequently carried out by state-backed groups, focus not only on IT systems but also infiltrate OT environments. This poses risks of disruptions to essential services such as energy supply, transport, and manufacturing.
In 2024, numerous OT-related incidents once again highlighted the vulnerabilities of these networks. Ethical hacker Alwin Peppels demonstrated the ability to remotely control traffic lights, the production of Duvel and La Chouffe was halted, and machine manufacturer Lemken became a victim of a cyberattack. Ethical hackers also showed that it is possible to hack and disable solar panels. These incidents underscore the risks of the strong interconnection between OT and IT, with implications for national security. To address these challenges, the emphasis in 2024 has been on integrated OT security strategies. Strengthening data integrity, preventing downtime, and ensuring reliable operational processes have become crucial in managing digital threats within OT.
The past year has shown once again that OT security remains a low priority for many organizations, with significant consequences. It forms an essential foundation for the continuity of modern infrastructures. But what can we expect in the realm of OT security next year? aXite Security Tools presents five OT security predictions for 2025.
The five OT security predictions for 2025
1. Collaboration essential to protect national security against OT attacks
In 2025, the weaponization of operational technology (OT) is expected to increase further as the world becomes more dependent on digital systems in critical infrastructures. Cyberattacks on OT will grow more complex and targeted, while the digitalization of OT heightens vulnerabilities. Malicious actors will increasingly leverage advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, making detection more challenging and opening new avenues for sabotage, espionage, or physical damage. Sectors like energy, water management, airports, transportation, and healthcare will be especially vulnerable to prolonged disruptions. Companies and governments will be forced to revise their security strategies and collaborate more closely, emphasizing proactive monitoring and AI-driven security. Without swift action, the consequences of OT attacks could severely impact both the economy and national security.
2. Stricter regulations and new standards as driving forces
In 2025, stricter regulations such as the NIS2 directive and sector-specific security guidelines will drive the security of operational technology (OT). Organizations will be required to implement more stringent security measures for OT systems, shifting the focus from reactive to proactive strategies. Businesses will no longer consider OT security an afterthought but rather an integral part of their operational processes. This will spur investments in advanced technologies like AI-driven detection and prevention systems and necessitate incident management, recovery, and reporting plans.
In addition to increased legislation, the complexity of OT systems will lead businesses in 2025 to rely more on industry-specific collaborations and standardized approaches to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities. Frameworks like NIST and IEC 62443 provide guidelines but are often not fully applicable to all industries. As a result, businesses will increasingly depend on advanced technologies such as AI-driven assessments and automation to identify and resolve vulnerabilities.
3. Data fusion strategy indispensable in 2025
In 2025, an integrated data fusion strategy will be indispensable for OT security. With the growing connectivity between OT systems and IT networks, OT environments are becoming increasingly vulnerable to advanced cyber threats. Traditional security measures are no longer sufficient to counteract techniques used by cybercriminals, such as AI and machine learning. The integration of data from various sources, combined with AI algorithms and edge technology, enables real-time detection and prediction of threats. This not only ensures a faster response but also improves operational efficiency by minimizing risks and swiftly addressing potential attacks. This data-driven approach will become the norm for companies aiming to protect their OT infrastructures from the rapidly evolving threats in the digital world.
4. Increased preparation for risks of quantum computing
With advancements in quantum technology, the risk of conventional encryption being compromised is drawing closer. Companies in the OT sector will need to prepare for implementing “quantum-resilient” algorithms to safeguard the integrity of systems against future attacks. This will be especially critical for critical infrastructures like energy and transportation, where security and continuity are paramount. Quantum computers have the potential to decrypt complex security protocols in a fraction of the time, posing a direct threat to the integrity of OT systems.
5. Data must remain closer to the source to protect OT systems
In 2025, the focus will be on enhancing the security of edge computing environments, with advanced endpoint security and a zero trust approach at the forefront. The increasing complexity of OT systems will drive businesses to keep data closer to the source rather than moving it to data lakes, enabling real-time data analysis and reducing risks of data manipulation and security breaches. This approach will be particularly important for critical infrastructures, where speed, reliability, and data protection remain crucial for operational continuity.
Bert Willemsen, CEO at aXite Security Tools, says: “In 2025, collaboration and integration of technologies will be crucial to safeguarding national security against increasingly complex threats to OT environments. The rapid digitalization of operational technologies has heightened the vulnerability of critical infrastructures, but data analysis offers powerful opportunities to manage these risks. Through advanced data analysis supported by artificial intelligence, we can not only detect threats in real time but also anticipate potential attacks. The integration of data from diverse sources enables faster and more targeted interventions, significantly enhancing the reliability and safety of our systems. It is therefore vital that companies and governments in 2025 view data analysis not just as a reactive measure but as a fundamental part of their proactive security strategy.”
