The Growing Threat to OT Environments
Operational Technology (OT) systems, which control critical infrastructure such as manufacturing plants, power grids, transportation systems, and utilities, are increasingly becoming targets for cyber adversaries. Historically, OT systems were considered separate from IT networks, with a clear boundary between operational environments and business IT systems. However, the rise of digital transformation and interconnectedness has blurred these lines, creating new opportunities for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities in both IT and OT.
The transition of adversaries from IT to OT environments has become a significant concern in cybersecurity. OT environments, by nature, are often more vulnerable due to outdated systems, insufficient segmentation from IT networks, and limited security measures. As a result, attackers are increasingly able to pivot from compromised IT systems into OT systems, which control and monitor critical industrial processes.
In this blog post, we will explore how adversaries pivot from IT to OT environments, discuss the techniques they employ, and provide strategies for organizations to defend against these evolving threats in 2025.
The Growing Convergence of IT and OT
The convergence of IT and OT networks has opened up new avenues for cyberattacks. Traditionally, OT systems operated in isolation, with limited or no connection to the broader enterprise IT network. However, as industries embrace digital transformation, OT systems are now being integrated with IT systems, often using IoT devices, cloud computing, and remote access solutions to improve efficiency and productivity.
While this integration offers significant benefits, it also exposes OT systems to cyber risks. Vulnerabilities in the IT network can serve as a gateway for adversaries to access and manipulate OT systems. For example, an adversary who successfully compromises a company’s IT infrastructure (such as email servers or employee workstations) may be able to pivot into the OT network if proper security measures are not in place.
This convergence has led to a dramatic increase in the number of attacks targeting OT systems, as cybercriminals recognize the critical importance of these systems and the potential for significant disruption.
Common Techniques Used by Adversaries to Pivot From IT to OT
Adversaries utilize a variety of techniques to pivot from IT to OT environments. Understanding these tactics is essential for building a comprehensive defense strategy that addresses the evolving threat landscape. Below are some of the most common techniques used by adversaries:
1. Exploitation of Remote Services (T1076)
In many cases, OT systems rely on remote access services to facilitate troubleshooting, maintenance, and monitoring. These services, which include protocols such as Virtual Network Computing (VNC) or Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), allow external parties to access and control OT systems from a distance.
Adversaries can exploit vulnerabilities in remote access services to gain unauthorized access to OT networks. Once they compromise the IT network, they may use the same credentials or services to access OT systems.
Example: In 2025, cybercriminals are likely to continue targeting remote access points using known vulnerabilities in RDP or VNC. If these services are poorly configured or not adequately secured, adversaries can pivot into the OT network and take control of critical systems.
2. Spearphishing (T1566)
Spearphishing is a targeted form of phishing where adversaries craft emails designed to trick specific individuals into revealing sensitive information or installing malware. This technique remains one of the most common ways for adversaries to gain initial access to IT networks.
Once an adversary compromises the IT network via spearphishing, they may use the same methods to move laterally into OT environments. Attackers may target employees who work with both IT and OT systems, leveraging social engineering tactics to trick them into providing credentials or clicking on malicious links.
Example: An adversary may send a spearphishing email to an employee working in IT and OT administration, persuading them to download an attachment that contains malware. Once the malware is executed, the attacker gains foothold in the IT network and may pivot to the OT network if the necessary access controls are not in place.
3. Exploitation of IT-OT Integration Points (T1190)
The integration between IT and OT systems introduces new vulnerabilities that adversaries can exploit. These integration points, such as IoT devices, cloud-based data exchanges, and industrial control system (ICS) protocols, can serve as bridges for attackers to cross between IT and OT environments.
Adversaries exploit weaknesses in these integration points to bypass traditional security controls and gain access to OT systems. For example, an attacker may exploit vulnerabilities in an IoT device connected to an industrial control system, using it as a stepping stone to pivot into the OT network.
Example: In 2025, cyber attackers are likely to target vulnerabilities in legacy IoT devices and other unpatched OT components that have been integrated into the IT network. Once the attacker compromises one of these devices, they may move laterally into the OT network, where they can cause significant damage.
4. Credential Dumping (T1003)
Credential dumping involves extracting usernames and passwords from compromised systems to escalate privileges or access additional resources. This technique is particularly effective when adversaries target IT systems with shared credentials or weak password practices.
Once attackers gain access to the IT network, they can dump credentials and use them to access OT systems. Adversaries may use stolen credentials to perform lateral movements, elevating their privileges to control critical OT processes.
Example: An attacker may compromise an IT workstation and use tools to dump credentials stored in memory. If those credentials are also used to access OT systems, the attacker can pivot to OT environments, potentially gaining control of critical infrastructure.
5. Lateral Movement (T1075)
Lateral movement refers to the techniques attackers use to move from one system to another within a network, seeking higher-value targets or areas with less security. Once an adversary gains initial access to an IT system, they often use lateral movement tactics to infiltrate additional systems, including OT systems.
In OT environments, lateral movement is facilitated by weak network segmentation between IT and OT systems. Attackers can exploit this lack of segmentation to traverse from compromised IT systems into OT systems, often without triggering security alarms.
Example: After exploiting an IT vulnerability, an attacker may move laterally across the network to access other systems, eventually reaching the OT network. Once in the OT network, the attacker can manipulate industrial processes or cause system downtime.
6. Abuse Elevation Control (T1548)
Abuse elevation control is a technique in which an attacker escalates their privileges to gain control of restricted systems or devices. In OT environments, privilege escalation can allow an attacker to bypass security controls, modify critical processes, or disable protective measures.
Adversaries often use privilege escalation after compromising IT systems to gain higher-level access to OT systems. Once inside the OT network, they can exploit security flaws to escalate their access and take control of critical assets.
Example: After gaining initial access to an IT system, an adversary may use known vulnerabilities or misconfigurations to escalate their privileges and gain control of OT systems that manage industrial processes.
7. Data Exfiltration (T1041)
Data exfiltration is the process of stealing sensitive information from a compromised network. Although data theft is commonly associated with intellectual property or financial data, adversaries also target OT systems to exfiltrate information about operational processes, infrastructure configurations, and proprietary data.
Once an adversary gains access to both IT and OT systems, they may attempt to steal sensitive information that can be used for espionage, sabotage, or financial gain.
Example: An attacker may exfiltrate sensitive data about an energy plant’s control system, using the stolen information to launch a more sophisticated attack or to sell the data on the dark web.
Defensive Measures: How to Prevent Adversaries from Pivoting from IT to OT
As cyber adversaries continue to evolve their techniques for pivoting from IT to OT environments, organizations must implement a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy to defend against these threats. Below are some key measures to consider:
1. Network Segmentation and Isolation
To prevent adversaries from easily pivoting from IT to OT, organizations should ensure that OT networks are properly segmented from IT networks. Segmentation limits lateral movement, making it more difficult for attackers to access critical OT systems once they compromise the IT network.
2. Zero Trust Architecture
Implementing a zero-trust architecture in both IT and OT environments ensures that no user or device, even within the network, is trusted by default. Every access request must be authenticated and authorized based on the principle of least privilege.
3. Enhanced Remote Access Security
Remote access to OT systems should be secured with multi-factor authentication (MFA) and strong encryption. Organizations should also implement secure Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) or private networks for remote access, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access OT systems.
4. Continuous Monitoring and Anomaly Detection
Invest in advanced monitoring tools that provide real-time visibility into both IT and OT networks. Implement anomaly detection systems that can identify suspicious activities, such as unusual communication between IT and OT systems, enabling organizations to respond quickly to potential threats.
5. Patch Management and Vulnerability Remediation
Regularly update and patch both IT and OT systems to address known vulnerabilities. Ensuring that legacy systems in OT environments are maintained and secured is critical to defending against adversaries who exploit unpatched vulnerabilities.
6. Employee Awareness and Training
Employees should be trained on the risks associated with spearphishing and other social engineering techniques. Additionally, staff responsible for both IT and OT systems must be well-versed in cybersecurity best practices and how to recognize and report potential threats.
Conclusion: Adapting to an Evolving Threat Landscape
The convergence of IT and OT systems has created new opportunities for cyber adversaries to exploit vulnerabilities and pivot between networks. Understanding the techniques used by attackers and implementing robust security measures is essential for defending critical infrastructure in 2025. As adversaries continue to evolve their tactics, organizations must remain vigilant and proactive in securing both IT and OT environments to ensure the integrity and resilience of their industrial control systems.