The document emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining a separation between IT and ICS/OT environments to enhance cybersecurity and reduce risks associated with unauthorized access and system disruptions. It outlines best practices for secure integration, including the use of separate Active Directory forests, robust firewalls, and comprehensive security monitoring. The conclusion stresses that preserving this separation is vital for the security and operational integrity of critical infrastructure.

1. Securing IT and ICS/OT Environments: The
Separation Imperative

2. Importance of robust
cybersecurity measures
Integration of IT
environments with ICS/OT
environments
Caution and separation
between the two domains

3. The Need for
Separation:
• Distinct purposes and
requirements of IT and OT
environments
• Risks associated with
combining the environments
• Unauthorized access,
increased attack surface,
and disruptions to critical
infrastructure

4. Security Implications:
Expanding attack
surface by
connecting AD to
ICS/OT systems
01
Manipulation of
user accounts,
passwords, and
group policies by
attackers
02
Separate AD
forests/domains for
IT and OT networks
as a mitigation
strategy
03

5. Operational
Considerations:
Potential operational challenges
when integrating AD
with ICS/OT systems
Unplanned downtime and
disruptions to production
Benefits of investing time in
keeping AD environments
separate

6. Best Practices for Secure Integration
Network Segmentation
Strict network segmentation between IT and
OT environments
Reducing communication channels and
attack surface
Firewalls and Access Controls
Robust firewalls and access controls
Regulating traffic between IT and OT
networks

7. Best Practices for
Secure Integration
(contd.)
• Comprehensive security monitoring solutions
• Detecting and responding to potential threats or
anomalies
Security
Monitoring
• Separate user accounts and authentication
mechanisms for IT and OT systems
• Granting privileges based on job requirements
User Account
Management
• Periodic audits and security assessments
• Identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses in
the systems
Regular
Auditing and
Assessments

8. Conclusion
Maintaining a clear separation between AD and
ICS/OT environments is crucial
Ensuring security, stability, and operational
integrity of critical infrastructure
Implementing best practices for secure
integration
Prioritizing the segregation of IT and OT
systems, including separate AD forests/domains
Any questions or comments?