Cybersecurity and AI Across IT-OT Automation Stack - Monthly Digest # 3

Hey there,

Hope you are doing well.

This is Cybersecurity & AI across IT-OT Automation Stack - Monthly Digest # 3. 

✍️↪️ In this newsletter:

TL;DR — Summary

• AI is now a security axis across the stack. Cloud AI workloads and model supply chains introduce new integrity and provenance risks that must be mitigated alongside traditional IT / OT controls.

• ERP remains a top ransomware vector for manufacturers. A high percentage of ransomware incidents touch ERP systems — treat ERP hardening as high priority for business continuity.

• Standards & guidance have advanced. ISA/IEC 62443 updates and NIST OT guidance continue to refine program-level and technical controls for IACS/OT. Use these as the program spine.

• OT-specific advisories keep arriving. CISA/CERT vendor advisories (recent Schneider / CISA ICS advisories and multiple CVEs affecting PLCs / controllers) mean patch + segmentation programs must be operationalized.

• Practical priority: inventory (including models & data), isolate and protect ERP and OT control planes, implement DMZ controls between IT/OT, embed AI security lifecycle controls, and prepare tested recovery playbooks.

• 📘Conclusions for CDO / CIO and CISO’s.

• ‼️ And some references.

But before we begin, do me a favour and make sure you “Subscribe” to let me know that you care and keep me motivated to publish more. Thanks!

Ready? let’s dig in.

Yours truly.

— Yousuf.

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Quick recap from previous Digests!

✍️ In Digest # 0, we covered basics around the IT-OT automation stack and its importance and relevance to building a competence framework for the next generation of IT & OT cyber professionals, whether they are Solution Architects and or Security Architects. Also shared some initial thoughts on the coverage across the project lifecycle stages.

✍️ In Digest #1, we covered brief introduction to each layer of IT-OT automation stack, related Purdue levels, industry 3.0 vs. 4.0 differences, insights, risks and threats, and few interesting resources on Cybersecurity and AI.

✍️ In Digest #2, we outlined a Competence Framework for both an Cybersecurity & AI architects / professionals as well as Industry 4.0 solution architects / professionals.

↪️ Let us know, in the future Digest # 4, what you’ll want me to cover more?

My YouTube Videos

In case you’ve missed, I’ve recently posted a couple of videos on YouTube.

Parallels between Digital Transformation & IT OT Cybersecurity Strategies (a 20-Minute Masterclass!)

In this ⏳20-minute short Masterclass, M. Yousuf Faisal (20+ years in IT/OT cyber) explains steps for #DigitalTransformation and #Cybersecurity Strategy execution and drawing parallels between the two.

Learn how to treat these not as separate projects but as a journey.

Getting Started in IT/OT Cybersecurity - A 3 Phase & 12 Steps Blueprint

This is for the following different persona types:

• A recent graduate or learner- interested in getting started in IT/OT Security.

• An IT security professional - interested in getting started in OT Security.

• An automation professional - interested in getting started in OT security.

• An experienced professional from a non-IT/Security/Automation field - interested in getting started in IT/OT security.

OT Cybersecurity Requirements Specification Dos and Don'ts

✅ Deadly Sins (Common Mistakes) & Quick Wins (recommended fixes) for Industrial environments 🚨- You Can’t Afford to Ignore! Plus🚨

Cybersecurity Levers - Secure By 3Ds (Demand, Design & Default) - The Trifecta for Organizations

Explains what they mean? Why should you care? & how to leverage these to protect your business / industrial operations.