Operational technology supply chains have become a primary attack vector for cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure and manufacturing environments. In this article, IIoT World examines the most actionable insights from leading OT security practitioners, covering vendor risk management, firmware integrity verification, network segmentation strategies, and the role of Zero Trust architecture in protecting industrial supply chains. Whether you manage a single plant or a global fleet of connected assets, these frameworks will help you identify blind spots and build a more resilient security posture across your entire supplier ecosystem.
The evolving landscape of cyber threats poses significant risks to industrial operations, particularly the supply chain. At the recent S4 Conference, experts highlighted critical strategies for enhancing supply chain security in operational technology (OT). This interview with Eric Byres, Senior Vice President of Cyber Supply Chain Integrity at Exiger, reveals key insights into effectively mitigating these risks.
Understanding the Role of Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs)
SBOMs have gained attention as a potential solution for supply chain security, but misconceptions abound. Byres likened SBOMs to the ingredient list on a can of soup: they provide transparency into software components but don’t inherently indicate risks. “SBOMs are a necessary information feed into your risk analysis,” he explained, emphasizing that risk analysis must accompany SBOMs to identify potential threats.
Proactive Detection of Supply Chain Risks
Detecting second- and third-tier supply chain risks before operational impact requires proactive measures. Byres advocated for a thorough software analysis before deployment, including:
- Dissecting software to identify all components.
- Tracing origins to uncover potential vulnerabilities from open-source or third-party code.
He noted that in OT environments, 70-90% of software often originates from external sources, making this step critical. “We’ve seen cases where analysis revealed vulnerabilities from the 35th tier of the supply chain,” he added.
The Growing Threat of Malicious Software Components
Supply chain risks aren’t solely accidental; they can also be intentional. Byres shared an alarming discovery involving an open-source optical character recognition (OCR) software maintained by individuals linked to the Chinese military. Further inspection revealed a hidden remote-access component designed to exfiltrate data.
This example underscores the importance of scrutinizing software origin and maintainer practices, particularly in critical infrastructure sectors.
Practical Steps for Risk Mitigation
To address these challenges, organizations should:
- Conduct Comprehensive Software Audits: Analyze all software components before deployment.
- Implement Network Segmentation: Isolate high-risk systems to prevent potential exfiltration.
- Utilize Threat Intelligence: Stay informed about emerging threats and known malicious actors.
- Foster Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Engage IT, OT, and procurement teams in supply chain security efforts.
The Emerging Risks of Open Source Software
While open-source software is integral to modern applications, it also introduces unique risks. Byres cautioned against dismissing open-source tools entirely, as reputable projects undergo extensive testing and scrutiny. However, he advised organizations to assess:
- The background of contributors and maintainers.
- Update frequency and security patching practices.
- Community engagement and transparency.
Looking Ahead: Building Resilience in OT Supply Chains
The interview concluded with a sobering reminder: supply chain threats are growing more sophisticated. Byres emphasized the need for continuous vigilance, stating, “If we don’t have the tools to defend against these risks, we’re sitting ducks.”
By adopting a proactive, informed, and collaborative approach, industrial organizations can significantly enhance their supply chain security and protect critical infrastructure from evolving cyber threats.
Stay tuned for more expert insights at upcoming IIoT World Days events, where industry leaders will continue to share best practices and innovative solutions for OT security.
About the author
Lucian Fogoros is the Co-founder of IIoT World.
FAQ Section
1. What are the biggest cybersecurity risks in OT supply chains?
The most significant risks include compromised firmware or software updates from third-party vendors, unmonitored remote access pathways, and a lack of visibility into the security practices of tier-two and tier-three suppliers. According to industry research, over 60% of OT security breaches originate from a supply chain partner rather than a direct attack on the asset owner. Organizations that fail to audit vendor access credentials and patch management cycles leave critical control systems exposed to ransomware, data exfiltration, and process manipulation.
2. How does Zero Trust architecture apply to OT environments?
Zero Trust in OT means no device, user, or network segment is inherently trusted, even inside the plant perimeter. This approach requires continuous identity verification, micro-segmentation of control networks, and least-privilege access policies for every connection to programmable logic controllers (PLCs), SCADA systems, and historians. Unlike traditional IT Zero Trust deployments, OT implementations must account for legacy devices that cannot support modern authentication protocols, often requiring secure gateways or proxy-based access brokers to enforce policy without disrupting real-time process control.
3. What steps should manufacturers take first to secure their OT supply chain?
The recommended starting point is a comprehensive asset inventory paired with a supplier security questionnaire that covers patch cadence, remote access controls, and incident response capabilities. Next, organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate critical process zones from less secure enterprise and vendor networks. Finally, establishing a continuous monitoring program that includes anomaly detection at the protocol level allows security teams to identify suspicious lateral movement or unauthorized configuration changes before they impact production.
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