Critical Infrastructure & OT Sector Security: Safeguarding North Carolina’s Future
Critical infrastructure is the backbone of any society—power grids that keep the lights on, water systems that ensure public health, transportation networks that keep goods moving, and healthcare systems that save lives daily. In North Carolina, where diverse industries like energy, manufacturing, banking, and healthcare thrive, protecting these assets is both a state and national priority.
As digital transformation accelerates, the Operational Technology (OT) sector—the systems and devices that control physical processes like pipelines, manufacturing equipment, and traffic signals—has become increasingly connected. While this connectivity drives efficiency and innovation, it also expands the attack surface for cybercriminals and state-sponsored threats. The phrase OT Sector Security has never been more relevant or urgent.
This blog will explore the importance of OT sector security, emerging threats, strategies for building resilience, and the role businesses in North Carolina must play in safeguarding critical infrastructure.
Why This Topic Matters to North Carolina
North Carolina is home to a diverse set of critical infrastructure sectors, including:
- Energy: Duke Energy, headquartered in Charlotte, supplies electricity to millions. Disruptions here could impact everything from homes to hospitals.
- Transportation & Logistics: North Carolina’s ports, airports, and highways serve as vital arteries for trade and commerce.
- Healthcare: With major medical centers in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, healthcare infrastructure is critical not just for residents, but also for global research and innovation.
- Manufacturing: From pharmaceuticals to automotive parts, manufacturing plants rely on OT systems for production.
A single breach in any of these industries could have cascading effects across the state and beyond.
Understanding OT Sector Security
What is OT Security?
Operational Technology (OT) refers to hardware and software that detects or causes changes in physical processes. Examples include:
- SCADA systems controlling water treatment plants
- Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) in manufacturing
- Building automation systems managing HVAC
OT Security is the practice of protecting these systems from unauthorized access, tampering, or disruption. Unlike traditional IT, OT deals with physical consequences—turning off a turbine, disabling traffic lights, or contaminating a water supply.
The Growing Threat Landscape
- Increasing Connectivity
The convergence of IT and OT, known as IT/OT integration, has blurred boundaries. While it boosts efficiency, it exposes OT systems to IT-style attacks.
- Ransomware Attacks
High-profile incidents like the Colonial Pipeline attack (with direct relevance to North Carolina) revealed how ransomware can halt operations and cause statewide panic.
- Nation-State Actors
Adversaries target OT systems not just for financial gain, but also to disrupt national security and sow chaos.
- Legacy Systems
Many OT systems were designed decades ago, without modern security features. Replacing them is costly, making them attractive targets.
- Supply Chain Risks
Third-party vendors with inadequate security often serve as weak links into critical systems.
Real-World Examples: Lessons from North Carolina
- Colonial Pipeline Attack (2021): The ransomware attack disrupted fuel supply across the Southeast, causing shortages and panic buying in North Carolina gas stations.
- Duke Energy Phishing Campaigns: Attempts to infiltrate employee accounts underscore how attackers exploit human error.
- Healthcare Ransomware: Hospitals in Raleigh and Durham have faced attempted breaches, risking patient care and sensitive data.
These cases highlight that OT security isn’t abstract—it directly impacts the lives of North Carolinians.
Key Pillars of OT Sector Security
- Asset Visibility
You can’t protect what you can’t see. OT asset inventories provide a real-time map of devices, connections, and vulnerabilities.
- Network Segmentation
Separating IT and OT networks limits attacker movement. “Zero Trust” approaches ensure only verified traffic flows between systems.
- Continuous Monitoring
Tools like intrusion detection systems (IDS) provide alerts on anomalies that may indicate an attack.
- Incident Response Planning
Every organization should prepare for “when, not if.” Clear playbooks, tested regularly, ensure rapid containment.
- Employee Training
Human error remains the top vulnerability. Training employees—from plant operators to executives—creates a culture of security.
Regulatory and Industry Standards
- CISA Guidance: Offers frameworks and advisories for critical infrastructure operators.
- NERC CIP Standards: For the energy sector, ensuring compliance across utilities.
- NIST Cybersecurity Framework: Widely adopted for both IT and OT environments.
- ISA/IEC 62443: International standard specifically for OT systems.
In North Carolina, utilities and manufacturers often adopt a mix of these frameworks to meet federal and state requirements.
Best Practices for North Carolina Businesses
- Conduct Risk Assessments: Identify vulnerabilities in OT environments.
- Adopt Zero Trust Architecture: Assume every connection is untrusted until verified.
- Invest in Modernization: Upgrade legacy systems where feasible.
- Collaborate with Managed IT Services Providers: Local experts can monitor and respond 24/7.
- Engage with State & Federal Agencies: Partner with CISA and North Carolina Department of Public Safety for resources.
- Simulate Attacks: Run tabletop exercises to test readiness.
Future Trends in OT Security
- AI-Driven Monitoring: Artificial intelligence will detect anomalies faster than human analysts.
- Blockchain in Supply Chain Security: Enhances traceability and trust in vendor networks.
- Cloud-Based OT Security: Secure remote monitoring becomes more prevalent.
- Integration of IT/OT Security Teams: Breaking down silos to create unified defense strategies.
The Role of Managed IT Services in North Carolina
For many small to mid-sized businesses, in-house OT security is overwhelming. Managed IT services providers in North Carolina step in with:
- 24/7 monitoring
- Compliance expertise
- Incident response capabilities
- Scalable solutions tailored to industry needs
By outsourcing, organizations reduce risk while focusing on their core operations.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
North Carolina’s critical infrastructure is both a strength and a target. From energy grids to hospitals, the OT sector underpins everyday life. Yet the threats are real, persistent, and growing.
Businesses across the state must prioritize OT sector security by embracing asset visibility, zero trust, employee training, and regulatory compliance. Whether through in-house teams or managed IT service providers, the message is clear: protecting critical infrastructure is not optional—it’s essential.
North Carolina’s future resilience depends on the collective action of government, businesses, and communities. By investing in OT sector security today, we safeguard tomorrow.