Beyond Firewalls: A Smarter Approach to OT Cybersecurity

‍

The oil and gas industry faces increasing cybersecurity threats, with attacks becoming more frequent and sophisticated. While IT networks have seen significant security improvements, OT (Operational Technology) networks remain vulnerable. The stakes are high—breaches can lead to operational shutdowns, financial losses, and even environmental disasters.

During a recent webinar, Tom Sego, CEO of BlastWave, outlined the major challenges in OT security and why traditional methods, like firewalls and VPNs, are no longer effective. He explained how a Zero Trust approach, specifically BlastShield™, provides a better, more resilient way to secure critical infrastructure.

Why Current OT Security Fails

Most companies rely on firewalls, VPNs, and security awareness training to protect their systems. However, despite increased spending on security, cyberattacks continue to rise. The reason is simple—attackers have adapted, and many current defenses still rely too much on human intervention.

Firewalls, for example, require continuous monitoring and rule updates. A single misconfiguration can leave a network exposed for months. VPNs, on the other hand, depend on passwords and multi-factor authentication, both of which can be compromised through phishing attacks or social engineering. Once an attacker gains access, they can move laterally through a network, often undetected.

Another critical issue is that many OT devices, such as PLCs, RTUs, and SCADA systems, were never designed with security in mind. They remain in operation for decades, long after software patches and updates are discontinued. This creates a major security gap that traditional methods struggle to close.

A New Approach: Zero Trust for OT Networks

Instead of continuously reacting to threats, a better approach is to eliminate common attack vectors altogether. A Zero Trust model ensures that no device or user is automatically trusted. It requires strict authentication, network segmentation, and encryption to minimize the chances of an attack spreading.

BlastShield™ provides a practical way to implement Zero Trust security for OT networks. Unlike firewalls, which allow threats to persist due to rule mismanagement, BlastShield makes critical devices invisible to unauthorized users. If attackers cannot see or scan a system, they cannot exploit it.

How BlastShield Protects Oil & Gas Infrastructure

BlastShield works by removing traditional weak points in network security. It eliminates the need for usernames and passwords by implementing passwordless, phishing-resistant authentication. This ensures that even if a phishing attack occurs, there are no credentials to steal.

It also applies network cloaking, which makes devices completely undiscoverable to unauthorized users. Attackers can no longer perform reconnaissance on a system, preventing them from identifying and targeting vulnerabilities.

Another key feature is microsegmentation, which isolates systems and restricts lateral movement. Even if a breach occurs in one part of the network, the attacker is unable to move beyond that segment. This drastically reduces the impact of an attack and prevents widespread disruptions.

Rapid Deployment Without IT Overhaul

One of the biggest concerns for OT managers is the complexity of implementing new security solutions. Many security upgrades require extensive downtime or significant changes to network architecture, which can disrupt operations.

BlastShield is designed to be deployed quickly without the need for major infrastructure changes. It can be installed on existing networks, working alongside current firewalls and VPNs without requiring reconfiguration. This means companies can enhance their security without compromising productivity.

Proven Success in Oil & Gas

A major oil and gas company recently deployed BlastShield to secure its OT network. Within a month, they protected 15,000 devices without downtime. Unlike traditional solutions that require ongoing maintenance and rule adjustments, BlastShield provided a set-it-and-forget-it level of security.

The Future of OT Security

Cyber threats targeting OT networks are increasing, and companies can no longer rely on outdated security methods. Firewalls and VPNs alone are not enough to stop modern attacks. The shift toward Zero Trust security is not just a recommendation—it is a necessity for protecting critical infrastructure.

Companies that continue to rely on traditional methods risk falling victim to the next major cyberattack. The time to act is now.

Schedule a demo today to see how BlastShield can eliminate vulnerabilities, protect critical systems, and prevent the next security breach before it happens.