Executive brief
This is a joint government advisory providing guidance on applying Zero Trust security principles to Operational Technology (OT) environments. As industrial systems become more interconnected with IT networks, traditional perimeter defenses are no longer sufficient to protect critical physical processes. The guidance helps organizations move away from 'implicit trust' models to improve the resilience of infrastructure like power grids, water systems, and manufacturing plants.
Technical details
This publication outlines a strategic framework for implementing Zero Trust in OT environments, focusing on identity-based access control rather than traditional network perimeters. It addresses specific OT challenges such as legacy infrastructure gaps, real-time operational constraints, and safety-critical requirements. Key recommendations include establishing comprehensive asset visibility, implementing granular network segmentation, securing supply chains, and deploying robust identity and access management (IAM). The guidance is intended to mitigate risks introduced by the increasing digital monitoring and remote control of physical industrial processes.
Timeline
- 2026-04-29: advisory: CISA released the joint guidance document.