Why OT Security Is Different
OT exists to maintain availability and deterministic behavior—systems must respond on time, every time. That’s why common IT practices (rapid patching, aggressive scanning, frequent configuration change) can introduce risk if they disrupt plant operations. Effective OT security focuses on controlled change, high visibility, and stability.
Core Cyber Risks in Nuclear OT
Digital OT increases the number of connections, dependencies, and trust assumptions inside the plant environment. Common risk themes include unauthorized remote access, misconfigurations that weaken segmentation, insecure vendor workflows, uncontrolled removable media, and poor visibility into what “normal” looks like—making anomalies harder to catch early.
Practical Controls That Fit Engineering Reality
A workable nuclear OT protection stack is usually built around:
• Zones & conduits segmentation: isolating safety, control, DMZ/historian, and enterprise pathways to prevent lateral movement.
• Strong remote access: jump servers, MFA, approvals, and monitoring—especially for vendors.
• Safe monitoring: passive network visibility and OT-tuned logging so you can detect issues without breaking fragile systems.
• Patch strategy + compensating controls: patch when feasible; when not, reduce exposure through isolation, allow-listing, strict permissions, and hardened configurations.
• Protecting nuclear OT isn’t about piling on tools. It’s about building a stable, layered system where every connection is intentional and every change is understood.
MW Solutions' Approach to OT Cybersecurity
At MW Solutions, we specialize in OT cybersecurity for critical infrastructure sectors, including the nuclear industry. Our services encompass comprehensive cybersecurity risk assessments, asset discovery, threat modeling, and the implementation of secure-by-design principles. We assist clients in developing and implementing robust cybersecurity strategies tailored to their specific operational needs and regulatory requirements.