The SANS 2024 State of ICS/OT Cybersecurity Report: A Strategic Roadmap for Critical Infrastructure Protection

This report serves as a definitive benchmark for industrial cybersecurity programs around the globe, providing a data-driven overview of the current state of security in industrial control systems (ICS) and operational technology (OT) environments. Based on a comprehensive survey of over 530 professionals from various critical infrastructure sectors, the report is a critical resource for business leaders, asset owners, and cybersecurity practitioners responsible for safeguarding industrial operations.  

Key Insights and Benchmarks from the Report:

• Cloud Adoption is on the Rise: A significant 26% of surveyed organizations are now using cloud technologies for ICS/OT applications, marking a 15% increase from previous years.  

• Workforce Development is a Critical Challenge: A majority of respondents (51%) do not hold any specific ICS/OT certifications, which highlights a substantial need for enhanced training and certification programs to build a resilient workforce.  

• Incident Response Gaps Persist: While 56% of organizations have a dedicated ICS/OT incident response plan, a concerning 28% still lack such a plan, leaving them vulnerable to a significant security event.