How to Make a Career Transition to OT Security
The growing reliance on Operational Technology (OT) and Industrial Control Systems (ICS) in various industries has led to an increased demand for professionals skilled in OT/ICS security. This exciting and evolving field offers numerous opportunities for individuals looking to make a career transition.
If you are interested in pursuing an OT Security Career in 2023, you might be wondering how to make a career transition from your current role. OT and ICS security is a growing and challenging domain that requires a combination of technical skills, domain knowledge, and a security mindset.
Here we will discuss and share some tips and resources on how to prepare yourself for a successful career transition to OT/ICS security.
Understanding the field of OT/ICS Security:
OT/ICS security is the practice of protecting industrial control systems and industrial networks from cyber-attacks, as well as ensuring their resilience and recovery in case of incidents. It is a critical aspect of modern infrastructure and is becoming increasingly important in the face of growing cyber threats.
Operational Technology (OT) Security Specialists need to understand the specific characteristics, challenges, and risks of OT/ICS environments, as well as the best practices and standards for securing them.
To make a successful career transition as an OT security Specialist, it is essential to have a deep understanding of the field. This includes the different types of systems and technologies involved, as well as the threats and risks associated with them.
Why pursue a career in OT/ICS security?
There are many reasons why you might want to pursue a career in OT/ICS security and become an efficient OT Security Engineer.
- You are passionate about cybersecurity and want to apply your skills and knowledge to a domain that has a direct impact on the physical world and society.
- You are curious about how different industries operate and want to learn more about their processes, technologies, and challenges.
- You enjoy solving complex problems that require creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.
- You are looking for a rewarding and dynamic career that offers opportunities for growth, learning, and development.
How to make a career transition to OT/ICS security?
Transitioning to the OT Security Career Path is not easy, but it is possible with the right preparation and strategy. You can take the following actions to improve your chances of success:
Assess your current skills and knowledge:
Before you start applying for jobs in OT Cybersecurity, you need to have a realistic assessment of your current skills and knowledge in relation to the requirements of the field.
You can use online resources such as NIST 800-82, NIST CSF, IEC62443 standards overview, and free online courses from Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security. You should also identify which industry or sector you are most interested in working in, as different industries may have different standards, regulations, and technologies for their OT/ICS systems.
Fill your knowledge gaps:
Once you have identified your knowledge gaps, you need to fill them with relevant training and education. You can enroll in online courses or certifications that cover the fundamentals of OT Cybersecurity and ISA’s Cybersecurity Certificate Programs.
Get familiar with the OT/ICS domain and terminology. OT/ICS systems vary widely depending on the industry and application. You need to understand the specific functions, processes, and challenges of the OT/ICS systems you want to secure. You also need to learn the common terms and acronyms used in the OT/ICS domain, such as PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, DCS, RTUs, etc.
You can also read books, blogs, podcasts, webinars, or white papers that provide insights and best practices on various topics related to OT/ICS security. You should also keep yourself updated on the latest trends, threats, and incidents in the field by following reputable sources such as ICS-CERT.
Gain hands on experience:
The best way to learn about OT/ICS security is to practice it. You can start by setting up your own OT/ICS lab at home or at work, using hardware or software simulator (eg: PLCsim or Conpot) You can also use online platforms or courses that offer virtual labs or scenarios for OT/ICS security training (Eg: tryhackme ICS attacks rooms, control things IO platforms to gain hands-on experience)
You should also familiarize yourself with the tools and techniques used for OT/ICS security assessment, monitoring, and response, such as network scanners, protocol analyzers, vulnerability scanners, threat intelligence feeds, etc.
You can look for opportunities to gain practical experience in your current role or organization by volunteering for projects or tasks that involve OT/ICS systems or networks.
Network with other OT/ICS security professionals:
One of the most valuable resources for your career transition is the community of other OT Security Specialists. You can learn from their insights, experiences, and advice, as well as find opportunities for collaboration or mentorship.
You can network with other OT Security Specialists by joining online forums, groups, or events; attending conferences or webinars; or participating in competitions or challenges.
(Eg: Join online communities such as LinkedIn groups, ISA groups, SANS community where you can exchange ideas, insights, and opportunities with other).
Pursue relevant certifications or credentials:
Another way to demonstrate your competence and commitment to OT/ICS security is to obtain relevant certifications or credentials.
There are several options available for OT/ICS security certifications or credentials, depending on your level of expertise and interest.
Some of the relevant certifications are:
Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional Certification (GICSP) by SANS institute
ISA/IEC 62443 cybersecurity Certifications:
Certificate #1: ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Fundamentals Specialist
Certificate #2: ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Risk Assessment Specialist
Certificate #3: ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Design Specialist
Certificate #4: ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Maintenance Specialist
Once you have developed the necessary skills and certifications, the next step is to start looking for job opportunities in the field of OT/ICS security. Here are a few pointers to aid you in your job search:
Perform Industry and Company Research:
Before your interview, it’s crucial to do your homework on the company you are applying to and the industry it operates in. You can refer details in the job description or by conducting additional research. By showing that you have a good understanding of the company and industry, you can demonstrate your interest in the role and stand out from other candidates.
Polish Your Resume and Portfolio:
Your resume and portfolio should highlight your relevant experience and achievements in OT/ICS security. Ensure that they are current and accurate, and that they demonstrate your skills in areas such as industrial network and architecture design, risk assessment, vulnerability analysis, incident response, compliance auditing, and security awareness training. Be prepared to explain how you utilized these skills in previous projects or positions. Make sure to emphasize your accomplishments and quantify them whenever possible.
Get Ready for Technical Questions:
Technical questions are common in OT/ICS security interviews, as they test your knowledge of the systems and technologies involved. Interviewers may ask scenario-based or problem-solving questions to assess your technical abilities.
Be Ready for Behavioral Questions:
In addition to technical questions, behavioral questions are critical in OT/ICS security interviews, as they assess your soft skills and personality traits. You should demonstrate your communication skills, teamwork skills, problem-solving skills, analytical skills, ethical standards, and passion for learning.
Practice and Ask Questions:
Before the interview, take some time to practice your answers to common or possible questions that you may encounter. You can find sample questions and answers online or in books, or you can ask a friend or mentor to conduct a mock interview with you.
If you have questions please ask at the end of the interview. This will show your interest and enthusiasm for the role and the company.
Conclusion:
Making a career transition to OT/ICS security can be challenging, but with the right mindset, skills, and certifications, it can also be a highly rewarding career path. Remember that transitioning to a new field takes time and effort, but it also offers many opportunities for learning and growth. If you are passionate about protecting critical systems and infrastructure from cyber threats, then OT/ICS security might be the right choice for you.
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