Ethical Hacking Essentials Practice Test

Which countermeasure is effective against operational technology (OT) hacking?

1. Implementing stronger encryption

2. Using firewalls only

3. Restricting physical access to devices

4. Using purpose-built sensors to discover vulnerabilities

The correct answer is: Using purpose-built sensors to discover vulnerabilities

Using purpose-built sensors to discover vulnerabilities is effective against operational technology (OT) hacking because these sensors are specifically designed to monitor and analyze the unique aspects of OT environments. They can detect anomalies, assess the security posture of OT devices, and identify potential vulnerabilities that may not be apparent through traditional IT security measures. Operational technology environments, which often include various types of industrial control systems (ICS), require tailored approaches for cybersecurity. Purpose-built sensors can continuously gather data about system performance and security, enabling proactive responses to potential threats and minimizing the chances of malicious attacks. While stronger encryption is a valuable practice, it mainly applies to data in transit and may not address the specific vulnerabilities present in OT systems directly. Firewalls are crucial for establishing perimeter security, but relying solely on them can leave internal OT systems exposed to threats. Restricting physical access to devices is also important, as physical security is a critical element of an overall security strategy; however, it doesn’t actively discover or address vulnerabilities within the devices themselves. In contrast, the deployment of purpose-built sensors specifically targets the need for vulnerability discovery in complex and often legacy OT environments, thereby making it the most effective countermeasure in this context.