OT Cybersecurity Consultant

Job Description:

An OT Cybersecurity Consultant is responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and responding to security threats within an Operational Technology (OT) environment, particularly those involving Industrial Control Systems (ICS), SCADA systems, and critical infrastructure. The engineer plays a key role in ensuring the continuous security of OT systems through proactive monitoring, threat detection, incident response, and collaboration with various teams to protect operational systems from cyber threats.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Real-Time Monitoring and Threat Detection:

• Continuously monitor OT network traffic, ICS/SCADA systems, and critical industrial assets using specialized OT security tools and SIEM platforms.

• Identify and assess security events, incidents, and anomalies within the OT environment in real-time, escalating critical issues to the appropriate teams.

• Analyze security alerts and logs to detect potential cyber threats, including malware, unauthorized access, and intrusions, within OT networks.

2. Incident Response and Mitigation:

• Act as the first line of defense in detecting and responding to OT security incidents by executing predefined procedures and coordinating with incident response teams.

• Investigate and document security incidents, providing detailed reports and analysis on the incident’s scope, cause, and impact.

• Collaborate with IT security teams and OT personnel to contain, mitigate, and remediate security breaches, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.

3. Threat Intelligence and Vulnerability Management:

• Stay up to date with the latest OT cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and industry best practices by regularly reviewing threat intelligence feeds and reports.

• Collaborate with threat intelligence teams to improve detection capabilities and provide actionable intelligence for proactive security measures.

• Support vulnerability management processes by identifying potential weaknesses in OT systems and assisting in patching and mitigation efforts.

4. Security Tool Management and Optimization:

• Utilize OT-specific monitoring and security tools, such as IDS/IPS, firewalls, and SIEM platforms, to collect, analyze, and correlate security data from OT systems.

• Tune security monitoring systems and sensors for optimal performance, ensuring maximum detection capabilities without generating excessive false positives.

5. Collaboration and Cross-Team Communication:

• Work closely with IT security teams, OT engineers, and operations personnel to ensure a coordinated approach to security monitoring and incident management.

• Provide recommendations for improving security posture and incident response processes, sharing insights from real-time monitoring and analysis.

6. Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain detailed records of security incidents, actions taken, and outcomes to build an accurate history of OT security events.

• Provide regular updates and reports to senior management regarding the security status of OT environments, highlighting trends, emerging threats, and incident resolution metrics.

7. Compliance and Regulatory Adherence:

• Ensure OT security monitoring practices comply with industry regulations, standards, and frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001, IEC 62443).

• Assist in preparing for audits, inspections, and compliance assessments by providing relevant security monitoring data and documentation.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.

• Experience: 2-4 years of experience in security operations, with a focus on OT security or monitoring of ICS/SCADA systems.

Technical Skills:

• Strong understanding of OT networks, protocols (e.g., Modbus, DNP3, OPC), and industrial control systems.

• Familiarity with SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) platforms, IDS/IPS, and other monitoring tools used in OT security.

• Knowledge of network security principles, firewalls, VPNs, and other network defense technologies applied in OT environments.

• Experience with analyzing network traffic and logs, including identifying threats and performing root cause analysis.

Certifications (preferred but not required):

• Certified SCADA Security Architect (CSSA)

Soft Skills:

• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with a focus on OT security.

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, for reporting incidents and collaborating across teams.

• Detail-oriented with the ability to work under pressure and respond swiftly to security incidents.

• Proactive and solution-oriented with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Education:- Degree or equivalent studies in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.

Experience: 2-4 years of experience in security operations, with a focus on OT security or monitoring of ICS/SCADA systems.