Governance & Risk Management
,
Legacy Infrastructure Security
,
Operational Technology (OT)
Port Authority ICS Cyber Professional John Ballentine on Strategies for OT Security
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is a major transportation hub that oversees regional infrastructure. Initially lacking an OT security program, John Ballentine of PANYNJ recognized the need to adapt security strategies to the unique demands of operational technology environments.
See Also: From Data to Decisions: Maximizing Operational Efficiency Through IT-OT Integration
Cybercriminals have been attacking ports around the world and causing major disruptions, which is why organizations need to prioritize cybersecurity efforts based on potential impacts on human life.
“We are acutely aware of what target we have on our back, not just with the World Trade Center but also the assets that we have. We recognize how vulnerable we are. We recognize the extent of that vulnerability from a human standpoint and an economic standpoint,” Ballentine said.
In this video interview with Information Security Media Group at the Cyber Security for Critical Assets Summit in Houston, Ballentine also discussed:
- Transitioning from an IT-focused approach to an OT-specific approach;
- The need to maintain an accurate and up-to-date asset inventory;
- Proactive defense strategies to use against sophisticated adversaries.
Ballentine is an OT security professional with expertise in identifying, proposing and reviewing key ICS/OT information security program priorities, initiatives, plans, practices and tools to enhance security posture effectively.