You’ve got firewalls. You’ve got endpoint protection. You’ve got the best SIEM, SOC, and a bunch of acronyms that cost millions. Yet, one mistake can bring it all down.
Picture this: your OT network is locked down, segmented and secured. Then, one of your engineers, exhausted after a 16-hour shift, gets an urgent email about a system update. He clicks. Boom. Ransomware spreads like wildfire. Millions lost. Reputation damaged. Regulators are breathing down your neck.
Does that sound extreme? It’s not. Over 80% of cyber incidents in OT environments happen because of human error. And let’s be real: most security strategies are built to fight external threats – not the well-meaning, overworked employee who just made a bad decision.
There’s no firewall for human error. You can’t patch poor security training. And insider threats? They walk past your cybersecurity controls every single day.
So, the question isn’t IF your employees are a security risk, it’s HOW you stop them from becoming your next breach.
Case Study: The Shamoon Virus – When One Mistake Wipes Out 30,000 Machines
A real-world disaster that proves just how fragile OT security can be: the Shamoon attack on Saudi based oil & gas company in 2012. If you think one bad click can’t cripple an entire operation, this is the $10 million mistake that proved otherwise.
Here’s what happened:
- 30,000 workstations wiped out by a single malware attack.
- No brute-force hacking – just human vulnerability (phishing or insider compromise).
- Operations paralyzed — even basic communication had to be done via fax machines.
- OT impact – oil production slowed, and supply chains were disrupted.
If such a high-growth company wasn’t prepared, what makes you think you are?
Strategies to Mitigate Human-Centric Risks in OT Security
A solid mitigation strategy transforms human error from your weakest link into your strongest defense.
Here’s how you do it:
1. Train Like Everything Depends on It – Because It Does
Cybersecurity training is often boring, outdated, and ineffective. Employees rush through it just to check a compliance box. That doesn’t work.
- Real-Life Simulations – Phishing, social engineering, and attack scenarios must be experienced to be understood.
- Ongoing Learning – Cyber threats evolve, so quarterly refreshers work better than annual check-the-box training.
- Tie Performance to Incentives – Reward employees for spotting threats and reporting suspicious activity.
2. Lock Down Access Like Your Business Depends on It (Because It Does)
Too many people have too much access. If everyone has the same keys, someone is bound to lose them.
What needs to change?
- Least Privilege Access – Employees only get access to what they need – nothing more.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – If you still rely on passwords, you’re asking to get hacked. Enforce MFA everywhere.
- Regularly Audit Permissions – Security isn’t “set and forget.” Access must be reviewed regularly to ensure no one has outgrown their permissions.
3. Monitor Employees Like You Monitor External Threats
Your employees’ actions should be watched as closely as potential cyber threats.
What does this look like?
- Behavioral Analytics – AI-powered monitoring detects anomalies in employee behavior before they escalate.
- Insider Threat Detection – If an employee suddenly accesses sensitive systems, you should know immediately.
- Automated Alerts – Real-time alerts ensure you act before a breach happens – not after.
4. Kill the USB & Shadow IT Problem – For Good
USB drives and unapproved applications are silent killers in OT security. One rogue device can take down an entire network.
How do you deal with it?
- Disable USB Ports – No exceptions.Prevent unauthorized devices from connecting.
- Provide Secure Alternatives – Employees need alternatives like encrypted drives or secure file-sharing tools.
- Monitor Unauthorized Devices – Use software to track and block rogue devices before they cause harm.
5. Treat Third-Party Vendors Like a Security Risk (Because They Are)
Your vendors are often your weakest link. If they get compromised, so does your entire OT network.
Here’s the fix:
- Enforce Strict Third-Party Policies – If they don’t meet your standards, they don’t get access.
- Limit Vendor Access – Segment their access so they only reach what’s necessary.
- Conduct Regular Vendor Audits – Checking their security isn’t optional – it’s essential.
Final Thought: Make Security a Culture, not a Checkbox
Here’s the hard truth:
Most companies treat security like just another security compliance checkbox, something to tick off and forget. As a result, they often end up with security breaches and disasters.
- Lead From the Top – If leadership doesn’t prioritize security, neither will employees.
- Make Security a Daily Habit – Not a once-a-year training session.
- Shift the Mindset – Employees need to see security not as an inconvenience, but as the foundation of safe operations.
At the end of the day, your employees are either the reason you stay secure or the reason you fail. The difference? Building a system that empowers them to make the right decisions when it matters most.
Ensure your OT Infrastructure is Secure. Request a Security Assessment Today.
