A practical framework for mid-sized industrial operations to build an OT security program without overspending. Organized around People, Process, and Technology, the 'Starter Pack' approach emphasizes working with existing staff, starting with asset inventory and network segmentation, and deploying a tiered minimum viable security stack. Tier 1 covers a firewall/router and a lightweight OT visibility tool like Cisco Cyber Vision on a managed switch. Tier 2 expands sensor coverage deeper into the OT network. Tier 3 introduces security governance using free tools like Splunk. The post also warns about hidden costs in SPAN-based passive monitoring architectures, which can multiply across multi-site deployments.
Table of contents
The Starter Pack Framework — People, Process, and Technology on a BudgetPeople — Working with the Team You’ve GotProcess — Start with What Enables the Business, not a Compliance ChecklistTechnology — The Minimum Viable Security StackTake the First StepSort: