Throughout this series, we’ve explored several of the most recognized and widely adopted cybersecurity standards and frameworks applicable to Operational Technology (OT) and Industrial Control Systems (ICS)[1]. The key takeaway is this: there is no universal “perfect fit.” The right choice depends on where your organization is in its security maturity journey, what regulatory and industry requirements you face, and which frameworks best align with your operational and risk management goals.
We took a closer look at five different standards in this series:
- National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF)
- Industrial Society of Automation (ISA) 62443 Standards
- Center for Internet Security (CIS) Critical Security Controls
- Cybersecurity Infrastructure and Security Agency (CISA) Cross-Sector Cybersecurity Performance Goals (CPGs)
- NIST Special Publication 800-82 Revision 3 (NIST SP 800-52r3) Guide to OT Security
For each of these, we analyzed the framework structure, implementation guidance, and the benefits and challenges organizations are likely to encounter when putting them into practice.
The benefits we identified for each of the standards are summarized below.[2]
While it’s tempting to choose a framework based solely on the number of benefits, it’s just as important to weigh the challenges and trade-offs that come with each standard.
In many cases, the very features that make a framework valuable like comprehensive coverage or alignment with other standards can also introduce complexity, resource demands, or implementation hurdles. For example, the ISA-62443 and NIST SP 800 series both have comprehensive coverage across OT/ICS security areas (a good thing!) but that is directly tied to the complexity of the standards themselves. An overview of the benefits and drawbacks of each of the standards we’ve examined is shown below.
Regardless of which standard or framework your organization chooses, the real value lies in how effectively you apply it. A structured approach, tailored to your operational realities and risk profile, is essential whether you’re just getting started or refining an established program.
Here are a few critical best practices to maximize the impact of any framework:
- Ensure Leadership Involvement
Strong cybersecurity programs require visible, ongoing support from executive leadership. Leadership must see security as essential to operational reliability, not just a compliance checkbox. - Involve All Stakeholders
Cybersecurity is a team sport. Be sure to get buy-in from:
– OT/ICS personnel
– Vendors and service providers
– Compliance, legal, and audit teams
– Customers and partners (where applicable)
– External entities like government, industry orgs, and trusted advisors - Conduct a Gap Analysis
Compare your current security posture to the selected framework’s guidance to identify where you’re strong and where improvements are needed. - Identify and Prioritize Cybersecurity Risks
Focus efforts on the risks that matter most. Those that could disrupt operations, compromise safety, or result in significant financial or reputational damage. - Prioritize Cybersecurity Improvements
Not every control carries equal weight. Start with the measures that provide the most meaningful security impact relative to your cost and effort. - Implement, Monitor, and Review Cybersecurity Program
Cybersecurity is not a one-time project. Establish clear ownership for implementation, define metrics, and regularly review and update your program as your environment evolves.
If any of the frameworks discussed in this series NIST CSF, ISA/IEC 62443, CIS Controls, or NIST SP 800-82 resonated with your needs, we invite you to explore the previous posts for a deeper dive. Each entry walks through the origin, structure, benefits, and trade-offs of these standards to help you make informed decisions about strengthening your OT/ICS cybersecurity program.
And if you’re looking for more personalized guidance?
We’d love to connect.
Reach out to our team at info@enaxy.com with questions, comments, or if you’re ready to partner with people who are passionate about securing critical infrastructure. No matter where you are in your OT/ICS security journey, starting from scratch or refining a mature program, Enaxy is ready to support you.
[1] While standards and frameworks have some distinct differences, for the purposes of this blog post the term “standards” will generally be used to refer to both in order to avoid writing out “standards and frameworks” every other sentence.
[2] Note that the row headings are not necessarily word-for-word with the benefits and drawbacks from the individual posts in this series. Where the individual blog posts go into more detail, these items were sometimes merged using a more generic descriptor to make the chart easier to read.
[3] Strongly linked to NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF)
[4] Limited mappings available to frameworks other than the NIST CSF.