OT Security Governance
Build sustainable security programs with clear governance frameworks and organizational accountability.
Service Overview
Our OT Security Governance service is the strategic foundation of our GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) offering, helping organizations establish the frameworks, policies, and organizational structures needed to manage OT cybersecurity effectively.
Strong governance ensures that security decisions align with business objectives, responsibilities are clearly defined, and security programs are sustainable over time. We help you build governance models that bridge the gap between IT and OT, engage executive leadership, and create accountability at all organizational levels.
Why OT Security Governance Matters
Executive Alignment
Connect cybersecurity investments to business outcomes, safety objectives, and operational priorities that resonate with leadership.
Clear Accountability
Define roles and responsibilities across IT, OT, engineering, operations, and management to eliminate gaps and confusion.
Sustainable Programs
Build security programs that survive personnel changes, budget cycles, and organizational restructuring.
Risk-Based Decisions
Establish frameworks for making security decisions based on risk tolerance, business impact, and operational constraints.
Regulatory Readiness
Demonstrate to auditors and regulators that you have formal governance structures and security program oversight.
Continuous Improvement
Create mechanisms for measuring security program effectiveness and driving ongoing improvements.
Governance Program Components
We help you build comprehensive governance programs tailored to your organizational structure and operational environment.
Governance Framework Design
Establish governance structures including steering committees, working groups, escalation paths, and decision-making authorities. Define charter, meeting cadence, and reporting relationships.
Policy & Procedure Development
Create OT-specific security policies, standards, procedures, and work instructions aligned with regulatory requirements and operational constraints. Cover areas like access control, change management, patch management, and incident response.
Roles & Responsibilities (RACI)
Define RACI matrix (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed) for security activities across IT, OT, engineering, operations, management, and vendors.
Security Program Roadmap
Develop multi-year security program roadmap with initiatives, milestones, resource requirements, and success metrics aligned with business strategy.
Metrics & KPIs
Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure security program effectiveness, track progress, and demonstrate value to leadership.
Third-Party Risk Management
Create vendor risk management programs covering vendor assessment, contract requirements, access controls, and ongoing monitoring of third-party risks.
Training & Awareness Programs
Design role-based training programs for operators, engineers, IT staff, and management covering OT security fundamentals and organizational policies.
Governance Program Deliverables
Governance Framework Document
Comprehensive governance model including organizational structure, committees, decision authorities, and operating procedures.
Policy Library
Complete set of OT security policies, standards, and procedures tailored to your environment and regulatory requirements.
RACI Matrix
Detailed responsibility matrix defining roles across security activities, processes, and organizational functions.
Security Program Charter
Formal charter documenting program objectives, scope, authority, resources, and executive sponsorship.
Metrics Dashboard
KPI framework with measurement methodology, reporting templates, and executive dashboard designs.
Implementation Roadmap
Phased implementation plan with timelines, resource requirements, dependencies, and quick wins.
Governance Framework Alignment
Our governance programs align with industry-recognized frameworks and regulatory requirements.
- IEC 62443 - Governance requirements for IACS security programs
- NIST Cybersecurity Framework - Governance functions and organizational controls
- ISO 27001 - Information security management system requirements
- NERC CIP - CIP-003 security management controls and senior manager oversight
- COBIT - Governance and management of enterprise IT
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do we need separate OT governance versus IT governance?
OT environments have unique operational constraints, safety requirements, and stakeholders that require specialized governance approaches. Traditional IT governance models often don't account for production uptime, safety systems, or engineering workflows.
How do we get executive buy-in for governance programs?
We help you frame governance in terms of business risk, operational resilience, regulatory compliance, and competitive advantage rather than purely technical concerns. Clear metrics and ROI demonstrations are key.
How long does it take to establish governance frameworks?
Initial framework design typically takes 6-12 weeks. Full implementation including policy rollout, training, and organizational adoption is a 6-12 month journey with ongoing refinement.
Can governance work in decentralized organizations?
Yes. We design governance models appropriate for your structure whether centralized, federated, or decentralized. The key is clear communication, consistent standards, and appropriate local autonomy.
What's the difference between governance and compliance?
Governance is the strategic framework for making security decisions and managing programs. Compliance is demonstrating adherence to specific regulatory requirements. Governance enables sustainable compliance.
Complete Your OT GRC Program
Governance provides the foundation for effective risk management and compliance.
Risk Assessment
Use governance frameworks to guide risk assessment scope, risk tolerance decisions, and remediation prioritization.
Learn More →Regulatory Compliance
Leverage governance structures to manage compliance programs, track remediation, and prepare for audits.
Learn More →Build Effective OT Security Governance
Contact us to discuss building governance frameworks that enable sustainable OT security programs.
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