Cyber Resilience Begins with Strategic Design
As cyber threats continue to evolve, critical infrastructure systems around the world are increasingly becoming prime targets for attackers. Operational technology environments and industrial control systems (ICS)—which support essential services such as energy distribution, water management, and industrial production—are facing growing risks. Despite this, many industrial capital projects still fail to integrate cybersecurity early in their development lifecycle, according to a recent global report by Black & Veatch and Takepoint Research.
The report, titled Secure by Design in Industrial Projects, highlights a significant gap between awareness and execution. While most organizations acknowledge the importance of cybersecurity, 72% of respondents indicated that security measures are introduced too late in the project lifecycle—or, in some cases, not at all. The findings are based on insights gathered from more than 450 stakeholders, including infrastructure owners, operators, engineering leaders, and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) professionals across global markets.
This disconnect between intent and implementation presents serious risks. As industrial systems become more connected and digitally integrated, the potential impact of cyberattacks grows significantly. Disruptions to critical infrastructure can have far-reaching consequences, affecting public safety, economic stability, and national security. Yet, many organizations continue to treat cybersecurity as an afterthought rather than a foundational element of project planning.
Charlie Sanchez, President of Infrastructure Advisory at Black & Veatch, emphasized the importance of embedding cybersecurity into the earliest stages of project development. He noted that if security requirements are not clearly defined in the initial project scope, they are unlikely to be fully implemented later. According to Sanchez, cybersecurity must be considered a core component of capital planning and procurement decisions, rather than an optional add-on.
The concept of “secure by design” is central to addressing these challenges. This approach involves integrating cybersecurity considerations from the outset, particularly during the initial planning and design phases. It is during these early stages that key decisions are made regarding system architecture, network connectivity, and operational responsibilities. These decisions have a lasting impact on the overall security posture of the infrastructure.
Once a project moves into detailed design and construction, the ability to make meaningful changes becomes more limited. At that point, introducing or enhancing cybersecurity measures often requires costly modifications and can disrupt project timelines. Retrofitting systems after they are built not only increases expenses but also creates operational challenges that could have been avoided with proactive planning.
The report underscores that early-stage decisions are the most influential in determining long-term cybersecurity resilience. For example, defining how OT systems interact with IT networks, establishing clear accountability for security controls, and designing secure communication pathways are all critical steps that should be addressed before construction begins. When these elements are overlooked, organizations may find themselves vulnerable to cyber threats that could have been mitigated.
Ian Bramson, Vice President of Global Industrial Cybersecurity at Black & Veatch, highlighted the need for continuous validation of security measures throughout the project lifecycle. He explained that cybersecurity should not be limited to initial design but must be integrated into every phase—from system design and development to testing, commissioning, and handover. This ensures that security controls are not only implemented but also functioning as intended.
Bramson also pointed out that regulatory compliance alone is no longer sufficient. While regulations provide a baseline for cybersecurity practices, they do not guarantee that systems are fully protected against sophisticated threats. Organizations must go beyond minimum requirements and adopt a more comprehensive approach that prioritizes long-term resilience.
As cyber threats become more advanced, attackers are increasingly targeting vulnerabilities in infrastructure systems. These threats can disrupt operations, compromise sensitive data, and even cause physical damage to critical assets. In this context, adopting a proactive cybersecurity strategy is essential for minimizing risk and ensuring operational continuity.
The report also highlights the importance of collaboration among stakeholders. Successful implementation of cybersecurity requires coordination between engineers, project managers, IT and OT specialists, and external partners. By working together, these groups can ensure that security considerations are integrated into every aspect of the project.
In addition, organizations must invest in training and awareness to ensure that all stakeholders understand the importance of cybersecurity. This includes not only technical staff but also decision-makers who are responsible for setting project priorities and allocating resources. Building a culture of security awareness is key to achieving sustainable outcomes.
Ultimately, the findings of the report point to a clear conclusion: cybersecurity must be treated as a fundamental design principle rather than an afterthought. By adopting a “secure by design” approach, organizations can build infrastructure that is not only efficient and reliable but also resilient to cyber threats.
As the global demand for infrastructure continues to grow, the need for robust cybersecurity measures will only become more critical. Projects that fail to address these challenges early risk exposing themselves to significant vulnerabilities, while those that prioritize security from the outset will be better positioned to navigate an increasingly complex threat landscape.
In conclusion, the integration of cybersecurity into the early stages of industrial capital projects is no longer optional—it is essential. By embedding security into design, validating it throughout the project lifecycle, and going beyond compliance requirements, organizations can create infrastructure that is capable of withstanding the challenges of the digital age while safeguarding the systems that society depends on every day.
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