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OT SOC for Utilities: Making Resilient Energy Infrastructures
OT SOC for Utilities: Making Resilient Energy Infrastructures

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As the energy sector is accelerating its digital transformation journey, Operational Technology (OT) networks, which were historically isolated, are now increasingly converging with IT systems. This convergence, on one side, brings efficiency and data-driven decision-making; however, on the other side, it exposes critical infrastructure to sophisticated cyber threats. In this landscape, the role of OT Security Operation Centres (OT SOCs) is indispensable.

Why OT SOC Matters in Utilities

In India, we have recently experienced this need during Operation Sindoor in May 2025. As per the statement of our Honourable Power Minister, over 2 lakh cyberattacks on our national power infrastructure underscore the gravity of the situation (source). Cyber threats to energy systems are no longer hypothetical — they are real, frequent, and increasingly sophisticated.

Operation Sindoor

Utilities are the backbone of life and the economy—be it power, water, or gas. Any breach in these utilities not only disrupts services, but can also threaten national security and economic stability. An OT SOC is a specialised command centre that monitors, detects, analyses, and responds to cybersecurity threats in real-time across SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), DCS( Distributed Control System), RTU (Remote Terminal Unit), and other ICS (Industrial Control Systems) components.

Key functions of OT SOC are as below:

•            24x7, 365-day monitoring of threat detection related to OT protocols like Modbus, DNP3, or IEC 61850

•            Anomaly detection using behaviour analytics

•            Segregated threat intelligence feeds tailored to critical infrastructure

•            Coordination of incident response in coordination with IT SOC and CERTs

In the Power & Utilities world today, the shift isn't just about digital transformation—it's about resilience and visibility.

Global Adoption and Momentum

Many countries globally have recognised the importance of OT SOCs in their national cyber defence strategies, like the USA, UK, Israel, and Germany.

•            NERC SIP in the US mandates monitoring and incident response capabilities

•            ENISA (European Union Agency for Cybersecurity) is pushing member countries to create ICS-specific SOCs under the NIS 2 directive

•            Many utilities like Duke Energy and EDF are investing in IT/OT SOCs

Technology Adoption Trends Globally

•            Use of AI/ML for anomaly detection

•            Use of digital twins for cyber-physical simulations

•            Convergence with IT SOC via SOAR (Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response) or SIEM (Security Information and Event Management)

•            Threat modelling using MITRE ATT&CK for ICS

Current Status of OT SOC in India

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has prepared cybersecurity regulations expected to come into effect within 2–3 months. This is giving a real push to utilities to prepare themselves to adopt cybersecurity standards.

CEA has mandated all transmission utilities to establish OT SOCs, and the Ministry of Power is supporting utilities via PSDF funding (Power Sector Development Fund). NTPC, NHPC, and other power generators are also working to set up SOCs for their plants. In distribution utilities, it is also being proposed via RDSS funding through PFC/REC. Post Operation Sindoor, OT SOC has become a clear priority in power utilities; however, water utilities are still at a nascent stage, considering they are yet to be automated, and cybersecurity will become a topic to be picked up post-automation.

OT SOC Tools and Major Players

Key software tools of OT SOC are as below:

•            SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) – Collects, correlates, and analyses security logs and events to detect threats

•            IDS (Intrusion Detection Systems) – Monitors network traffic and malicious activities

•            Asset Visibility Tools – Provide insights into devices and systems within OT environments

•            Threat Intelligence Platforms – Integrate with threat intelligence feeds to provide real-time threat awareness

•            Unidirectional Gateways – Data diodes are used to enhance security by allowing data flow only in one direction

•            UEBA (User Entity and Behaviour Analytics)

•            EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response)

•            NMS (Network Monitoring System)

Utilities can choose their tools as per their requirements. In addition to the above, hardware components like servers, log collectors, and firewalls will also be needed.

Challenges in OT SOC

•            Preparedness – Our utilities were gearing up for digital transformation and suddenly realised the need and urgency to make OT SOCs a priority, considering their digital risk exposure has increased.

•            Skill Gap – There is a shortage of personnel with both automation and cybersecurity knowledge. OT departments in utilities were earlier used to working in isolation and had not planned to hire such employees, which are now needed.

•            Legacy devices in network – In our utility networks, a significant number (approximately 15–20%) of devices are legacy, and collecting syslogs from these devices is a challenge.

•            Budget Constraints – Our utilities are regulated and hence always tight on budget. The sudden demand for OT SOCs is putting additional pressure on them.

•            Dependency on foreign OEMs for SOC Tools – This is a big challenge, as the Government of India plans to create indigenous SOCs; however, local products are yet to match the quality of global OEMs.

•            Insider threats and human error – One state government utility CISO quoted at a public forum that 60% of threats originate within the organisation.

•            Interoperability – OT SOC tools should be interoperable across multi-vendor systems.

Conclusion

OT SOC is mandatory for all utilities, as this is a boardroom topic for every organisation. The earlier they gear up, the better. CEA can also standardise specifications and Bill of Materials for OT SOCs according to the nature of business—generation, transmission, or distribution. People in utility automation should develop cybersecurity skills, which will help them manage OT SOCs better. Finally, this is a market need, and the demand is expected to increase 3–4 times in the coming 2–3 years.

Author

Saurabh Srivastava Head-Utilities – Digital Transformation Office
Cisco

Saurabh Srivastava

Head-Utilities – Digital Transformation Office
Cisco


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