Summary: The NSA is releasing a Cybersecurity Technical Report (CTR) to share recommendations for security policies and technical requirements for operational technology (OT) smart controller devices installed in National Security Systems (NSS).
Analyst Note: The growing convergence of IT and OT systems, along with the advanced capabilities of cyber adversaries, have introduced new threats to smart controllers. These threats increase the risk of cyber incidents that could disrupt critical missions, endanger public safety, and cause financial harm.
Smart controllers are intelligent OT embedded devices with enhanced capabilities that are normally associated with IT network devices They are potential high-value targets for cyber attackers. This makes improving the security posture of organizations using these systems crucial to safeguarding against these threats.
Members are encouraged to review the NSA’s Cybersecurity Technical Report (CTR). It provides the first steps in developing minimum security requirements for smart controllers, which align with the moderate-moderate-moderate (M-M-M) countermeasures baseline from NIST. The report identifies inadequately addressed security controls and outlines future requirements that fill these gaps.
Original Source: https://media.defense.gov/2025/Apr/22/2003695617/-1/-1/0/CTR-OTAP-SMART-CONTROLLER-SECURITY-IN-NSS.PDF
Additional Reading:
Related WaterISAC PIRs: 6, 8, 10, 12
