The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), alongside the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of War, the Department of Energy, and the Department of State, has released new joint guidance to help organizations implement zero-trust principles in operational technology (OT) environments. The 28-page document is designed to support OT owners and operators as they transition toward zero-trust architectures, a security model that eliminates implicit trust and continuously verifies access based on identity, context, and risk. The guidance reflects growing urgency as cyber threats targeting OT systems continue to increase.

According to the agencies, the expansion of interconnected, digitally monitored, and remotely operated OT systems has introduced new vulnerabilities and attack pathways. These risks are compounded by the emergence of more sophisticated threat actors and evolving attack techniques targeting critical infrastructure.  The guidance provides practical recommendations for overcoming the unique constraints of OT environments, where uptime and safety are critical. It outlines strategies for prioritizing security controls, integrating zero-trust frameworks, and strengthening resilience without disrupting essential operations.

Kirsten Davies, Chief Information Officer at the U.S. Department of War, emphasized that zero trust is being rapidly advanced within defense-related OT systems to secure critical infrastructure and interconnected capabilities. She highlighted the importance of collaboration between federal agencies and industry partners in strengthening security foundations.

Brett Leatherman, Assistant Director of the FBI’s Cyber Division, noted that the guidance encourages a shift from reactive defenses to proactive resilience. He stressed that effective OT security requires layered defenses that increase the difficulty and cost for adversaries at every stage of an attack.

Chris Butera, Acting Executive Assistant Director for Cybersecurity at CISA, said the guide is intended to help organizations navigate the complexity of adopting zero trust in OT environments. He urged operators and integrators to use the resource to make informed security decisions that reduce exposure while maintaining mission-critical performance. The release underscores a broader push by U.S. agencies to modernize cybersecurity practices across critical infrastructure as threats grow in scale and sophistication.

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