What is a critical countermeasure for protecting OT environments?

Question

Options

• AImplementing deep packet inspection
• BEnforcing strict data retention policies
• CApplying comprehensive patch management
• DUsing a strong social media policy

• A
  11% (6)
• B
  7% (4)
• C
  80% (45)
• D
  2% (1)

Explanation

Comprehensive patch management (C) is critical in OT environments because unpatched vulnerabilities in industrial control systems (ICS), SCADA, and PLCs are a primary attack vector - and many OT systems run legacy software that requires deliberate, structured patch programs to stay protected without disrupting operations.

Why the distractors are wrong:

• A (Deep packet inspection): While useful for network monitoring, DPI alone is a detection/inspection tool, not a foundational protection strategy - it doesn't remediate the underlying vulnerabilities.
• B (Data retention policies): These govern compliance and storage governance, not active threat mitigation in OT/ICS contexts.
• D (Social media policy): This addresses human behavior on external platforms and has no meaningful impact on OT system security.

Memory tip: Think of OT environments like industrial machinery - if you never maintain or update the equipment, it eventually breaks or gets exploited. "Patch = maintenance for software." The word comprehensive signals this is about a systematic, ongoing security program, which is the hallmark of OT protection best practices.

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