Functional safety and operational technology (OT) cybersecurity are two critical aspects that contribute to ensuring plant safety and operations in industrial environments. Although they are distinct concepts, there is a correlation between them in terms of their impact on overall plant safety.

Functional Safety:

Functional safety refers to the ability of a system or equipment to operate correctly and safely, thereby minimizing the risk of hazards and accidents. It involves identifying and mitigating potential risks associated with the operation of machinery, processes, or systems. Functional safety measures are typically implemented through the application of safety standards such as the IEC 61508 or industry-specific standards like ISO 26262 for automotive safety.

Operational Technology (OT) Cybersecurity:

OT cybersecurity focuses on safeguarding the industrial control systems (ICS), networks, and devices that are integral to plant operations. These systems control various processes and equipment, including sensors, actuators, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), distributed control systems (DCS), and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems. OT cybersecurity involves protecting these systems from cyber threats, unauthorized access, and malicious activities that could disrupt operations, compromise safety, or lead to financial losses.

Correlation between Functional Safety and OT Cybersecurity:

The correlation between functional safety and OT cybersecurity arises from their shared goal of ensuring plant safety and operations. While functional safety focuses on identifying and mitigating hazards and risks within the physical and operational aspects of a system, OT cybersecurity addresses the protection of the underlying digital infrastructure. Here are some key points highlighting their correlation:

1. Risk Reduction: Functional safety and OT cybersecurity both aim to reduce risks. Functional safety identifies potential hazards and implements safety measures to minimize their occurrence or impact, while OT cybersecurity identifies and mitigates cyber threats that could compromise the safe and reliable operation of control systems.
2. Interdependencies: In modern industrial environments, functional safety and OT systems are interconnected. Failures in OT cybersecurity can potentially impact the functional safety measures implemented in the physical systems. For example, a cyber-attack on a safety-critical component like a PLC or a sensor could lead to unintended actions or unsafe conditions in the physical environment.
3. Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS): Safety Instrumented Systems are an essential part of functional safety. These systems monitor and mitigate hazards by taking action in critical situations. SIS often rely on OT infrastructure and may be exposed to cybersecurity threats. If compromised, an attacker could manipulate or disable these safety systems, leading to hazardous conditions. Therefore, OT cybersecurity measures are necessary to protect SIS from cyber threats.
4. Integrated Approach: An integrated approach that considers both functional safety and OT cybersecurity is crucial for comprehensive plant safety. Combining safety measures with cybersecurity controls ensures that risks arising from both physical and digital aspects of the plant are adequately addressed.

Overall, the correlation between functional safety and OT cybersecurity lies in their shared objective of safeguarding plant safety and operations. By addressing risks holistically, organizations can establish a robust safety framework that considers both the physical and digital aspects of their industrial systems.