In the energy, utilities, and oil and gas sectors, vulnerability management isn’t just about patching software—it’s about preserving uptime, protecting public safety, and securing critical infrastructure. These industries rely on aging operational technology (OT), complex supply chains, and increasingly connected environments. Unfortunately, many organizations still rely on outdated or incomplete methods for tracking assets and applying patches, creating blind spots that threat actors are all too eager to exploit.

Attackers don’t wait for routine maintenance windows. They look for unpatched vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and overlooked third-party components—often slipping in through suppliers or unmanaged devices. That’s where a modern approach to third-party risk management and ICS cybersecurity makes a difference. Security teams need visibility into every system component and a framework that integrates asset discovery, configuration management, and real-time patch tracking.

For cybersecurity and risk professionals in OT environments, the real challenge is operational friction. Most vulnerability workflows span multiple teams and tools, with limited automation and inconsistent processes. Additionally, many OT systems do not allow for much, if any, downtime, making it difficult to test and apply updates. This leads to delays, failed patches, and sometimes, a lack of clarity around whether an update was safe or successfully applied. When critical infrastructure is on the line, there's no room for uncertainty.

A mature vulnerability risk management program addresses these challenges head-on. It starts with automated asset inventories and authoritative vulnerability intelligence. It incorporates patch validation—using cryptographic tools to ensure the authenticity of updates—and it enforces structured change management so updates are planned, tested, and executed with minimal disruption.

If you’re responsible for securing OT environments or managing risk across IT-OT convergence points, this guide is for you. [Download the eBook now] to learn how Fortress solutions like VM and FIA can streamline your vulnerability management program, enhance third-party risk visibility, and ensure every patch is trusted, tested, and timely.