Table of Contents
- Why must CISOs integrate cyber-physical systems into their security strategy now?
- Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) Are Now a Core CISO Responsibility
- The Ubiquity of CPS
- The Expanded Risk Profile
- Strategic Imperatives for the CISO
- Hybrid Warfare is the Operating Baseline
- The Nature of the Threat
- Critical Infrastructure Targets
- Proactive Defense Required
- Compliance as a Strategic Driver: NIS-2 and CRA
- The End of Delegation (NIS-2)
- Manufacturer Accountability (CRA)
- Operational Impact
Why must CISOs integrate cyber-physical systems into their security strategy now?
The year 2025 exposed significant vulnerabilities within global IT infrastructures, driven largely by rapid AI integration and successful cyberattacks. As we enter 2026, the focus shifts from managing hype to implementing rigorous defense structures. Security provider Claroty suggests that 2026 marks a fundamental upheaval in cybersecurity. This shift is defined by the convergence of physical and digital security, persistent hybrid warfare, and strict regulatory compliance.
Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) Are Now a Core CISO Responsibility
The distinction between Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) is obsolete. Security professionals can no longer limit their scope to traditional IT networks.
The Ubiquity of CPS
Cyber-physical systems now underpin essential operations. Building Management Systems (BMS) regulate office environments, IoT sensors manage manufacturing lines, and networked medical devices sustain hospital care. These are not isolated tools; they are integral nodes in the corporate network.
The Expanded Risk Profile
This connectivity introduces severe risks. A compromised BMS can halt facility operations. Manipulated sensor data creates production errors. Sabotaged medical units threaten patient safety. While IT security receives substantial investment, CPS remains a “blind spot.” Many of these devices operate with default passwords, lack encryption, and run on outdated, unpatched firmware because their original design prioritized uptime over security.
Strategic Imperatives for the CISO
To mitigate these risks, your security strategy must evolve:
- Comprehensive Asset Discovery: You must inventory every OT and IoT device on your network. You cannot protect what you cannot see.
- Network Segmentation: Isolate CPS components to prevent lateral movement by attackers.
- Continuous Vulnerability Management: Extend patching protocols to include all physical controllers and sensors.
Neglecting CPS security invites not just data theft, but physical damage and operational paralysis.
Hybrid Warfare is the Operating Baseline
We must discard the concept of “peacetime” in digital security. The current landscape, particularly in the DACH region, reflects a state of continuous, hybrid warfare.
The Nature of the Threat
State-sponsored actors maintain a persistent presence within corporate and government networks. Their goal is not always immediate disruption. Instead, they map infrastructure, plant backdoors, and prepare sabotage capabilities for future activation. The boundary between espionage and active warfare has dissolved.
Critical Infrastructure Targets
Energy providers, water facilities, and transport networks are primary targets. A breach here threatens regional stability. Attackers systematically exploit Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEVs), making speed of remediation critical.
Proactive Defense Required
Operators of critical infrastructure (KRITIS) must abandon reactive postures.
- Assume Breach: Operate under the assumption that adversaries are already present.
- Incident Response: Regularly test emergency protocols. Theoretical plans often fail under practical stress.
Compliance as a Strategic Driver: NIS-2 and CRA
In 2026, European regulation fundamentally alters the liability landscape. The NIS-2 Directive and the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) transform security from a technical task into a boardroom priority.
The End of Delegation (NIS-2)
NIS-2 mandates personal liability for management regarding cybersecurity incidents. Executives can no longer delegate accountability to the IT department. Consequently, CISOs must report directly to senior leadership. Risk assessments now carry the same weight as financial audits.
Manufacturer Accountability (CRA)
The CRA enforces security throughout a product’s lifecycle. Manufacturers of IoT and CPS devices must guarantee security from design to disposal. This includes mandatory vulnerability reporting and guaranteed patch delivery.
Operational Impact
To comply, manufacturers require access to deployed devices for scanning and updating. This necessitates:
- New Contractual Frameworks: Define clear access rights and liabilities.
- Robust Change Management: Ensure updates do not disrupt critical operations.
Compliance is now an active mechanism for security improvement. Organizations that align with these regulations strengthen their operational posture. Those that fail face severe legal penalties and personal repercussions for their leadership.