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Enhance OT Security with Network Segmentation

In today's increasingly connected operational environments, network segmentation is a foundational pillar for cybersecurity, performance, and system reliability. For industrial facilities managing legacy assets, segmentation isn't just an IT best practice, it's a business-critical strategy.

What is Network Segmentation?

Network segmentation involves dividing a network into smaller, isolated segments (or subnets), each with its own access controls and security measures. This approach:

Minimizes the attack surface
Restricts lateral movement by threat actors
Prevents malware from spreading across the network

6 Key Strategies for Effective Segmentation

1. IT/OT Alignment 🤝

Ensure collaboration between IT and OT teams from the outset. Joint planning, training, and awareness initiatives build shared ownership and improve execution.

2. Identify Critical Assets 🔍

Prioritize protection by identifying which systems are most critical to operations. This enables a phased segmentation approach that minimizes disruption.

3. Network Mapping 🗺️

Visualizing all connected entities reveals data flows, hidden vulnerabilities, and monitoring blind spots—essential for informed segmentation planning.

4. Define Network Zones 🧱

Group systems with similar security requirements into zones, and enforce strict rules for how data moves between them. This zoning model forms the backbone of OT segmentation.

5. Implementation ⚙️

Roll out segmentation in phases to minimize operational risk. Closely monitor performance throughout the rollout to identify and resolve unforeseen issues early.

6. Monitor and Maintain 📈

Ongoing monitoring and regular audits ensure the segmentation strategy adapts to evolving threats. Update protocols and configurations as your network grows or changes.

The Takeaway

As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, network segmentation is no longer optional—it’s foundational. By creating controlled, isolated zones within your OT network, you enhance system protection, simplify compliance, and future-proof your operations for digital transformation.

Ready to learn more? Contact us today to schedule a no-cost consultation.

We empower our clients to build safe, sustainable operations by delivering comprehensive Operational Technology (OT) solutions. From concept to implementation and beyond– we'll be there every step of the way.

Let's collaborate.

Schedule a no-cost consultation today.

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solution brief

System Hardening

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Blog

End of Support for Windows 10: A Strategic Opportunity for OT Environments

Industrial Data Centers: Digital Foundation to Drive Innovation

What the End of Windows 10 Support Means for OT

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10. While this change raises important cybersecurity and compliance concerns, it also presents a chance for industrial and OT facilities to modernize critical infrastructure.

We don’t view this milestone as a disruption, but as a moment to strategically enhance your systems—building resilience, security, and readiness for tomorrow’s demands.

Why Strategic Action Is Essential in OT Environments

Unlike general IT systems, OT environments operate in high-stakes, highly regulated settings. Unsupported systems introduce serious risks—but transitioning with intention offers real, measurable benefits:

🔒 Enhanced Cybersecurity

Upgrading from Windows 10 enables deployment of modern operating systems with advanced security features and ongoing support—significantly reducing your exposure to cyber threats.

⚙️ Infrastructure Built for the Future

New platforms support greater interoperability, performance, and readiness for future digital transformation initiatives.

🚀 Improved Operational Efficiency

Modernized systems contribute to smoother performance, simplified maintenance, and fewer unplanned outages.

✅ Regulatory Compliance

Maintaining supported systems ensures alignment with evolving industry standards—helping avoid penalties and reinforcing your security posture.

How Champion Helps You Transition with Confidence

We deliver vendor-neutral, OT-specific strategies tailored to your unique environment. Our support includes:

🔧 Upgrade Planning & Migration

We develop and execute upgrade roadmaps that minimize disruption and maximize value.

🛡️ OT-Focused Cybersecurity Enhancements

Network Segmentation: Designing secure zones for critical systems.
Advanced Firewalls: Implementing industrial-grade perimeter defense.
Intrusion Detection and Prevention: Real-time threat detection and response.
Security Audits: Identifying and remediating vulnerabilities.
Cybersecurity Training: Equipping your personnel to be the first line of defense.
Incident Response Planning: Ensuring rapid, coordinated action in the event of a breach.

Prepare Today. Lead Tomorrow.

The Windows 10 deadline isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of a more secure, capable, and resilient OT environment. Champion is your trusted partner for navigating this shift with clarity and strength. Let's start planning your transition today.

Ready to learn more? Contact us today to schedule a no-cost consultation.

Let's collaborate.

Schedule a no-cost consultation today.

Contact an expert

solution brief

DCOM Hardening

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Project Brief

On-Process Control System Migration

Oil & Gas, Upstream // Gulf of Mexico

The Challenge

The outdated Control System Infrastructure lacked modern performance enhancements and advanced features.

Obsolete Process Control Network appliances and architecture lacked scalability and posed risks to both operations and security.

Unsupported Windows operating systems increased exposure to cyber threats and compliance issues.

A live system upgrade required a structured approach to ensure zero impact on ongoing operations.

Our Solution

On-Process Control System Migration (OPM) to the latest Honeywell Experion® PKS software, incorporating critical system components such as enterprise models, trends, control modules, SCADA points, and operator graphics.

PCN Network Redesign to implement Fault-Tolerant Ethernet (FTE) with the latest Cisco network appliances, ensuring enhanced reliability and redundancy.

System Architecture Upgrade, transitioning PCN servers and operator stations from a Microsoft Workgroup to a Domain, improving security and access management.

Comprehensive Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) of integrated software and hardware to mitigate risks before deployment.

On-Process Field Installation & Commissioning, ensuring a seamless transition to the upgraded system while maintaining operational continuity.

The Results

With a comprehensive implementation plan and rigorous testing, the solution was commissioned without operational disruption. This seamless transition enabled the client to operate the upgraded system with enhanced reliability, security, and performance, ensuring long-term operational efficiency.

The Champion Advantage

Seamless Integration

Delivery of a turnkey solution integrating Honeywell Experion® PKS, FTE networks, Windows domain migrations, and third-party systems eliminated the need for multiple vendors and delivered a cohesive, cost-effective solution.

Client-Centered Execution and Support

Clear communication, hands-on operator training, and a well-documented transition plan empowered facility operations for long-term success.

Scalable and Future-Ready

Solutions designed with a technical and operational cutover plan ensured a disruption-free migration. The FTE network and Windows domain built a flexible foundation for future growth and cybersecurity enhancements.

Smarter Commissioning, Faster Execution

Continuous engagement with our project team from design through commissioning minimized risks, streamlined troubleshooting, and ensured a seamless installation.

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Securing Legacy OT Systems

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Disaster Recovery

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Blog

Cisco Catalyst 2960 End of Life: What It Means for OT Environments

🚨 Cisco Catalyst 2960 Switches: End of Life & What It Means for OT Systems

If you’re operating industrial control systems, chances are Cisco Catalyst 2960 switches are buried somewhere in your infrastructure. These reliable workhorses have long supported OT environments—but Cisco has officially announced their End of Life (EOL).

For facilities relying on these switches for SCADA, PLC, or DCS networks, the implications are serious:
🔒 Increased cybersecurity risk
⚠️ Unplanned downtime
💸 Rising replacement costs

❓What Does EOL Mean for Catalyst 2960?

Cisco’s EOL designation means that the Catalyst 2960 switches will:

❌No longer receive software updates or critical security patches
📞No longer be supported under standard Cisco TAC
🧩Become harder (and pricier) to source due to limited hardware availability

In OT environments, this creates major concerns such as:

🔐Incompatibility with modern security standards
🔧Lack of support during failures or cyber incidents
🛑Disruptive outages caused by aging hardware
🛑Growing attack surface due to outdated firmware

⚠️The Risk of Doing Nothing

Sure, the 2960 might still “work”…
But in regulated or mission-critical facilities, relying on unsupported hardware is a liability.
These switches are often deeply integrated—meaning failure could affect production, safety, and compliance.

🛠️Champion’s OT Mitigation Strategy

Our team brings deep domain expertise in ICS networks and zero-disruption migration planning. Our strategy is built for operational continuity:

1️⃣OT Network Discovery

Full network audit to locate 2960s, identify dependencies, and assess criticality.

2️⃣Lifecycle and Risk Analysis

Prioritization using OEM lifecycle data, operational impact, and supportability.

3️⃣Replacement Roadmap

Phased rollout using industrial-grade, Cisco-approved switches ensuring:

Compatibility with your OT protocols
Segmentation and VLAN design
Ruggedization for harsh environments

4️⃣Secure Network Design and Hardening

We go beyond replacement to modernize your OT network:

ISA/IEC 62443 alignment
Security Zone segmentation
VLAN/firewall rules
Zero Trust principles

5️⃣Project Execution and Commissioning

Planned and executed by our experienced OT teams during low-risk windows, minimizing downtime and maintaining system integrity.

6️⃣Ongoing Support

Post-upgrade monitoring, health checks, and managed support for sustained reliability.

🏆Why Champion?

With decades of control system integration experience, we’ve successfully delivered secure migrations across:

🛢️ Oil & Gas
🧪 Chemicals
⚡ Utilities
🏭 Manufacturing
🚢 Marine & Terminals

In these environments, downtime isn’t an option—and safety is non-negotiable.

💡Final Thoughts

EOL for the Catalyst 2960 isn’t just a hardware sunset. It’s a strategic opportunity to strengthen your OT network’s security, resilience, and performance.

Let’s modernize your network—on your terms.

Ready to learn more? Contact us today to schedule a no-cost consultation.

Let's collaborate.

Schedule a no-cost consultation today.

Contact an expert

Blog

Network Segmentation to Enhance OT Cybersecurity

Blog

OT Asset Management: A Key Pillar in MTSA Cybersecurity Compliance

As cybersecurity regulations under the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) expand to cover Operational Technology (OT), many facility operators are asking a critical question: "Do we really know what assets we're protecting?"

The answer often reveals a blind spot.

According to industry data, over 70% of organizations lack a comprehensive OT asset management strategy. This gap doesn’t just hinder performance—it puts entire facilities at risk of non-compliance, operational downtime, and cyber threats.

That’s where Champion comes in.

📊 Asset Management: Your First Line of Defense

Our scalable OT asset management solutions are built to enhance visibility, secure legacy systems, and support compliance with new MTSA requirements. By continuously discovering, classifying, and monitoring assets across your OT environment, Champion helps reduce risk and build the digital foundation for long-term resilience.

We combine:

Up-to-date dashboards to unify asset KPIs and vulnerabilities
Lifecycle-based risk prioritization to streamline response
24/7 expert support from seasoned OT cybersecurity professionals

Whether you're preparing your Facility Security Plan or responding to an audit, knowing what’s in your environment—and how it behaves—is step one.

🚀 Ready for MTSA and Beyond

Champion doesn’t just help you check compliance boxes. We help you build a cyber-smart asset strategy that scales with your operations and aligns with MTSA mandates like:

Continuous cyber risk assessments
OT-specific incident response plans
Network segmentation and supply chain visibility

Let’s close the visibility gap—before it becomes a security gap.

Ready to learn more? Contact us today to schedule a no-cost consultation.

Let's collaborate.

Schedule a no-cost consultation today.

Contact an expert

Solution Brief

Asset Management

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Blog

Navigating New MTSA Cybersecurity Regulations

With cybersecurity threats growing more advanced and persistent, regulatory bodies are raising the bar, especially across critical infrastructure sectors. For facilities covered under the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA), the U.S. Coast Guard is introducing new cybersecurity requirements that demand immediate attention.

As a trusted leader in Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity, Champion Technology Services is here to guide you through this evolving compliance landscape and help strengthen your organization’s cyber resilience.

What’s Changing with MTSA?

The Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) historically focused on physical security. Recent updates expand its scope to include cybersecurity risk management requirements for MTSA-regulated facilities. These changes reflect increasing attention to vulnerabilities within systems that support maritime operations, including industrial control systems (ICS), SCADA platforms, and connected operational technologies.

Key upcoming requirements include:

Integration of cybersecurity controls into Facility Security Plans (FSPs)
Routine cyber risk assessments
Development of Incident response plans addressing OT-related cyber events threats
Ongoing training and incident response exercises
Demonstration of supply chain cybersecurity awareness and risk management

Why It Matters to OT Environments

Unlike traditional IT systems, OT environments often rely on long lifecycle infrastructure and specialized industrial protocols, which can make them more complex to secure and modernize.

OT environments face growing exposure to cybersecurity risks including:

Operational disruption caused by ransomware or other malicious activity
Targeted cyber activity affecting critical infrastructure sectors
Vulnerabilities within industrial control system software and firmware

These updated MTSA regulations highlight a broader shift: OT cybersecurity is now a core component of operational risk management and regulatory compliance.

How Champion Can Help

Champion helps organizations bridge the gap between regulatory compliance and practical OT cybersecurity implementation. Meeting these requirements requires both regulatory understanding and practical OT cybersecurity experience. Here’s how we can support your MTSA compliance journey:

1. Cybersecurity Risk Assessments

We evaluate your OT environment using standards like NIST CSF, IEC 62443, and USCG directives, identifying gaps and vulnerabilities.

2. FSP Cybersecurity Integration

We update or develop Facility Security Plans to meet evolving Coast Guard expectations—grounded in real-world OT constraints.

3. Secure Network Architecture

Champion engineers design resilient network infrastructures, including:

Industrial Firewalls
Industrial DMZ architectures
Secure remote access solutions
VLAN segmentation and network zoning

4. OT-Focused Incident Response

We co-develop incident response playbooks tailored to OT systems—minimizing downtime and speeding up recovery.

5. Training and Simulation

Through hands-on workshops and tabletop exercises, we help OT personnel develop the skills needed to identify, respond to, and report cybersecurity incidents.

6. Managed OT Security Services

Stay protected 24/7 with Champion’s monitoring, threat detection, and vulnerability management—purpose-built for industrial environments.

The Champion Advantage

We bring decades of experience across energy, manufacturing, terminals, and critical infrastructure sectors—where compliance and uptime are non-negotiable. Our team combines deep OT knowledge with practical cybersecurity expertise, ensuring your path to MTSA compliance is structured, practical, and aligned with operational realities.

Final Thoughts

These MTSA updates represent an important evolution in how maritime and industrial operators approach cybersecurity and operational resilience. Let Champion Technology Services help you:

Understand the new rules
Achieve compliance
Build cyber resilience for the future

Champion ready to help you navigate the MTSA cybersecurity requirements with confidence.

Ready to learn more? Contact us today to schedule a no-cost consultation.

Let's collaborate.

Schedule a no-cost consultation today.

Contact an expert

Industrial Cybersecurity

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