Operational Technology Cybersecurity Resilience Framework for Zimbabwe's Mining Sector: Integrating Threat Intelligence and Contextual Risk Mitigation Strategies

The increasing digital transformation within critical infrastructure sectors globally presents significant cybersecurity challenges, particularly for Operational Technology (OT) systems. This paper proposes a comprehensive cybersecurity resilience framework specifically tailored for Zimbabwe's mining sector, a vital economic pillar heavily reliant on OT. The framework integrates proactive threat intelligence with adaptive, contextual risk mitigation strategies to enhance the sector's ability to withstand, detect, and recover from cyberattacks. It addresses unique challenges such as legacy systems, skill shortages, and remote operations prevalent in the Zimbabwean context. Through a four-phase approach encompassing assessment, threat intelligence integration, contextual risk mitigation, and continuous improvement, this framework aims to establish a robust and adaptive cybersecurity posture, safeguarding operational continuity, safety, and economic stability