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OT Security (Operational Technology Security)
Definition
OT security covers the protection of Operational Technology: hardware and software controlling physical processes in factories, power plants, water utilities, and other critical infrastructure.
OT security (Operational Technology security) focuses on protecting hardware and software controlling physical processes in factories, power plants, water utilities, transport systems and other critical infrastructure. OT environments manage the physical world: a cyberattack on OT can lead to production shutdowns, environmental damage or even danger to human lives.
How does OT security work?
OT environments include SCADA systems, PLCs, DCS, HMIs and industrial networks. These systems were designed for reliability and availability, not cybersecurity. Many run on unsupported operating systems that cannot be easily patched without production interruption.
IT/OT convergence
Increasing IT/OT convergence expands the attack surface. Previously air-gapped OT systems are now connected to IT networks and the internet. The Colonial Pipeline attack (2021) showed how IT ransomware led to shutdown of critical infrastructure.
Impact on organisations
OT attacks can have catastrophic consequences: production outages, environmental contamination, physical equipment damage and in extreme cases danger to human lives. NIS2 explicitly requires OT security measures for critical infrastructure operators.
Protection
Strictly segment IT and OT networks. Monitor OT network traffic for anomalies. Implement OT-specific patch management. Conduct OT-specific risk assessments. Restrict remote access to OT systems.
How DEFION helps
DEFION provides specialised OT security services: OT Pentest, OT Red Teaming, OT Security Monitoring and OT Security Baseline Assessment.