What is Operational Technology (OT)?
Operational Technology (OT) encompasses the hardware and software systems that monitor and control physical devices, processes, and infrastructure in industrial and enterprise environments. These OT systems include industrial control systems, SCADA systems, programmable logic controllers, sensors, and OT devices that directly interact with physical equipment managing critical operations in manufacturing, energy, utilities, transportation, and building management.
Implementing comprehensive operational technology security through specialized OT security solutions and OT cybersecurity practices enables organizations to protect critical infrastructure, maintain operational continuity, and defend OT networks against cyber threats while ensuring safety and reliability of physical processes.
Synonyms
- Industrial Control Systems (ICS)
- Information Technology (IT)
- Operating Technology
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
- Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
- Building Automation Systems (BAS)
- Building Management Systems (BMS)
- Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
Why Operational Technology Matters
OT environments face unique security challenges as operational systems historically isolated from networks become connected to enterprise IT systems and the internet, expanding attack surfaces.
Key reasons OT security is critical include:
- Critical Infrastructure Protection: OT systems control essential services including power generation, water treatment, manufacturing, transportation, and healthcare delivery where security failures can cause physical damage, environmental harm, or loss of life.
- IT-OT Convergence Risks: Increasing connectivity between information technology operations and operational technology devices creates new attack vectors where cyber threats can spread from IT networks into OT environments controlling physical processes.
- Safety and Reliability: Operational technology security directly impacts physical safety of workers and public, environmental protection, and reliability of critical services where operational failures have severe real-world consequences.
- Legacy System Vulnerabilities: Many OT devices and operational systems were designed decades ago without security considerations, using outdated protocols, running unpatched operating systems, and lacking modern authentication or encryption capabilities.
Organizations without structured OT cyber security face increased risks of production disruptions, safety incidents, equipment damage, regulatory violations, and sophisticated cyber attacks specifically targeting operational technology environments.
How Operational Technology Works
Securing OT environment requires specialized approaches addressing unique operational requirements:
- Asset Discovery and Inventory: Identifying all operational technology devices, OT systems, controllers, sensors, and connected equipment across industrial networks using passive monitoring and specialized OT discovery tools.
- Network Segmentation: Implementing strict OT network security through segmentation separating operational systems from IT networks, isolating critical processes, and controlling communications between zones using firewalls and access controls.
- Continuous Monitoring: Deploying security solutions designed for OT environments that provide visibility into operational systems activities, detect anomalous behaviors, and identify potential security threats without disrupting industrial processes.
- Vulnerability Management: Assessing security weaknesses in operational technology devices and systems while carefully planning remediation approaches that account for production schedules, safety requirements, and operational continuity needs.
- Access Control: Implementing strict authentication and authorization for personnel accessing OT systems, managing privileged accounts, and monitoring all interactions with critical operational technology devices.
- Incident Response: Developing specialized response procedures for OT security incidents that consider physical safety, operational impacts, and coordination between security teams, operations staff, and engineering personnel.
- Vendor and Supply Chain Security: Evaluating security of OT solutions, operational technology devices, and OT services from suppliers ensuring third-party systems meet security requirements before deployment.
Types of Operational Technology Systems
- Industrial Control Systems (ICS): Comprehensive frameworks controlling industrial processes including manufacturing, chemical processing, and oil and gas operations through integrated hardware and software.
- Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA): Systems providing centralized monitoring and control of geographically distributed infrastructure like power grids, pipelines, and water treatment facilities.
- Distributed Control Systems (DCS): Automated control systems distributed throughout facilities managing complex processes in manufacturing, refining, and chemical production.
- Building Automation Systems (BAS) / Building Management Systems (BMS): Technologies controlling HVAC, lighting, security, and other building systems in commercial and industrial facilities.
Best Practices for Operational Technology Security
- Implement Defense-in-Depth: Deploy multiple layers of OT security solutions including network segmentation, firewalls, intrusion detection, endpoint protection, and access controls creating comprehensive protection.
- Use Specialized OT Security Tools: Leverage security solutions specifically designed for operational technology environments that understand industrial protocols, respect operational requirements, and avoid disrupting physical processes.
- Maintain OT-IT Separation: Keep operational technology networks logically separated from information technology operations while implementing secure gateways controlling necessary communications between environments.
- Apply Zero Trust Principles: Implement strict verification for all access to OT systems, operational technology devices, and OT networks rather than trusting based on network location or legacy assumptions.
- Conduct Regular Assessments: Perform periodic OT cybersecurity assessments, identifying vulnerabilities, evaluating security controls, and testing incident response procedures specific to operational environments.
- Prioritize Patching Strategically: Develop risk-based approaches for updating operational systems balancing security needs with operational requirements, testing patches thoroughly, and scheduling updates during maintenance windows.
- Train Operations Staff: Provide cybersecurity OT awareness training for operational personnel teaching them to recognize security threats, follow secure practices, and understand their roles in protecting critical systems.
- Monitor Continuously: Deploy OT network security monitoring solutions providing real-time visibility into operational technology activities, detecting anomalies, and alerting on potential security incidents.
- Plan for Incidents: Develop comprehensive incident response procedures addressing OT security events, coordinating between security and operations teams, and considering physical safety implications of security actions.
Related Terms & Synonyms
- Industrial Control Systems (ICS): Hardware and software controlling industrial processes including manufacturing, infrastructure, and facility operations.
- Information Technology (IT): Computer systems, networks, and software managing data and business information, distinguished from OT controlling physical processes.
- Operating Technology: Alternative term referring to operational systems managing and controlling physical devices and processes.
- Internet of Things (IoT): Network of connected devices collecting and exchanging data, often overlapping with operational technology in industrial settings.
- Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT): IoT applications specifically in industrial contexts connecting operational technology devices, sensors, and systems for enhanced visibility and control.
- Distributed Control Systems (DCS): Control systems distributed throughout facilities managing complex industrial processes through localized controllers.
- Building Automation Systems (BAS): Automated control systems managing building mechanical, electrical, and safety systems.
- Building Management Systems (BMS): Centralized systems monitoring and controlling building operations including HVAC, lighting, and security.
- Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA): Systems providing centralized monitoring and remote control of distributed infrastructure and processes.
People Also Ask
1. What is OT security?
OT security (Operational Technology security) protects hardware and software systems monitoring and controlling physical devices, processes, and infrastructure from cyber threats, unauthorized access, and disruptions that could impact operations, safety, or physical environments.
2. What is IT and OT?
IT (Information Technology) manages data, business applications, and communication systems, while OT (Operational Technology) controls physical devices and processes in industrial environments—they’re converging as organizations connect operational systems with enterprise networks.
3. What is OT in cyber security?
OT in cyber security refers to protecting operational technology systems including industrial control systems, SCADA, and physical process controls from cyber threats using specialized security approaches addressing unique operational requirements and safety considerations.
4. What is an OT network?
An OT network connects operational technology devices, controllers, sensors, and industrial systems enabling communication and control of physical processes, typically requiring isolation or controlled connectivity from enterprise IT networks for security.
5. What NAC is best for operational technology networks?
Best NAC (Network Access Control) for operational technology networks should understand industrial protocols, support passive discovery of OT devices without disruption, integrate with existing operational systems, and provide visibility while respecting operational continuity requirements.
6. What is IoT OT?
IoT OT refers to the convergence of Internet of Things and Operational Technology where connected sensors, devices, and systems in industrial environments collect and exchange data enabling enhanced monitoring, control, and optimization of physical processes.
7. What is the role of technology in operations?
Technology in operations enables automation, monitoring, and control of physical processes, improves efficiency and safety, provides data-driven insights for optimization, and increasingly connects operational systems with enterprise IT for digital transformation.
8. What's the top SIEM for operational technology?
Top SIEM for operational technology should understand industrial protocols, integrate with OT security tools, correlate IT and OT security events, provide specialized analytics for operational environments, and avoid disrupting critical industrial processes.
9. Which container firewall is best for operational technology?
Best container firewall for operational technology should provide micro-segmentation within OT environments, understand industrial protocols, integrate with operational systems, offer minimal performance impact, and support air-gapped or highly isolated industrial networks.
