Cybersecurity in operational technology (OT) systems is becoming increasingly crucial, especially with the increasing convergence between IT and OT systems. While cyber security focuses primarily on data protection against breaches, malware, and phishing, OT security addresses the protection of physical equipment such as critical infrastructure and manufacturing systems.
OT systems include a variety of equipment and networks, including Industrial Control Systems (ICS) such as Control and Data Acquisition Systems (SCADA) and Distributed Control Systems (DCS). These systems manage critical physical processes, and their safety is essential to avoid serious operational disruptions, property damage, and risks to human safety.
The increasing integration of IT and OT systems exposes OT environments to new vulnerabilities. An intruder can now more easily move from the IT network to the OT network, exploiting the flaws of both systems. This convergence makes OT systems particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks, which can have catastrophic consequences such as critical service failures or the manipulation of industrial processes.
The objectives of OT security differ from those of IT security. While IT security aims to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of data, OT security focuses on the reliability and security of physical processes and equipment. OT systems often cannot use the same security software solutions as IT systems, requiring a combined approach of physical and digital measurements.
The security of OT systems is now a priority, as cybercriminals increasingly target these networks because of their potential for massive disruption and often insufficient security. The rise of cyberattacks on OT environments underlines the importance of developing appropriate security strategies to protect these critical systems.
Thus, understanding and implementing security measures specific to OT environments is indispensable for any organisation using these technologies, in order toensure their resilience against current and future threats.
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