Operational Technology controls physical processes, so cyber risks can disrupt safety, reliability, and availability across connected industrial systems.
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Operational technology (OT) comprises hardware and software that monitor and control physical processes—such as PLCs, RTUs, HMIs, SCADA, and DCS—in manufacturing, utilities, transport, and buildings. Its assets include controllers, sensors, actuators, engineering workstations, and the networks linking them. OT depends on precise timing, reliable communications, and safe states; outages or incorrect commands can stop production or affect physical safety, even when little sensitive data is involved.
Security concerns arise where OT connects to enterprise networks, vendor remote-access paths, or internet-facing services. Legacy protocols and long-lived devices may lack authentication, encryption, logging, or practical patching options. A compromise could alter setpoints, inhibit alarms, or disrupt availability, but impact depends on process design and safeguards. Defenders typically segment control networks, restrict and monitor remote access, maintain asset and dependency inventories, use passive monitoring where active scanning is risky, and test recovery and safe manual operation. Vulnerability management must account for maintenance windows, vendor support, and safety validation rather than treating every patch like IT.
Elevate OT Cyber Skills Through Training, Collaboration and PracticeOperational technology incidents can have physical as well as digital consequences, from halting plant production to endangering lives. Training tailored to OT security is essential for protecting critical systems while maintaining operational continuity.
Recent advisories from U.S. federal authorities on vulnerabilities in certain operational technology devices underscore the potential security risks that many healthcare providers frequently underestimate, said Sila Özeren, a security research engineer at Picus Security.
Merck's Luis Contasti Aguirre on Building Resilient OT Security ProgramsLuis Contasti Aguirre from Merck shares how visibility into OT assets, clear processes and a strong risk-aware culture help secure critical systems. He explains how aligning people, process and technology strengthens compliance, reduces false positives and ensures operational resilience.
CMO Mike Plante on Nozomi Expanding Industrial Reach, Operating as Independent UnitJapanese Industrial giant Mitsubishi Electric will acquire San Francisco-based cybersecurity firm Nozomi Networks for $883 million. The two companies aim to fuse industrial data insights with advanced threat detection while keeping Nozomi as an independent brand.
Purchase Expands AI-Powered Cyber Defense for Operational, Critical InfrastructureMitsubishi Electric is acquiring San Francisco-based Nozomi Networks to enhance protection for OT and IoT systems. The move accelerates cyber innovation and supports customers through AI-driven insights, cloud-native tools, and strong industry collaboration.