Operational Technology controls physical processes, so cyber risks can disrupt safety, reliability, and availability across connected industrial systems.
Search across headline titles and summaries.
Background for this topic.
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.
The US and its allies claim Russian hacktivists are disruptive operations in water, energy, food and agriculture sectors
Cyber Authorities Warn Pro-Russian Hacktivists Targeting Small-Scale OT SystemsU.S. and international cyber authorities issued a warning Wednesday that pro-Russian hacktivists are increasingly targeting small-scale operational technology systems throughout North America and Europe that have been left vulnerable to attacks due to internet-exposed industrial control systems.
The US government is warning that pro-Russian hacktivists are seeking out and hacking into unsecured operational technology (OT) systems used to disrupt critical infrastructure operations. [...]
USBs have something the newest, hottest attack techniques lack: the ability to bridge air gaps.
Barry Mainz Discusses Asset Visibility, Security and Risk Management Outside ITForescout CEO Barry Mainz highlights the growing risks associated with OT and IoT devices and how cybersecurity strategies must evolve to address these challenges. He emphasizes the need for visibility, classification and robust risk assessment to manage these vulnerabilities effectively.