Operational Technology controls physical processes, so cyber risks can disrupt safety, reliability, and availability across connected industrial systems.
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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.
Cyber incidents targeting OT in US critical infrastructure have prompted renewed federal action
The Iranian state-backed group targeted the operational technology of a critical national infrastructure (CNI) network and persisted in its network for years, but ultimately failed.
Fortinet Uncovers Long-Term Cyberespionage in RegionAn Iranian state-sponsored threat group conducted a years-long cyberespionage campaign targeting a Middle East critical infrastructure provider, with its operational technology network a key target. The attackers focused reconnaissance activity and credential theft on the OT network.
ColorTokens' Rajesh Khazanchi on Securing Convergent IT, OT and IoT SystemsThe rise of insider attacks, OT-IT convergence and vulnerabilities in IoT devices are threats to previously isolated manufacturing systems. Rajesh Khazanchi, CEO at ColorTokens, says an enterprise microsegmentation platform and a containment strategy can protect interconnected IT, OT and IoT systems.