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.
NAV Canada CISO Tom Bornais on Keeping IT and OT Systems RunningWith threats targeting aviation infrastructure, NAV Canada CISO Tom Bornais explained how his team focuses on building resilience rather than chasing perfection. He outlined why internal alignment, incident simulation and supply chain security are critical to defending IT and OT systems.
CVE-2025-54603 gave attackers an opening to disrupt critical operational technology (OT) environments and steal data from them.
OTsec Canada Chairman on Balancing Wellness, Collaboration and ComplianceOrganizations defending critical infrastructure must shift from compliance-focused strategies to holistic resilience. Ahead of the OTsec Canada Summit, Énergir CISO Martin Laberge outlines why people-first leadership and national coordination are essential for OT security resilience.