What is Operational Technology (OT) Cybersecurity?
What is Operational Technology Cybersecurity?
Imagine a power plant: the turbines are spinning, the control systems are working seamlessly, and everything is running as expected. But behind this smooth operation is a web of interconnected systems, devices, and networks. These are the operational technology (OT) systems that manage and monitor physical processes like energy production, water treatment, and industrial manufacturing.
While these systems are essential to daily life, they’re also vulnerable to cyber threats—an area that's increasingly becoming a top concern for industries and governments worldwide.
Operational technology cybersecurity is all about protecting these critical systems from cyberattacks that could disrupt or damage them. Unlike traditional IT systems, which handle data and information, OT systems control the physical processes that power industries. As these systems become more connected and rely on the internet to function, they become prime targets for hackers looking to exploit vulnerabilities. So, what does OT cybersecurity actually mean, and why is it so important?
The Growing Threat to OT Systems
As industries evolve, more and more OT systems are integrating with corporate IT networks, creating potential gaps in security. A few decades ago, many OT systems were entirely isolated from the internet, limiting the potential for cyberattacks. However, with the rise of smart factories, IoT devices, and remote monitoring, OT systems are now more interconnected and vulnerable than ever. What’s more, OT infrastructure is not updated nearly as often. You are likely to find technology or devices that are from previous decades.
Outdated infrastructure with new connectivity makes OT systems a target for cybercriminals and nation-state actors who are looking to exploit weaknesses for financial gain, espionage, or sabotage.
In fact, industries such as energy, manufacturing, and transportation are prime targets for cyberattacks. A compromised OT system can lead to operational disruptions, safety hazards, and in extreme cases, loss of life. Recent attacks on critical infrastructure like power grids and water plants show how a successful cyberattack on OT can have far-reaching consequences. More on that later.
Why OT Cybersecurity Is Different from IT Cybersecurity
At its core, OT cybersecurity is similar to traditional IT cybersecurity in that both aim to protect systems from unauthorized access, data breaches, and disruptions. However, OT cybersecurity comes with its own unique set of challenges. IT systems typically manage data and applications, while OT systems control physical devices like valves, motors, and sensors. The difference in the systems’ roles means that protecting OT requires a different approach.
The primary difference lies in the safety and operational continuity of OT systems. In IT, a breach might result in stolen data or financial loss, but in OT, it could lead to equipment failure, safety incidents, or even environmental damage. For example, in a manufacturing plant, a cyberattack could disrupt a robotic assembly line, causing costly downtime. In the energy sector, a cyberattack on grid control systems could lead to power outages, affecting thousands of people.
Moreover, OT systems often have longer lifespans than IT systems, meaning they may be running outdated software or hardware that lacks the security features found in modern IT systems. Many OT devices were never designed with security in mind, which makes it harder to patch vulnerabilities or update software. As a result, cybersecurity professionals in the OT world must take a more proactive approach, ensuring that critical systems are protected without interrupting their operations.
The Core Components of OT Cybersecurity
A solid OT cybersecurity strategy involves several key components:
- Asset Management and Visibility: Knowing what assets are connected to your network is the first step in securing your OT environment. This includes everything from sensors and control systems to the network infrastructure that supports them.
- Vulnerability Management: Identifying and addressing vulnerabilities is crucial to preventing attacks. Regular assessments help organizations understand which systems need immediate attention and where risks are highest.
- Threat Detection and Response: Continuous monitoring of OT networks allows for quick identification of abnormal activities. OT cybersecurity platforms use advanced analytics to detect and respond to threats in real-time, hopefully before they can cause significant damage.
- Access Control and Authentication: Ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to critical OT systems is a fundamental part of cybersecurity. Strong authentication methods and role-based access controls help limit exposure to threats.
- Incident Response and Recovery: Even with robust security measures in place, incidents can still happen. Having an effective incident response plan ensures that organizations can quickly mitigate the impact of a cyberattack and recover operations with minimal downtime.
The Role of AI in OT Cybersecurity
With OT systems becoming more complex, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity is growing rapidly. AI can help predict, detect, and even prevent cyberattacks by analyzing large amounts of data across OT environments, which is virtually impossible for a human to do. Using AI-driven platforms, organizations are beginning to automate threat detection, continuously scan for vulnerabilities, and even create automated remediation playbooks.
For example, AI-powered systems can quickly analyze whether a vulnerability is relevant for an organization, then suggest a remediation plan if it is. This allows IT teams to focus on responding to real threats while AI handles much of the data processing.
Why OT Cybersecurity Matters
As industries become more interconnected, the need for OT cybersecurity has never been more critical. Recent incidents have shown just how vulnerable operational technology can be to cyberattacks, and how devastating the consequences can be when these systems are compromised.
In October 2022, Tata Power, one of India's largest power generation and distribution companies, was targeted by the Hive ransomware group. While the attack didn't disrupt the power supply, it encrypted critical data and exposed sensitive information.
In October 2024, American Water, the largest water utility in the U.S., suffered a cyberattack that targeted its OT systems. The breach disrupted critical services and raised alarms about the vulnerability of utilities that rely on outdated security measures.
In January 2025, reports revealed that Chinese hackers had compromised U.S. telecommunications companies, affecting far more firms than previously known, and the majority of the U.S. population. The hackers exploited weaknesses in communication systems critical to both IT and OT infrastructure. This is one of the largest known cyber attacks targeting the U.S, highlighting the persistent threat to critical sectors.
Securing OT systems isn’t just about protecting data—it’s about ensuring the safety and functionality of the infrastructure that supports our daily lives.
Our team built the Bastazo platform to be tailored to OT cybersecurity: designed to automate vulnerability management, prioritize threats, and ensure proactive defense against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber risks. Our goal is to provide organizations with the tools they need to secure their OT systems efficiently and effectively.
