Crossing the divide: How IT and OT can work together to secure the future
In cybersecurity, the divide between IT (Information Technology) and OT (Operational Technology) remains a problem that practitioners, vendors, and consultants must navigate daily. The differences between these two mindsets -- one rooted in the world of delivering data and maintaining software, the other firmly planted in the realm of continuous uptime of industrial systems -- can lead to conflicting priorities and misunderstandings. Even as the industry strives to align these domains, this divergence is still evident, as I was reminded just this week.
During my usual morning LinkedIn browsing, I stumbled upon a post featuring the “Top 50 People in ICS/OT Cyber Security You Need to Follow”. At first glance, I panicked. My immediate assumption was that the list featured individuals responsible for securing operational environments -- the unsung heroes safeguarding critical infrastructure around the globe.
The CISO's guide to effective OT security: Overcoming challenges and fostering collaboration
Operational technology (OT) systems have long been common in industries such as manufacturing, utilities, and healthcare. However, as these systems now increasingly integrate with IT networks, they are becoming the responsibility of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). As a result, CISOs in these sectors need to secure OT systems alongside traditional IT systems. This added responsibility has significantly increased the demands on security leaders.
Now, to safeguard both IT and OT systems, CISOs must possess the right knowledge and resources. Understanding the complexities of OT systems is necessary for the protection of vital operations and infrastructures, however it can be difficult to separate genuine expertise from sales hype.
Bridging the gap: Aligning OT security with the pace of new-gen technologies
The convergence of IT and OT (Operational Technology) networks has been instrumental in driving operational efficiency and innovation across industries. As businesses are rapidly heading towards Industry 4.0, the benefits of this integration are clear.
However, with digital transformation comes the risks of a constantly expanding threat landscape. The merging of IT and OT environments has amplified the risk of wide-scale disruptions and sophisticated attacks like ransomware, extending from digital to physical infrastructures. These concerns are also evident in the growing demand for OT security, as the market is projected to reach $38.2 billion by 2028.