OT security

OT security refers to the practices, technologies, and processes used to protect operational technology systems and assets in industrial, infrastructure, and manufacturing environments. It focuses on the digital and physical security of equipment that monitors or controls physical processes, such as PLCs, DCS, SCADA systems, safety instrumented systems, and industrial networks.

OT security commonly includes:

• Identifying and managing OT assets, network segments, and communication paths
• Controlling access to control systems and engineering workstations
• Monitoring OT networks for abnormal activity, malware, or unauthorized changes
• Protecting system configuration, firmware, logic, and recipes from tampering or loss
• Coordinating with IT security to manage interfaces between enterprise IT and plant-floor OT
• Supporting incident detection, response, and recovery in a way that preserves process safety and availability

Scope in industrial and regulated environments

In manufacturing and other regulated industries, OT security applies to production equipment, building and utility controls, and supporting infrastructure that directly affects product quality, safety, or regulatory compliance. It covers:

• Control networks and fieldbuses connecting controllers, HMIs, and sensors
• Engineering, maintenance, and historian systems that interact with control logic and process data
• Interfaces between MES/ERP and OT systems where production orders, recipes, or quality data are exchanged
• Remote access arrangements used by vendors, integrators, or corporate teams to support OT assets

OT security measures are typically designed with strong attention to process safety, equipment protection, and continuous operations, which can constrain how and when security controls are deployed or updated.

Relationship to IT security and CTI

OT security is closely related to IT security but has different priorities and constraints. While IT security often emphasizes data confidentiality and integrity, OT security places additional emphasis on operational continuity and safety of people, equipment, and the environment.

Cyber threat intelligence (CTI) for OT security focuses on threats, vulnerabilities, and attacker behaviors that affect industrial control systems and related assets. It can include information about OT-specific malware, exposed control interfaces, supply chain issues affecting firmware or devices, and tactics used to disrupt physical processes.

What OT security is not

• It is not limited to traditional office IT systems, such as email, end-user laptops, or business applications, although these may interact with OT networks.
• It is not only physical security, such as locks and cameras, although physical controls are often part of an overall OT security program.
• It is not a single product or tool; it typically combines policies, procedures, technical controls, and organizational roles.

Common confusion

OT security vs IT security: OT security deals with systems that directly influence physical processes, where changes can affect safety and production. IT security primarily concerns information systems handling data and business processes.

OT security vs ICS security: ICS (industrial control system) security is a closely related term. In many contexts, ICS security is used as a subset of or synonym for OT security, with a particular focus on control systems like PLCs and SCADA. OT security can be broader, covering building automation, safety systems, and other non-ICS operational technologies.