Operational Technology

Operational technology (OT) refers to the hardware and software systems used to monitor and control physical processes, devices and infrastructure in industries such as manufacturing, energy, mining, water treatment and transport. It encompasses supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, programmable logic controllers, distributed control systems and industrial sensors and actuators. Unlike information technology (IT), which manages data, OT directly governs physical equipment and processes, making its reliability and safety paramount. Historically, OT networks were isolated from corporate IT systems and the internet, but increasing convergence driven by digitalisation and remote monitoring has exposed them to cybersecurity risks. This convergence has made OT environments targets for cyberattacks that can disrupt production, damage equipment or endanger safety. Securing OT requires specific approaches such as network segmentation, zero trust access and vulnerability management, as traditional IT security tools are often unsuitable for legacy industrial systems. Standards bodies including the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) provide guidance on OT security frameworks. Vendors such as Microsoft have expanded their security offerings to address OT and industrial control system risks alongside traditional IT environments. The growing adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies and the Industrial Internet of Things has accelerated IT-OT integration. As a result, OT security has become a critical focus for critical infrastructure operators and industrial companies worldwide.