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The Human Connection Blog
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Operational Technology: What It Is, Why It Matters, and Why Cybersecurity Can’t Wait

SamMaesschalck's avatar
5 days ago

When most people think of cybersecurity, they picture laptops, cloud systems, and corporate networks, the classic IT environment. But there’s another side of the digital world that keeps our physical world running: operational technology (OT).

What is OT?

Operational technology refers to the hardware and software systems that monitor and control physical devices, processes, and infrastructure. This includes everything from the systems that manage electricity generation and water treatment to manufacturing lines, railway signals, and building automation. Think programmable logic controllers (PLCs), SCADA systems, and human-machine interfaces (HMIs).

Unlike IT, which focuses on data, OT is about controlling the physical world, keeping lights on, water flowing, trains running, and factories producing.

Why is OT important?

OT is the backbone of our critical infrastructure. A malfunction or compromise in these systems doesn’t just result in data loss; it can cause physical damage, safety incidents, environmental harm, or massive economic disruption.

In other words, OT is where digital risk becomes real-world impact.

Why is OT cybersecurity becoming critical?

Historically, OT networks were isolated; the so-called “air gap” kept them separate from the internet and IT systems. But that gap has been shrinking fast:

  • IT/OT convergence means OT systems are increasingly connected to enterprise networks for efficiency, monitoring, and remote access.
  • Legacy systems not designed with cybersecurity in mind are being exposed to new threats.
  • Ransomware and other attacks are now hitting OT environments, either indirectly as collateral damage from IT infections or directly as intentional targets – as seen in the Colonial Pipeline incident.

The result? OT systems are now in the crosshairs of threat actors, but they often lack the same level of visibility, patching, and protection that IT environments enjoy.

Share your thoughts

Have you encountered OT in your role? What challenges have you faced? Drop a comment and let’s build some shared knowledge.

Ready to double down on OT?

Sign up for my Labs Live OT Special on July 15 as I tackle a brand new OT lab collaboratively, with you on a webinar. Register your attendance here!

Updated 5 days ago
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