Operational technology (OT) is the well-kept secret powering many products and services. While information technology (IT) systems manage the flow of digital data, OT systems directly control physical processes, machinery and infrastructure. From the industrial equipment on factory floors to the building automation systems in offices, OT is the hidden backbone of the modern business world.
“In local OT environments, a key focus is around digital transformation with organisations wanting to improve productivity, safety and outputs,” explains Martin Fernandes, business development manager (Africa) for OT at Fortinet. “Most large industrial organisations, utilities and healthcare organisations are looking to digital technologies to achieve insights into how the production environment is running, using big data analytics for better outcomes, and harnessing AI and automation to improve efficiencies.”
What exactly is OT?
In simple terms, OT refers to the hardware and software used to monitor, control and automate industrial operations. This includes programmable logic controllers, industrial control systems, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and other specialised equipment
In a manufacturing plant, OT systems manage the assembly line, monitor production and optimise workflows. In the energy sector, OT automates the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity. Even everyday consumer products like smart home appliances and connected vehicles rely on OT.
Hybrid, siloed OT challenges
While OT systems have become increasingly sophisticated and interconnected, many organisations struggle to secure these critical assets. “These environments typically have long equipment life cycles – some may be used for over 20 years or more – and organisations usually have a mix of OEM hardware and software solutions depending on the use case,” says Fernandes. “This results in lock-ins in terms of technology evolution and challenges in terms of interoperability between these systems.”
OT teams often lack the cybersecurity expertise of their IT counterparts, creating a dangerous gap in protection. “In most environments, we find the IT and OT teams don’t communicate and collaborate,” Fernandes notes. “OT focuses on production output and availability with their knowledge centred on industrial control systems. So they lack IT and security awareness. On the other hand, IT teams have no knowledge or understanding of industrial controls.”
Building cyber-resilient OT environments
The consequences of an OT breach can be severe. A cyberattack on a power grid, for example, could cause widespread blackouts and disrupt essential services. Similarly, a breach in a manufacturing facility’s OT systems could halt production, resulting in supply chain disruptions and lost revenue.
To mitigate these risks, businesses must prioritise the security of their OT environments. By taking a “defence in depth” approach, Fortinet helps organisations detect, prevent and respond to threats in their OT systems. “This enables organisations to introduce controls to detect, defuse, alert and improve security across over 50 products and partner solutions with a world-class interoperable open ecosystem that enables integration,” Fernandes states.
