What is Operational Technology (OT)? Challenges & Best Practices

Within the last couple of years, cyberattacks on critical infrastructures power grids, water treatment plants, oil and gas facilities, transportation systems, telecommunications, and healthcare services have increased impressively. This increase is largely due to increased interconnection and interoperability between Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology. OT, which integrates hardware and software to monitor, control, and automate physical processes in asset-intensive industries, has seen its attack surface expand as a result of this integration.

The report by Statista reveals that IT leaders are increasingly becoming involved with OT cybersecurity due to open weaknesses in the OT networks. Thus, it is expected that shortly, companies will raise investment in asset lists and their control. This article is also designed to give the reader a concise and easy-to-understand explanation of OT as well as explain how OT works in relation to SCADA systems.

We will also look at the risks that emerge, and some real-life cases and learn about the measures to protect OT systems will also be discussed. By the end of this guide, readers will understand how to secure OT environments.

What is Operational Technology?

Operational Technology refers to the hardware and software systems that monitor and control physical devices, processes, and events within an enterprise. It differs from Information Technology, which covers data processing and information management, in that OT handles physical processes and machinery concerns.

Examples of such OT systems include manufacturing equipment, energy grids, and transport networks. The systems are fundamental parts of industrial contexts, making their security a key concern.

Key Components of Operational Technology

1. Sensors: Sensors are devices that detect environmental or equipment changes and send data back to a control system. They lie at the heart of real-time data gathering, forming the basis for successful monitoring and control in industrial processes. Many physical variables can be measured with sensors, including temperature, pressure, and flow rates. These outputs will form the backbone of OT management, enabling better decision-making and smoother process control.
2. Control Systems: These are programmable logic controllers and distributed control systems that work to automate processes. Control systems are enablers of OT, reading from sensors and making decisions in real-time for optimization. They ensure industrial processes proceed as smoothly as they can with minimum human intervention.
3. Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs): HMIs are the interfaces through which a human operator interacts with control systems. HMIs provide the operational processes in a visual format and thereby permit the operator to make observations in the running performance of the systems; this also allows them to make appropriate changes. These interfaces are designed to be user-friendly and thereby enable operators to interpret and respond to system alerts in as short a time as possible.
4. Networking Devices: Networking devices refer to a router, switch, and generally network infrastructure providing a way for OT components to talk to each other. In other words, it is the networking devices that must provide seamless data exchange between sensors, control systems, and HMIs. A sound network infrastructure is indispensable regarding OT system integrity and reliability.
5. Actuators: These are devices that convert control signals to physical action. Examples include motors and valves. Actuators are the physical devices that carry out decisions from the control systems. They serve a critical function in ensuring that industrial processes correctly respond to a control signal, hence keeping efficiency and safety within operations.

Understanding Operational Technology Systems

Operational Technology systems are basically designed for monitoring, controlling, and managing industrial operation processes. Manufacturing, energy, and transportation are the various sectors involved in managing these systems. Being an interconnected set of various components that includes sensors, control systems, and actuators, it has the sole purpose of making everything run smoothly.

The main aim of OT systems is to ensure that operations remain efficient, safe, and reliable. In regard to this, the efficiency in component interaction provides businesses with a clue about how they might optimize their industrial processes and also minimize potential risks.

Differences between OT and IT (Information Technology)

OT vs IT: Detailed Analysis

1. Focus: The focal approach would be that OT is meant to manage physical processes and machinery in general, whereas IT controls data processing and information flow. While OT systems control the physical aspects of operation—machinery and production lines, among others—IT systems maintain information and data flow within an organization.
2. Environment: By design, OT systems are meant predominantly for industrial settings, like factories and plants. In contrast, IT systems find predominant utilization in offices and within the setting of a business. The demand for operations and associated risks is the wide difference between these two settings.
3. Primary Concern: OT systems are safety- and reliability-oriented, while IT systems are more confidentiality- and integrity-oriented. In OT, the failure of a system may lead to physical injury or a severe operational disruption; hence, reliability is of the essence. IT systems are concerned mainly with data not falling into unauthorized hands and with the integrity of the data.
4. Lifecycle: OT systems have a longer lifecycle and are seldom updated, while the IT systems are updated and new patches are put in fairly regularly. An extended lifecycle often makes OT systems more vulnerable due to the lack of new security enhancements.
5. Downtime Tolerance: OT systems are very intolerant to downtime because this is costly and may cause disruptions. IT systems are mostly able to tolerate scheduled downtime for maintenance and upgrades. This automatically implies that OT and IT should have different philosophies in regard to maintenance and security.

How are Operational Technology and SCADA Related?

SCADA is a form of Operational Technology. SCADA systems monitor and control processes that usually operate remotely from the control room location. They collate, in real-time, data from the most dispersed locations about operating equipment and conditions.

One of the hardware and software modules of SCADA systems, used to monitor, collect, and process information internally, is utilized by firms to communicate with machines and apparatuses, such as sensors, valves, pumps, and many others while logging events in a log file. The connection between operational technology and SCADA is inseparable since the SCADA system forms a critical part of OT, whereby through these systems, data are made available together with control.

SCADA systems improve OT’s efficiency and reliability by providing the ability to control and monitor, from a central location, assets that are spread out.

Cybersecurity Challenges Faced by Operational Technology Systems

The Operational Technology systems present unique challenges in cybersecurity because of their critical role in industrial operations. Some of the major risks and challenges include:

1. Legacy Systems: Legacy systems are OT systems that have become outdated and thus lack several modern security features. This is because the legacy system cannot easily be upgraded or replaced, leaving behind recurring security gaps in an organization that is further utilized by cyber attackers to launch an attack.
2. Complexity: OT systems are part of a great, complex ecosystem composed of too many diverse components. The complexity introduces multiple entry points for cyber threats, hence making the implementation of comprehensive security quite challenging because each of these may be required to protect against different threats.
3. Lack of Awareness: The biggest problem here relates to a deficiency in cybersecurity awareness about personnel configuration in OT. Personnel are usually not properly trained to adopt all cybersecurity best practices, which makes them especially easy to attack using social engineering and other forms of threats.
4. IT Integration: The convergence of the OT and IT networks exposes the OT systems to traditional IT threats. While trying to bring in efficiency by integrating their IT systems with the OT systems, businesses inadvertently expand their attack surface, making their OT systems more susceptible to cyber-attacks that have conventionally targeted IT environments.
5. Remote Access: With the growing trend of remote access to monitor and control OT systems, the latter also presents various other security risks. The remote access solutions must be highly secured to avoid unauthorized access and subsequent cyberattacks.

Basics of Operational Technology: What Every Business Should Know?

For businesses to efficiently secure their operations, they should first understand the basics of Operational Technology. Understanding OT involves considering what the key components of OT systems are, how OT and IT differ, and what the unique cybersecurity challenges are for OT systems.

Businesses must come to understand that integrating OT and cybersecurity practices is crucial to safeguarding the integrity of their infrastructure. Knowledge of OT systems’ operational requirements and potential vulnerabilities is crucial for developing effective security strategies and ensuring continuous, safe operation.

Real-World Examples of Operational Technology Breaches

1. Stuxnet Attack on the Iranian Nuclear Facility: The Stuxnet worm in 2010 acted to destroy Iranian nuclear centrifuges. As such, it pointed out the OT system’s vulnerabilities to sophisticated cyber threats. Manipulation with the speed of centrifuges could only be done by successfully exploiting the control systems’ vulnerability by Stuxnet.
2. Ukrainian Power Grid Attack: On 23rd December 2015, a critical cyber-attack was launched on the power grid of Ukraine, which resulted in country-wide outages. The hackers breached the OT systems and made it show how critical infrastructural facilities could be disrupted. The attackers launched the attack with spear-phishing e-mails and later manipulated SCADA systems to cut off power supplied to several thousands of households.
3. Triton Malware Incident: The Triton malware in the year 2017 was used to attack the safety systems of a Saudi Arabian petrochemical plant with the intention of causing physical damage to the system and beyond. Cybercriminals had used malicious code that gained them access to these safety systems. The incident clearly proved that industrial safety systems are indeed at continuous risk from cybercriminals and organizations must take these incidents seriously.
4. Oldsmar Water Treatment Plant Attack: Back in 2021, hackers attempted to poison the water supply of Oldsmar, Florida, by hacking into the OT systems of the facility. The aftermath felt the compelling need for introducing robust cybersecurity in public utilities. The attackers had been able to increase sodium hydroxide levels in the water, but quick action on the part of an operator averted any harm.
5. Colonial Pipeline Ransomware Attack: The ransomware attack on all IT systems of Colonial Pipeline in the year 2021 resulted in the shutdown of their OT operations, which plunged many areas into fuel shortage. The attack on Colonial Pipeline made clear a very important fact: OT and IT systems are intertwined. This incident disrupted fuel supply across the East Coast of the United States, showing just how critical cybersecurity breaches can be on everyday, essential services.

Integrating OT with Cybersecurity Practices

Integrating OT with cybersecurity practices can help a company develop its Operational Technology systems more securely. To implement an overall cybersecurity strategy, there are a number of steps in relation to that. Here are some of the key ways by which businesses take critical actions to secure their OT environments:

Risk Assessment and Management

First of all, the integration of cybersecurity into OT involves a comprehensive risk assessment. Enumerate all the possible vulnerabilities of your OT systems and analyze different types of cyber threats that can take place along with their respective probabilities and consequences. A well-framed risk management plan will go a long way toward prioritizing security measures and allocating resources judiciously.

Network Segmentation

Network segmentation is the process of dividing your OT network into smaller, isolated segments. In that way, the practice will help to contain malware and other cyber threats within a particular segment and bar them from spreading. Effective segmentation will reduce the total attack surface area and further facilitate easy monitoring and access control to your critical OT system.

Access Control Measures

Strict access control to the OT system is vitally important; access to sensitive systems should only be allowed via MFA and RBAC to those personnel who are permitted. All access and permission lists should be periodically reviewed and updated for security maintenance.

Continuous Monitoring and Detection

Quick response and proper identification of previously unknown threats are both continuous monitoring and real-time threat detection. The technology relies heavily on the advanced tools used for monitoring and intrusion detection, which helps in finding out the anomalies and possible cyber attacks. Continuous monitoring allows for early detection of such threats. This means that further response actions would possibly have more speed, thereby minimizing the impact of the breach.

Incident Response Planning

The incident response plan should be developed to manage cybersecurity incidents effectively. This plan needs to list all actions that will be taken in the event of a breach in security with regard to notification procedures, strategies for containment, and recovery actions. Incident response plans must be tested, and the plans need to be continuously updated for them to be effective.

Employee Training and Sensitization

Employee training provides best practices in the implementation of OT security. Train employees regularly to be aware of the latest threats and how to recognize and react to security incidents. An educated and vigilant workforce is a good line of defense against cyber threats.

Regular security audits

Regular security audits will be carried through routinely to detect the vulnerabilities within the OT systems. These audits should involve evaluations that are internal as well as third-party expert evaluations of the system. Regular audits ensure the features maintain an update on the security and basically act as a proactive strategy toward emerging threats.

Applying Security Updates and Patches

Update the latest security patches in the OT systems to protect against known vulnerabilities. Establish a patch management process such that scheduled updates can be done with minimal disruption to operations. Routine application of security patches continues the integrity of the system during scheduled maintenance.

Data Encryption

One of the major practices in securing OT systems involves sensitive data encryption. Use strong encryption techniques that can protect data both in transit and at rest. This ensures that even when data is intercepted, it would be unreadable to unauthorized parties.

Teamwork and Sharing of Information

Enhance OT security by benchmarking with peers, as well as information-sharing activities. Sharing threat intelligence and best practices amongst other organizations extends the collective defense against cyber threats. Active participation in the cybersecurity community astounds you with insight into valuable resources.

Best Practices for Securing Operational Technology

1. Periodic Testing: Periodic security testing of the vulnerabilities in the OT systems is imperative. It is necessary to execute both internal and external audits to make sure every potential risk is identified and treated. Security measures, when tested on an unpredictable basis, will remain current with threats perpetually in motion.
2. Segmentation: Segment OT systems from IT networks, thus reducing the overall attack surface. Network segmentation minimizes the spread of threats and increases general security. It will confine malware and other cyber threats within a restricted area, hence limiting damages. Proper segmentation will also be contributing to the monitoring and access control of critical OT systems.
3. Access Control: Establish very strict access to the OT systems. Use multi-factor authentication and role-based access control to permit access to these sensitive systems to authorized persons only. Access control acts as one of those preventive measures that can block or prevent unauthorized access that might potentially result in a security breach.
4. Threat Detection and Monitoring: Threat monitoring and detection tools allow for speedy identification of critical threats. In this regard, continuous monitoring helps in the early detection of anomalies or cyber-attacks with the intent of taking timely corrective action. Effective monitoring among OT systems is related to operational integrity, not only security.
5. Training of Employees: This makes it critical that OT personnel be trained regarding cybersecurity, which would improve their awareness of and conformance to better security practices. This training should cover the current threats to cybersecurity, the best ways to protect the OT systems, and the importance of following security protocols. Well-trained employees are one of the main layers of defense against cyber threats.

The Future of Operational Technology: Challenges and Opportunities

As 2025 is a few months away, it will be a challenging and opportunistic time for Operational Technology and SCADA. For example, every enterprise has to cope with increasing OT system complexity and the growing sophistication of cyber threats. On the other hand, advances in cybersecurity technologies and practices will provide new tools and strategies for the protection of the OT environment.

The integration of AI and machine learning into OT will promote greater efficiency and security. AI-powered analytics allow for predictive maintenance, which minimizes downtime while increasing operational efficiency.

The adoption of 5G technology presents the opportunity for faster, more reliable connectivity of OT systems, further extending their capabilities. In all, the immediate future of OT demands that businesses be agile and adapt to using new technologies while managing emerging risks.

Conclusion

This blog has covered the essentials of Operational Technology (OT), including its primary components and the unique cybersecurity challenges these systems face. We explored the relationship between OT and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, highlighted real-world incidents of OT breaches, and outlined best practices for securing OT environments. As organizations increasingly depend on OT for critical operations, the need for robust cybersecurity measures becomes more evident to safeguard these vital systems.

With the increasing dependence on OT, comprehensive security is needed to ensure the reliability and safety of operations. The SentinelOne suite of solutions, including the Singularity™ Platform, is made specifically to help protect and strengthen the operational technology systems of organizations committed to ensuring OT security. Learn how SentinelOne can help you ensure secure, reliable operations.

FAQs

1. What is OT (Operation Technology) Security?

Operational technology security simply refers to the protection of OT from cyber threats. Protection here pertains both to hardware and software that is applied to monitoring and controlling operational processes. Effective OT security rivets its focus on making sure of operational integrity, ensuring that disturbances do not occur.

2. What is the difference between IT and OT?

Information Technology (IT) focuses on the processing and flow of information, while Operational Technology (OT) is concerned with the control and management of physical processes and machinery. IT systems prioritize data integrity, whereas OT systems emphasize safety and reliability. Understanding this distinction is crucial for organizing appropriate security measures for both domains.

3. What does the term Operational Technology mean?

Operational Technology includes Hardware and software systems that detect or cause changes by directly monitoring and controlling physical devices, processes, and events within an enterprise. OT systems are critical for managing industrial operations and ensuring efficient and safe processes.

4. What is an operational technology system?

Operational Technology systems are integrated parts like sensors, control systems, and actuators that give mandate and control to industrial operations to retain efficiency, safety, and reliability. The system is core in most sectors for efficient operation in manufacturing industries, energy, and transport.

5. What are the most widespread cybersecurity risks in operational technology?

Some of the common cybersecurity risks in OT include the existence of legacy systems, complexity, lack of cybersecurity awareness among OT personnel, and the convergence of OT and IT networks that exposes OT systems to traditional IT threats. These aforementioned risks demand an across-the-board approach to security in OT—that is, regular assessment, segmentation, and continuous monitoring.