OT security stands for operational technology. Stacks of hardware and software are used to implement security measures. They aid in tracking, spotting, and managing adjustments to industrial network equipment, activities, and procedures.
They are employed to defend these systems and networks against malicious intrusions. The services provided by operational technology security include transportation networks, power plants, and appliances used in smart cities.
They are pretty prevalent in industrial control systems (ICS). Its regular responsibilities include managing crucial infrastructure and protecting the systems against intrusions.
The demand for strong security measures is rising as the number of malicious attacks on industrial networks rises.
In What Ways Do OT and IT Differ?
Information technology (IT) is the digital data processing by computer systems to support business operations like marketing, sales, customer relationship management, communications, and more. Typical IT systems include your email server, web server, ERP system, voice-over-IP phone, print server, and helpdesk application.
While businesses use computer systems to monitor and manage technological and industrial processes, operational technology (OT) oversees the operation of physical processes and equipment.
Applications and processes used in the IT sector, which include electricity generation and transmission, water treatment, and chemical manufacture, help govern the flow of the OT sector. In contrast, physical assets like motors, conveyors, valves, and forklifts are frequently the controlled endpoints in operational technology (OT). These “objects” come in various dimensions, forms, sophistication levels, iterations, and vintages.
In a nutshell, the spectrum of systems that deal with the physical transformation of commodities and services falls under the umbrella of OT. They are industry-specific, task-specific systems that are regarded as mission-critical.
As part of their security plan for their systems, OT suppliers apply yearly fixes in terms of security. Many businesses are forced to rely only on OT vendors for security assistance because of a need for product understanding and a complex environment.
Importance of Operational Technology Security
- Prevents Attack
IT security helps prevent assaults on industrial networks. As already said, it keeps watch on the system and promptly recognizes changes.
These security measures are crucial because they protect vital business data. Attacks are carried out to obtain sensitive information or to impede business operations.
Attacks like this could cost a company a lot of money and resources, whichever way they happen. By implementing security measures like OT security, your company will have an additional layer of defence against these breaches.
- Ensures Business Continuity
Businesses in the industrial sector deal with many inventory, customers, and other stakeholders. Thus, maintaining the operation of the company is essential.
These companies deal with transportation and communications, so they couldn’t afford to stop operating. The annoyance to customers could result from even a brief pause in operations.
A pause in operations can also cause a company to lose customers and money.
These businesses are guaranteed to continue operating thanks to OT security. The business process can continue uninterrupted thanks to this security measure. They can prevent losses and customer dissatisfaction in this way.
Final Thoughts
Utilize OT security to lessen the issues and difficulties that the industrial sector faces. You can prevent problems caused by malicious attacks or even human error with OT security.
Any field would benefit greatly from an additional layer of security. The operational technology security measure can support maintaining the company’s integrity in the industrial sector.
