Operational Technology Security
Operational Technology Security
Inadequately secured OT systems can lead to serious consequences such as production downtime, financial damage, data loss and even danger to people.
Inadequately secured OT systems can lead to serious consequences such as production downtime, financial damage, data loss and even danger to people.
Due to the increasing threat of cyberattacks in operational technology (OT), it is essential to implement effective security measures. OT systems, which are used in various industries such as manufacturing or healthcare, control and monitor physical processes and devices.
accompio understands the importance and specific challenges of OT security and offers customized solutions to ensure the reliability and security of operational technology in companies.
Operational technology security for companies
Our IT services for your processes and workflows
What is Operational Technology (OT)?
Operational Technology (OT) includes hardware and software used to monitor and control physical processes, equipment and infrastructure in various industries. These technologies can be found in areas such as manufacturing, power generation and distribution, aviation, shipping and utilities. OT systems are designed for a variety of critical and specialized tasks, from controlling manufacturing robots to monitoring critical infrastructure.
What is Operational Technology security?
Operational Technology Security (OT Security) refers to the practices and technologies used to protect people, assets, systems and information. It aims to monitor and/or control physical devices, processes and events and initiate changes in organizations’ operational technology systems. In the past, OT systems were often not connected to the internet and therefore less of a threat. Today, with the increasing interconnectedness of IT and OT networks, OT security requires a comprehensive, integrated approach to effectively protect complex networks and ensure visibility.
Convergence of OT and IT environments
The convergence of OT and IT environments refers to the increasing trend of linking isolated OT systems with IT networks in order to make management more efficient and reduce costs. OT systems used to run on specific hardware and software, separate from IT systems, which required physical access for customization and offered greater security against unauthorized access. However, by being linked to IT environments, OT becomes digitally accessible, creating new vulnerabilities and increasing risks as these systems are now potentially vulnerable to remote attack.
Risks in OT environments and the differences to IT security
Operational Technology (OT) security is critical for companies that rely heavily on their industrial control systems and automated processes. OT systems, such as production facilities, traffic control systems or energy supply units, must be protected against cyber attacks, as these can affect physical processes and have serious consequences.
With the increasing networking of OT and IT systems, the risks of cyber attacks are growing. Traditional IT security approaches are not sufficient to protect OT systems, as OT environments often work with outdated software and specific technological requirements. An effective OT security strategy must therefore take into account the unique characteristics of OT systems and implement specialized protective measures.
A solid OT security approach includes risk assessments, limiting network traffic, implementing anti-malware solutions and applying IT security best practices. Through these measures, companies can protect their critical infrastructures and ensure the uninterrupted operation of their physical processes and services.
Why is operational technology security essential for companies?
Operational Technology (OT) security is crucial for companies as OT systems are often used in critical infrastructures and have a long lifespan. Unlike IT, many OT devices are designed for longer periods of time and rarely receive software updates or patches, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks. The increasing interconnection of OT and IT systems through developments such as Industry 4.0 increases the risks, as attacks on IT systems can now also affect OT systems. This convergence leads to new challenges in terms of security and compliance.
OT security must therefore be specially adapted to meet both technological and operational requirements. Security measures in OT environments must be carefully planned and implemented to prevent production downtime, data loss and tampering and to ensure the safety of employees and end users. Companies must therefore invest in specialized security solutions for OT systems and develop security concepts.
3 Advantages of Operational Technology Security
Security in Operational Technology (OT) environments offers three key advantages:
Together, these elements help to effectively protect OT environments from cyber threats and ensure security.
Effektive betriebliche Technologie Sicherheit von accompio
accompio provides effective Operational Technology Security solutions for companies to meet the specific security requirements of OT environments. With a combination of expertise in IT and OT, accompio develops customized security strategies. These strategies aim to minimize both internal and external security risks while increasing the efficiency and reliability of operational technology. accompio helps companies protect their OT systems from cyber-attacks and other threats while ensuring seamless integration and secure interaction with IT networks.