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What is Operational Technology (OT)?
Operational technology (OT) is the use of hardware and software that detects or causes a change through the direct monitoring and control of physical processes, devices, and infrastructure. Operational technology systems are found across a large range of asset-intensive sectors, performing a wide variety of tasks ranging from monitoring critical infrastructure (CI) to controlling robots on a manufacturing floor. OT is used in a variety of industries including manufacturing, oil and gas, electrical generation and distribution, aviation, maritime, rail, and utilities.
Components of Operational Technology
Industrial control systems (ICS) are a main component of operational technology. ICS includes different types of devices, systems, controls, and networks that manage a variety of industrial processes. The most common are supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems and distributed control systems (DCS).
As defined by automation standard IEC 62443, an Industrial Control System (ICS) is a collection of personnel, hardware, and software that can affect or influence the safe, secure, and reliable operation of an industrial (technological) process.
Industrial Control Systems include but are not limited to:
- Distributed Control Systems (DCSs)
- Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
- Remote Terminal Units (RTUs)
- Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs)
- Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
- Diagnostic systems
The smallest components of operational technology are a diverse array of:
- Sensors
- Monitors
- Actuators
- Generators
- Pipelines
- Fans
- Industrial robots
IT vs. OT
Any industrial systems infrastructure can be broken down into two domains:
- Information Technology (IT) – systems required for managing data in the context of business goals
- Operational Technology (OT) – systems required for managing the physical, industrial processes of industrial automation
Information Technology (IT)
- Related to computing technology, such as networking, hardware, software, and the Internet
- Combines all computer abilities to collect, process, and present information for decision making
Operational Technology (OT)
- Industrial Control Systems, support physical value creation in manufacturing processes such as automation
- Comprises of devices, sensors, and software necessary to control and monitor plant equipment
Today, it is common for OT systems to be provisioned with networking and computational technologies. The ongoing convergence of IT and OT lays the foundation for the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Modern OT systems increasingly incorporate networking and computational technologies. Converged ecosystems enable improved information flow, process automation, and better adherence to regulatory compliance.
Operational Technology (OT) Security
Operational technology (OT) security is designed to meet the unique security needs of OT environments. This includes protecting system availability, understanding OT-specific protocols, and blocking attacks targeting the legacy systems commonly used in OT environments.
OT security is designed to meet the unique security needs of OT environments. IT involves protecting system availability, understanding OT-specific protocols, and blocking attacks on legacy systems.
OT security is the full stack of hardware and software being used to monitor, detect, and control changes to devices, processes, and events. OT security is commonly used to protect Industrial Systems and networks from attacks. Operational technology security is used to protect and control critical Infrastructures such as power stations, transportation networks, and smart city appliances.
Importance of OT Security
As industrial systems become more connected, they also become more exposed to vulnerabilities. The high cost of industrial equipment and the devastation to communities and economies that an attack could generate are key factors for organizations looking to protect their industrial networks.
OT security is so important because OT has the potential to impact the physical elements of society. Some of these potential impacts include:
- Disruption of production
- Public health and safety risks
- Environmental damage
- Financial problems
- Production losses
- Negative impacts to a nation’s economy
- Compromised proprietary information
OT Security Solutions
As industrial systems become more connected, they also become more exposed to vulnerabilities. The high cost of industrial equipment and the devastation to communities and economies that an attack could generate are key factors for organizations looking to protect their industrial networks.
OT security is so important because OT has the potential to impact the physical elements of society. Some of these potential impacts include:
- Disruption of production
- Public health and safety risks
- Environmental damage
- Financial problems
- Production losses
- Negative impacts to a nation’s economy
- Compromised proprietary information
