Operational technology (OT) powers the systems and processes that drive critical infrastructure, manufacturing, and industrial operations. These systems are foundational to industries such as energy, transportation, life sciences, and more. Unfortunately, as OT environments become increasingly digitalized, they are also seeing increased targeting by cybercriminals. OT’s reliance on legacy technologies and tendency to prioritize uptime over security makes it uniquely vulnerable. And when a single breach has the potential to disrupt essential services, jeopardize safety, and cause significant economic and environmental damage, the stakes for protecting OT systems could not be higher.
OT security is the discipline that protects these essential systems from cyberthreats. Historically, OT systems were isolated from external networks, which provided a powerful layer of security. However, with the convergence of Information technology (IT) and OT networks driven by digital transformation, these systems are now exposed to modern cyber risks. This has led to the evolution of OT security, which focuses on addressing the specific vulnerabilities of industrial environments through automation and other specialized tools. By working in tandem with IT security, OT security creates a comprehensive approach to safeguarding both informational and operational domains.
While IT and OT security share the goal of protecting systems from cyber threats, the environments they safeguard and the approaches they require are fundamentally different. IT systems are designed to process, store, and transmit information, whereas OT systems are built to control physical processes and manage industrial operations. More specifically, IT and OT security differ in the following ways:
In IT security, the primary focus is often on protecting the confidentiality and integrity of data, with data availability being a secondary consideration. OT security prioritizes availability above all else. This is because downtime in OT environments can halt production, disrupt critical services, or create safety hazards. Basic actions common in IT security (like rebooting a device to mitigate threats), could have serious consequences in OT.
IT assets, such as laptops and servers, typically follow short refresh cycles of three to five years, making it easier to keep them up to date with the latest security features. In contrast, OT systems often remain in operation for decades. Many of these legacy systems lack modern security capabilities and may not even support patching, leaving them exposed to vulnerabilities. Additionally, stopping these systems for maintenance may be unfeasible because of their role in essential processes.
OT environments use specialized communication protocols which are not typically supported by IT security tools. Effective OT security requires in-depth knowledge of these protocols to monitor network traffic and detect anomalies. Furthermore, some attacks on OT systems are subtle and involve altering normal operational parameters, making it essential to understand what ‘normal’ looks like for each specific environment.
Despite these differences, IT and OT systems are becoming increasingly integrated, often through shared networks and internet connections. This convergence underscores the need for IT and OT security teams to work collaboratively, ensuring both domains are protected.
Operational technology, industrial control systems (ICS), and the industrial internet of things (IIoT) are closely related technologies that work together to power and secure modern industrial operations. Understanding these distinctions and overlaps is key to implementing an effective OT security strategy:
OT encompasses the hardware and software systems used to monitor, control, and automate physical processes in industrial environments. It includes a range of devices and systems—from sensors and actuators to complex control platforms—and focuses on protecting these systems to ensure uptime, safety, and operational integrity.
ICS is a specialized subset of OT designed to automate and manage industrial processes. These technologies enable more precise control over processes and equipment, making them integral to industrial operations. Because ICS often interacts with critical operational infrastructure, securing these systems is a top priority within the broader OT security framework.
IIoT refers to the integration of connected sensors, devices, and systems in industrial environments. By bridging OT with modern IT capabilities, IIoT facilitates real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and process optimization. However, this increased connectivity also expands the OT attack surface, making IIoT security a major consideration when it comes to protecting industrial networks.
OT security is more than just a technical necessity; it is a foundational element for ensuring the reliability and safety of industrial operations in an interconnected world. As such, it delivers a range of valuable benefits. Among the top advantages of OT security are:
- Continuous monitoring and visibility
Effective OT security provides continuous oversight of network traffic and connected devices, helping organizations identify vulnerabilities and detect potential threats.
- Operational continuity
Securing OT systems ensures that industrial processes run without the kinds of interruptions that may result from cyberattacks.
- Decreased safety risk
By protecting against cyber threats, OT security reduces the risk of incidents such as equipment malfunctions or hazardous material spills, ensuring the safety of workers and surrounding communities.
- Supply chain resilience
A secure OT environment ensures that industrial supply chains remain operational, preventing disruptions that could affect the production and delivery of essential goods.
- Reduced financial losses
Cyberattacks on OT systems can result in significant expenses due to downtime, recovery efforts, and damaged equipment—all of which may be mitigated by the right approach to OT security.
- Regulatory compliance
Implementing effective security practices helps organizations meet compliance standards, avoid penalties, and maintain their license to operate.
Improved control over systems
OT security ensures that each system and device functions as intended by enforcing strict access controls and applying specialized tools to prevent unauthorized activity.
Benefits aside, securing OT environments also presents a unique set of challenges. These challenges can create vulnerabilities that cybercriminals exploit, making it essential for organizations to adopt proactive measures. The following are key challenges in OT security
- Cataloging legacy systems
Legacy OT systems typically lack modern security features and are vulnerable to evolving threats. At the same time, many organizations struggle to maintain an accurate inventory of these assets, further complicating risk assessment and protection efforts. Businesses should conduct a comprehensive audit of all OT assets to create an up-to-date inventory and use asset management tools to regularly monitor and assess vulnerabilities.
- Prioritizing OT devices
Not all OT devices have the same impact on operations. For example, a device critical to production lines poses a greater risk if compromised than one in a less sensitive area, and knowing which ones to prioritize can be difficult. Implement a risk-based approach to identify the devices that are most critical to continuity and safety.
- Countering malware
Traditional IT security tools often fall short in detecting and stopping malware threats in OT environments. Ransomware can be particularly problematic, as the threat of operational downtime or equipment damage may force organizations to consider paying costly ransoms, which only further incentivizes attackers. Deploy OT-specific security solutions to assist with monitoring, threat hunting, and anomaly detection to identify and neutralize issues before they can cause damage.
- Addressing training and resource gaps
Many OT teams lack cybersecurity expertise, creating vulnerabilities in managing and securing OT systems. Provide specialized cybersecurity training for OT staff and encourage regular collaboration between IT and OT teams to help foster trust and improve security outcomes.
The challenges inherent in OT security demand an intentional, structured approach. The following best practices can help organizations ensure that their important industrial systems and devices are safe from attack:
Establish a clear governance framework to oversee OT security initiatives. This includes defining roles, responsibilities, and accountability across IT, OT, and security teams. Develop a comprehensive OT security strategy aligned with business objectives and risk management frameworks to guide the implementation of security measures.
Build a cross-functional team comprising experts from IT, OT, operations, and security departments. Regularly train this team on the latest security practices and threats. Additionally, implement a cybersecurity awareness program to help all employees know how to recognize and respond to potential security threats.
Enforce strict access control measures to ensure that only authorized personnel can access OT systems. Use multifactor authentication and secure remote access solutions, such as zero-trust network access (ZTNA). Segment OT networks into isolated zones using firewalls and other technologies to limit the attack surface and contain threats.
Conduct regular risk assessments to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in OT systems. Implement a lifecycle management program for OT assets, ensuring devices are properly tracked, patched, and maintained. Apply a risk management framework that adapts to evolving threats and supports and provides reliable support for data-driven decision making.
Continuously monitor OT networks for signs of compromise and anomalies. Implement an incident response plan tailored to OT environments, ensuring teams are trained and equipped to respond effectively. Develop recovery and restoration capabilities, including data backups, redundancy, and failover procedures, as these will help minimize downtime and operational disruptions following a security event.
Finally, integrate OT security with service management to close the loop— improving coordination, streamlining workflows for patching and incident response, and enhancing visibility into security events. Aligning service management with OT security improves protection while optimizing operations, giving organizations what they need to maintain the integrity and reliability of their critical industrial systems.
OT security is essential for protecting the systems that drive vital infrastructure and operations. That said, the unique challenges of OT environments can make it difficult for organizations to safeguard these systems effectively. ServiceNow Operational Technology Management offers a streamlined solution to these challenges, making it possible for organizations to easily secure, manage, and optimize their OT environments.
Operational Technology Management enhances visibility across the OT ecosystem, associating devices with production processes for extremely accurate risk assessments. By using artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to automate OT management workflows on the Now Platform®, you can minimize downtime, proactively address vulnerabilities, and strengthen your operational resilience. With ServiceNow, you gain the benefits of a reduced attack surface and streamlined compliance efforts, ensuring your OT environment remains secure, efficient, and always ready to meet evolving threats.
Experience how ServiceNow can transform your OT security strategy—request a demo today!