Why OT Security Now Has Everyone’s Attention
Industrial cybersecurity once stayed hidden in control rooms, managed by a few specialized engineers. That’s no longer the case. These days, plant managers, executives, and even insurance underwriters take notice. After all, a successful attack on operational technology (OT) can freeze production lines, threaten worker safety, and inflict big financial losses. In this post, we’ll look at why OT security now commands attention beyond the plant floor—and how teamwork from every corner of the company can spark the most effective solutions.
OT Security Moves from the Shadows to the Spotlight
For a long time, “industrial security” meant protecting SCADA systems, PLCs, and similar devices that ran on separate networks. Many were air-gapped for safety. But as businesses connect OT systems to broader ecosystems for efficiency and data analysis, vulnerabilities multiply.
Now that OT links to enterprise networks, senior leaders who once cared solely about data privacy see that operational security is vital for survival. They often turn to the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to manage it all.
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Why the Boardroom Is Paying Attention
1. Tighter Regulations
Governments worldwide keep raising the bar on protecting critical infrastructure. In North America, power suppliers follow the strict NERC standards. Across Europe, the expanded NIS2 Directive forces companies to improve their defenses or face legal consequences.
This isn’t a niche concern. Investors, insurers, and other partners want proof that OT systems are secure before they sign deals. If a company fails these checks, production lines might be halted or fines imposed. Personal liability for top leaders is also possible, especially in heavily regulated industries.
2. Eye-Catching Incidents
Ransomware attacks on manufacturing and petrochemical operations make headlines. These threats can shut down entire facilities, leading to lost revenue, supply chain chaos, and plenty of public embarrassment. When boards see how quickly a hacker can disrupt production, they realize the usual tactics aren’t enough.
3. Insurance Requirements Are Changing
Insurance providers used to lump OT into standard cyber policies. Now they study each facility’s network segmentation, patch frequency, and workforce training before offering coverage. Organizations that don’t measure up may face enormous premiums or outright rejection.
Watch on Demand:
Reduce OT Cyber Risk & Insurance Costs: Expert Strategies
This video explores the rising challenges of cybersecurity insurance for industrial companies facing increased OT (Operational Technology) attacks. Learn expert strategies to strengthen your OT cybersecurity posture, potentially reducing premiums and enhancing coverage. Discover how OT System Management solutions provide asset visibility, vulnerability management, and proactive defense tactics. Get insights on how to protect your industrial systems from ransomware and other cyber threats while optimizing your insurance strategy.
The Expanding Role of the CISO
Today’s CISO must look beyond traditional IT networks to manage operational technology (OT) security. Boards now demand clear answers from security leaders about how an OT breach could impact the business in tangible ways: Would it compromise employee safety? Could core operations come to a halt? What regulatory consequences might follow? And how will the CISO effectively coordinate with plant managers who speak a completely different technical language?
By offering facts and metrics, the CISO reassures the board and shows readiness for a range of threats. That visibility also helps secure funding for necessary protections.
Collaboration: The Key to Success
Bringing IT and OT teams together is vital. IT professionals think about ransomware or email breaches, while operations folks live by a single mantra: keep production running. Over time, these clashing priorities created tension.
Progressive organizations now hold regular meetings, led by the CISO or a cross-functional committee, that include plant managers, site operators, and engineering leads. They hash out issues, plan security updates, and schedule any necessary downtime in a way that won’t disrupt revenue streams. This united front turns cybersecurity from an external burden into an integrated business function.
Governance and Accountability
A strong governance model steers these efforts. It might include a steering committee that reviews security frameworks like NIST CSF or IEC 62443, checks internal audit findings, and adjusts policies based on real-world incidents. Clear lines of accountability ensure that everyone—from the front office to the factory floor—knows their role.
Real-World Obstacles and How to Tackle Them
Minimizing Downtime
The 24/7 nature of many plants means upgrades and patches can spark anxiety. Security teams must work with operations staff to schedule changes or consider redundancies that keep systems running while updates occur.Legacy Equipment
Some factories run machines from the ‘80s or ‘90s, making modern upgrades complicated or risky. Specialized solutions, such as network segmentation and virtual patching, can offer safeguards when direct updates aren’t possible.Remote Access Risks
Contractors and vendors often need off-site connections for maintenance. Each login is a potential open window for attackers. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) and strict access controls reduce the odds of a breach.Skills and Training
OT security demands knowledge of industrial machinery and cybersecurity basics. Companies can close this gap by running joint IT-OT training or cultivating partnerships with educational institutions.Cost Allocation
Who pays for new security controls—IT or operations? When a project doesn’t have a clear budget owner, it can stall. Assigning dedicated funds or charging each department based on usage can remove roadblocks.
Incident Response and Metrics
Even with robust defenses, incidents may happen. Response speed and coordination are critical in OT settings. A clear plan designates who leads containment, when production should pause, and how communication flows. The quicker a response team detects and halts an attack, the less damage occurs.
To demonstrate progress, CISOs track metrics like mean time to detect (MTTD), mean time to respond (MTTR), and patching rates for critical systems. These figures often resonate with the board and justify further investments.
Practical Next Steps for Stronger OT Security
- Map Your Assets: Catalog every device tied to production, from PLCs to sensors. This reveals hidden vulnerabilities.
- Prioritize by Criticality: Sort assets by their importance to safety, compliance, and revenue. Direct the bulk of your resources where the impact would be highest.
- Use Established Frameworks: Refer to NIST CSF, IEC 62443, or related standards for a roadmap, then tailor these guidelines to fit your exact environment.
- Plan for Incidents: Designate a clear chain of command. Each person should know who makes the final call if a breach requires isolating systems.
- Train Across Departments: Create shared training sessions where OT and IT staff learn together. Include tabletop drills for a hands-on look at threats.
Success Story: Church & Dwight
Consumer goods giant Church & Dwight demonstrates the power of unified thinking. Their security leaders didn’t roll out sweeping mandates without warning. They walked the factory floors, spoke with operators, and discovered how to patch systems without losing production time.
By sharing these successes in plain language, the entire workforce got on board. Regular site assessments, done with minimal interruptions, showed that security improvements could happen in a cooperative manner. The result? Faster threat detection, smoother daily operations, and a more confident leadership team.
Why It All Matters
OT security is no longer a niche concern. A breach can unleash more than data theft—it can disrupt production lines, jeopardize human safety, and spook investors in seconds. By enlisting executive support and uniting IT and OT teams under one strategy, organizations protect more than assets. They protect their brand, their revenue, and the people who keep the business moving.
When done right, OT security becomes an engine for innovation. Trust grows within the organization, insurance costs can shrink, and regulated industries stay compliant. Above all, companies become more agile as they adapt to the risks of a digital, interconnected world.
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