IT vs OT Cybersecurity

Defining Operational Technology (OT)

Operational technology (OT) refers to the use of software and hardware to control and maintain processes within industries. OT supervises specialized systems, also termed as high-tech specialist systems, in sectors such as power generation, manufacturing, oil and gas, robotics, telecommunication, waste management, and water control.  

One of the most common types of OT is industrial control systems (ICS). ICS are used to control and monitor industrial processes and integrate real-time data gathering and analysis systems, like SCADA systems. These systems often employ PLCs, which control and monitor devices like productivity counters, temperature sensors, and automatic machines using data from various sensors or devices.  

Overall access to OT devices is best limited to small organizational units and teams. Due to the specialized nature of OT, it often operates on tailored software rather than generic Windows OS.  

Safeguarding the OT domain employs SIEM solutions for real-time application and network activity oversight, event security, application monitoring, and even advanced firewalls which manage influx and outflux traffic to the main control network.

Defining Information Technology (IT)  

Technology is a field that involves the creation, administration and use of the hardware and software systems, networks, as well as the computer utilities. Nowadays, the application of IT is essential to automations in business processes as it facilitates communication and interaction between human beings and systems as well as between various machines.  

IT can be narrowed down to three core focuses:  

• Operations: Routine supervision and administration of the IT departments which has their issues ranging from hardware and network support to application and system security support auditing to technical support help desk services.  
• Infrastructure maintenance: Setting up and maintaining infrastructure equipment which includes cabling, portable computers, voice telephone and telephone systems as well as physical servers.  
• Governance: This deals with aligning the information technology policies and the services with the IT needs of the organization and with its demand.

The Importance of Cybersecurity in OT and IT

Both operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) focus on the security of devices, networks, systems, and users.  

In IT, cybersecurity protects data, enables secure user logins, and manages potential cyber threats. Similarly, OT systems also require cybersecurity in place to safeguard critical infrastructures and mitigates the risk of unanticipated delays. Manufacturing plants, power plants, and water supply systems rely heavily on continuous uptime, and any unexpected pauses can cost unexpected downtime.  

The security needs become vital with increased interconnectivity of these systems. New cybercriminal exploits are continuously emerging, permitting access to industrial networks. Increased attempts to breach these systems are rising; more than ninety percent of organizations operating OT systems reported experiencing at least one significant security breach within two years of deployment, according to a Ponemon Institute study. Additionally, over fifty percent of these organizations reported their OT system infrastructure sustained cyber-attacks causing the equipment or plant to go offline.  

The World Economic Forum classifies cyber-attacks involving OT systems and critical infrastructures as one of the five major threats to global risks, next to climate change, geopolitical tensions, and natural disasters.

OT Security vs IT Security: An Overview  

The distinction between OT security and IT security is becoming increasingly vague as OT systems introduce connected devices, and due to the rise of IoT (Internet of Things) and IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) which interlinks the devices, machines, and sensors sharing real-time information within enterprises.  

As with everything in cybersecurity, there are unique differentiations of concerns to IT security and OT security. These differ from the systems in question to the risks at hand.

Differences Between OT and IT Cybersecurity  

There are marked differences in OT and IT. Firstly, OT systems are autonomous, self-contained, isolated, and run on proprietary software. Whereas, IT systems are connected, do not possess autonomy, and usually operate on iOS and Windows.  

1. Operational Environment  

IT and OT cybersecurity have differences in operational regions. OT cybersecurity protects industrial environments known to incorporate tooling, PLCs, and intercommunication using industrial protocols. OT systems are not built on standard operating systems, and most lack traditional security hardware and software. They are heterogeneously programmed unlike most computers.   

On the other hand, IT cybersecurity safeguards peripherals like desktops, laptops, PC speakers, desktop printers, and mobile phones. It protects environments like the cloud and servers using bespoke antivirus and firewall solutions. Communication protocols used include HTTP, RDP, and SSH.

2. Safety vs Confidentiality  

Confidentiality and safety are two distinctive sectors of an organization’s IT and OT Security Practices. Information Technology (IT) security concentrates more on confidentiality of information transmitted by the organization. OT cyber security focuses on protecting critical equipment and processes. The automation systems in any industry demand high attention supervision to avoid breakdown and maintain operational availability.  

3. Destruction vs. frequency  

There is a cyber security focus which sets up protection against different types of security incidents. Cyber security for OT (Operational Technology) is designed to safeguard against catastrophic incidents. The OT systems usually have limited access points. The consequence of a breach, however, is severe. Even minor incidents have the potential to cause widespread devastation; for instance, plunging an entire nation into a power outage or contaminating water systems.  

Unlike OT, IT systems have numerous gateways and touchpoints because of the internet, all of which can be exploited by cyber criminals. This presents an abundance of security risks and vulnerabilities.

4. Frequency of Patching

Both OT and IT systems differ significantly. Furthermore, their patching requirements also differ greatly. Due to the specialized nature of OT networks, they are patched infrequently; doing so typically means a full stop of production workflow. Because of this, not all components need to be updated, which allows components to operate with unpatched vulnerabilities along with an increased risk of a successful exploit. 

In contrast, IT components undergo rapid changes in technology, requiring frequent updates. IT vendors often have set dates for patches and providers like Apple and Microsoft update their software systems periodically to bring their clients to current versions.

Overlapping Characteristics of OT and IT Cybersecurity

Although they are fundamentally different, IT vs OT Cyber Security both relate to the ever-emerging convergence of both worlds.

OT devices were secured previously by keeping them offline and only accessible to employees through internal networks. Recently, IT systems have been able to control and monitor OT systems, interfacing them remotely over the internet. This helps organizations to more easily operate and monitor the performance of components in ICS devices, enabling proactive replacement of components before extensive damage occurs.

IT is also very important for providing the real-time status of OT systems and correcting errors instantaneously. This mitigates safety industrial risks and resolves OT problems before they impact an entire plant or manufacturing system.

Why IT And OT Collaboration Is Important

The integration of ICS into an organization enhances efficiency and safety; however, it elevates the importance of IT vs. OT security collaboration. The absence of adequate cybersecurity in OT systems poses risks of cyber threats as organizations increase the levels of connectivity. This is especially true in today’s cyberspace where hackers develop sophisticated methods for exploiting system vulnerabilities and bypassing security defences.

IT security can mitigate OT vulnerabilities by using its own systems for monitoring cyber threats as well as the mitigation strategies deployed to them. In addition, the integration of OT systems brings a reliance on baseline IT security controls due to the need to minimize the impacts of attacks.