Intrusion prevention

Most Operational Technology (OT) systems, such as machine controls, were originally designed with an open architecture. This means that they are freely accessible and that different systems can be easily linked together. This openness offers many advantages: it enables efficient integration and ensures that entire production processes can be controlled centrally. However, this high level of accessibility conceals a significant risk that deserves increasing attention today: vulnerability to cyber attacks.

While IT systems (such as computers and corporate networks) are usually equipped with extensive security layers, OT systems often lack this protection. This makes them an attractive target for malicious actors. After all, hackers always look for the weakest link in a network, and in many cases that is the machines themselves. These weaknesses in OT systems pose a direct threat to the security of the connected IT infrastructure. As long as OT systems are not sufficiently secured, IT systems remain susceptible to serious security holes and potential cyber attacks.

Despite the increasing threat of cybercrime – something that is regularly widely reported in the media – there is still insufficient awareness of the risks within OT environments. This lack of urgency has several causes. On the one hand, there are major differences in thinking and perspectives between the IT and OT domains. While IT professionals are used to working with advanced security protocols, the focus of OT specialists is more on the operational continuity and performance of the machines. As a result, cyber security is not seen as a priority in many OT environments.

On the other hand, the lack of action can often be traced back to economic considerations. Securing OT systems requires investment in technology, training and maintenance, but the benefits of these preventive measures are difficult to quantify. Because there is no direct return on investment (ROI) visible – such as an increase in production capacity or a reduction in operational costs – such measures are quickly considered unnecessary or excessive.

However, it is important to realize that the costs of a cyberattack, such as production downtime, data loss, reputational damage and recovery efforts, can be many times higher than the investment in adequate security. It is therefore crucial that companies take steps to secure their OT systems and bridge the IT and OT worlds. Only through an integrated approach can organizations effectively arm themselves against the growing threat of cybercrime.