OT security protects the operational technology used to monitor and control industrial processes, such as SCADA systems, PLCs and safety instrumented systems, from cyber threats and unauthorised access. Unlike traditional IT security, OT security must account for the real-time, safety-critical nature of industrial operations.

OT security combines technical controls such as network segmentation, access management and continuous monitoring with organisational measures like governance, training and incident response. A common reference is the Purdue Enterprise Reference Architecture, which segments industrial networks into zones and conduits to limit how threats can move between IT and OT systems.

As industrial systems become increasingly connected, the attack surface grows. A cyber incident affecting OT systems can disrupt production, damage equipment, and in some cases threaten functional safety. Effective OT security helps protect people, assets and the environment, while supporting operational continuity and regulatory compliance.

OT security is not a one-time project. It follows a continuous lifecycle: asset inventory and risk assessment, security architecture and zone and conduit design, implementation of technical controls, monitoring and detection, and ongoing patch and vulnerability management adapted to OT constraints.

OT security is not limited to safety instrumented systems. It protects the full range of industrial automation and control systems, including distributed control systems (DCS), SCADA, PLCs and telemetry, as well as the safety systems that operate alongside them. Wherever industrial systems are connected, OT security is what keeps them trustworthy.