Secure operational technology (OT)

As operational technology (OT) and IT convergence continues, OT environments become more exposed to adversaries, increasing the risk to safety and business continuity. OT is complex. It requires in-depth understanding of the setting and consequences that range from safety hazards and environmental incidents to financial and reputational losses. Securing OT necessitates a comprehensive and specialized approach.

the challenges and complexity of securing your OT

risks to environment, productivity, profitability, brand and reputation

mitigating actions that cost-efficiently ensure continuity of operations

security with operational efficiency

As OT becomes more connected to IT, new opportunities are opening up for adversaries. OT security maturity levels are developing as it is a more recent challenge. 

Remote and unmanned locations pose their own challenges. System and asset lifespans are long, and legacy systems lack up-to-date security features. Limited visibility of industrial control systems complicates threat detection and response, and specialized protocols and equipment require tailoring. The price and risks of downtime make it difficult to implement updates without disrupting operations. Insufficient in-house OT security expertise can hinder effective planning and implementation.

As operational technology becomes more networked and connected to IT environments, the likelihood of an impactful event becomes greater. With that not only reputation or balance sheets are at stake, but also safety in industries that pledge never to compromise on safety.

  • Auke Huistra
  • Director, Industrial & OT Cybersecurity
  • DNV Cyber

DNV Cyber has expertise and experience covering all the aspects of OT security, including OT/IT convergence. We have deep understanding of multiple industrial sectors and operating environments, and we have delivered security services in OT environments to hundreds of customers. We understand the challenges and complexity of securing your OT, as well as the possible consequences.

We begin by surveying and auditing your current situation, including risks, processes and capabilities. Based on this, we propose mitigating actions that cost-efficiently ensure continuity of your operations in a way that balances security with operational efficiency. Compliance is just a starting point. We help you implement and integrate solutions with your existing systems and processes without disrupting your operations. We help you set up incident response to further manage and minimize risk. We constantly monitor your systems and use feedback to support ongoing development and improvement. 

This way, we enable the right level of security without hindering operations and operational efficiency. This improves safety and minimizes risks to the environment, productivity, and reputation.