OT/IT Convergence: How It Impacts Your Cybersecurity

The boundaries that once separated Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) have become increasingly blurred. As industries march toward digitalisation and embrace the promises of Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), the integration of OT and IT systems introduces a complex interplay of challenges, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity.

As organisations begin to reap the rewards of OT/IT integration, it becomes imperative to navigate the intricate landscape of cybersecurity risks that accompany this convergence.

In this article, we discuss the difference between OT and IT, what constitutes convergence, and how it impacts cybersecurity.

What is Operational Technology (OT)

Operational Technology (OT) refers to the hardware and software technologies that are used to monitor, control, and manage physical processes and devices in various industries and critical infrastructure sectors.

Unlike Information Technology (IT), which deals with data and digital information, OT focuses on the real-world processes and equipment that directly affect the physical world.

The key characteristics of Operational Technology include:

Physical Control and Monitoring

OT systems are designed to control and monitor physical processes, such as manufacturing, energy production, transportation, and more. Examples include industrial control systems (ICS), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, and distributed control systems (DCS).

Real-time processing

OT systems often require real-time or near-real-time processing to ensure timely and accurate control of physical processes. Delays or disruptions can lead to operational inefficiencies, safety risks, or even catastrophic events.

Integration with sensors and actuators

Sensors gather data from the physical environment, while actuators control physical processes. OT systems integrate with these components to collect data and issue commands to control the equipment and processes.

Industrial communication protocols

OT systems use specialised communication protocols designed for industrial environments. These protocols prioritise reliability, low latency, and resilience to interference, making them different from the communication protocols commonly used in IT.

Safety and reliability

Given the critical nature of many OT applications, safety and reliability are paramount. Failure or compromise of OT systems can have significant consequences, including environmental damage, operational downtime, or even threats to human safety.

Isolation from IT

While IT and OT are increasingly converging due to technological advancements, there's still a need to maintain a level of separation between the two. It focuses on data and digital services, while OT focuses on physical processes. However, this separation is becoming more challenging as industries adopt concepts like the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Industry 4.0, which involve integrating sensors and smart devices into industrial processes.

How is OT different from IT?

While IT and OT have distinct purposes, they are becoming more interconnected as industries adopt digital technologies to enhance efficiency and productivity. However, the security and operational requirements of OT remain unique due to their direct impact on physical processes and safety.

Here are some of the key differences between the two:

Focus and scope

It focuses on managing and utilising digital information, data, and technology to support business operations, communications, data storage, software development, networking, and cybersecurity.

On the other hand, OT focuses on controlling, monitoring, and managing physical processes, equipment, and machinery used in industries such as manufacturing, energy, transportation, and infrastructure. It deals with real-time control systems, sensors, actuators, and industrial automation.

Nature of data and processes

While IT deals with digital data, software applications, databases, websites, and communication systems, OT deals with physical processes and equipment, including machinery, industrial robots, sensors, and actuators.

Timing and speed

IT processes are often asynchronous and not time-critical. While there are real-time applications in IT (such as financial trading platforms), many IT tasks can tolerate some latency.

OT processes are typically real-time or near-real-time, where delays can lead to operational inefficiencies or safety risks. OT systems must respond quickly to changes in physical processes to maintain stability and safety.

Communication protocols

While IT systems commonly use standard networking protocols like TCP/IP and HTTP for data transmission, OT systems use specialised industrial communication protocols like Modbus, Profibus, and DNP3, designed to handle the unique requirements of industrial environments, such as real-time control and resilience to electromagnetic interference.

Security priorities

IT security focuses on protecting digital data, networks, and software from cyber threats such as hacking, malware, and data breaches.

On the other hand, OT security focuses on safeguarding physical processes and equipment from cyber threats that can directly impact industrial operations and safety. A breach in OT systems can lead to operational disruptions, equipment damage, and even physical harm.

Risk and consequences

IT breaches can lead to data exposure, financial losses, and reputational damage. OT breaches can result in physical harm, operational downtime, environmental damage, and even loss of life.

What is OT/IT convergence?

IT/OT convergence refers to the merging or integration of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) systems, processes, and data within an organisation.

As industries embrace digital transformation and seek to optimise operations, there is a growing trend to bridge the gap between these two domains for improved efficiency, decision-making, and innovation.

Key aspects of IT/OT convergence include:

Data integration

By connecting IT systems (such as enterprise resource planning systems and data analytics platforms) with OT systems (such as industrial control systems and sensors), organisations can collect and analyse data from both domains to gain a holistic view of their operations. This enables better insights and more informed decision-making.

Efficiency and automation

Converging IT and OT allows for streamlined processes and automation. IT technologies can be used to monitor, control, and optimise physical processes in real-time, leading to increased operational efficiency and reduced manual intervention.

Analytics and insights

The combined data from IT and OT systems can be analysed using advanced analytics and machine learning techniques. This enables organisations to identify patterns, trends, and anomalies, leading to predictive maintenance, better resource allocation, and improved overall performance.

Remote monitoring and management

IT/OT convergence facilitates remote monitoring and management of industrial processes. IT tools can be used to monitor OT systems and equipment remotely, enabling quick response to issues and minimising downtime.

Security and resilience

While convergence offers benefits, it also introduces new security challenges. The integration of traditionally isolated OT systems with IT networks can expose critical infrastructure to cyber threats. Ensuring the security and resilience of converged systems requires a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that addresses both IT and OT vulnerabilities.

Skills and collaboration

IT and OT professionals have historically possessed different skill sets. Convergence necessitates collaboration between these two groups to effectively design, implement, and maintain integrated systems. Cross-training and knowledge sharing are essential for successful convergence.

Types of OT/IT convergence

IT/OT convergence involves various types of integration between Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) systems. Each type has its own benefits and challenges. Organisations need to carefully plan and implement their convergence strategy based on their specific industry, technology landscape, and business goals.

Here are some common types of IT/OT convergence:

Data integration

This involves aggregating data from IT systems (such as enterprise resource planning, customer relationship management, and business intelligence systems) and OT systems (such as industrial control systems, sensors, and SCADA systems). By combining data from both domains, organisations can gain comprehensive insights into their operations, enabling better decision-making.

Unified management systems

Organisations can develop unified management systems that cover both IT and OT assets. This allows administrators to manage all technology assets from a single platform, which can lead to improved efficiency in monitoring, maintenance, and updates.

Cybersecurity integration

IT/OT convergence also involves integrating cybersecurity strategies to protect both IT and OT assets. Cybersecurity practices designed for IT networks need to be adapted to secure OT systems, considering the unique challenges and requirements of industrial processes.

Remote monitoring and management

Converged systems enable remote monitoring and management of industrial processes. IT tools can be used to monitor and control OT systems from a centralised location, leading to reduced operational downtime and quicker response to issues.

Predictive maintenance

By combining IT data analytics with OT sensor data, organisations can implement predictive maintenance strategies. This involves using data to predict when equipment is likely to fail, allowing for proactive maintenance before a breakdown occurs.

Digital twin

A digital twin is a virtual representation of a physical object or process. IT/OT convergence enables the creation of digital twins for physical assets, allowing organisations to simulate, monitor, and optimise processes in a virtual environment before implementing changes in the real world.

Real-time monitoring and control

IT/OT convergence enables real-time monitoring and control of industrial processes using IT tools. This is particularly valuable in situations where immediate adjustments are needed to maintain process efficiency and safety.

Cloud integration

Organisations can integrate cloud computing technologies into their IT/OT convergence strategy. Cloud platforms can provide scalable storage and processing capabilities for the massive amount of data generated by converged systems.

Edge computing

Edge computing involves processing data closer to the source, reducing latency and improving real-time decision-making. In IT/OT convergence, edge computing can be used to process data from sensors and devices within industrial environments.

Collaborative teams

Bringing together IT and OT professionals to form cross-functional teams fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing, and a deeper understanding of both domains. This helps ensure that both IT and OT requirements are considered in converged system design and implementation.

Standardisation and interoperability

Standardising communication protocols and data formats between IT and OT systems is crucial for seamless integration. Interoperability allows data to flow smoothly between different technology domains.

Business process integration

Beyond technical integration, IT/OT convergence can involve aligning business processes across IT and OT domains to achieve common goals and optimise overall operations.

The benefits of OT/IT convergence

Now that you understand the differences between OT and IT and what OT/IT convergence is, we can discuss the benefits of this process.

IT/OT convergence offers a range of benefits to organisations across various industries. These benefits stem from the integration of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) systems, allowing for improved efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and enhanced operations.

Improved operational efficiency

Converging IT and OT systems enables streamlined processes and automation. IT technologies can be used to monitor and control industrial processes, leading to reduced manual intervention, increased process efficiency, and optimised resource utilisation.

Data-driven insights

Combining data from IT and OT systems provides a holistic view of operations. Data analytics and visualisation tools can be applied to gain insights into performance, and identify trends, anomalies, and opportunities for optimisation.

Predictive maintenance

IT/OT convergence allows organisations to implement predictive maintenance strategies. By analysing sensor data from OT systems along with historical data from IT systems, organisations can predict equipment failures and perform maintenance before breakdowns occur, minimising downtime.

Real-time decision-making

Converged systems enable real-time monitoring and control of industrial processes. This facilitates quick decision-making and the ability to respond promptly to changes or issues.

Enhanced resource management

Integrating IT and OT data can lead to improved resource management. For instance, in manufacturing, the integration of supply chain data (IT) with production data (OT) can lead to better inventory management and optimised production schedules.

Cost reduction

Increased efficiency, optimised processes, and predictive maintenance can result in cost savings. By minimising downtime and reducing energy consumption, organisations can achieve significant cost reductions.

Improved collaboration

IT/OT convergence fosters collaboration between traditionally separate IT and OT teams. This collaboration leads to a better understanding of each domain's requirements and challenges, ultimately driving more effective solutions.

Remote monitoring and management

Organisations can remotely monitor and manage industrial processes using IT tools. This capability reduces the need for on-site presence, minimises travel costs, and enables quicker response to issues.

Innovation enablement

Converging IT and OT opens up opportunities for innovation. For example, combining sensor data with advanced analytics can lead to the development of new products or services, as well as process improvements.

Sustainability and environmental impact

Optimising industrial processes through IT/OT convergence can lead to reduced energy consumption, waste, and environmental impact. This supports sustainability initiatives and responsible resource management.

Faster time-to-market

By integrating IT systems used in product development and design with OT systems used in manufacturing, organisations can shorten product development cycles and bring new products to market more quickly.

The impacts of OT/IT convergence on cybersecurity

OT/IT convergence significantly impacts cybersecurity. While convergence brings about numerous benefits, it also introduces new challenges and considerations in securing interconnected industrial environments.

Convergence increases the attack surface as traditionally isolated OT systems are connected to IT networks. This allows cyber threats to potentially move from IT to OT environments and vice versa, increasing the potential points of entry for attackers.

Since OT systems have unique characteristics that differ from traditional IT systems, they often prioritise availability and real-time processing over confidentiality, which can affect the way security measures are implemented. Finding a balance between the priorities of OT and IT systems that addresses both domains' requirements is essential.

Designing a security architecture that encompasses both IT and OT domains can be complex. Ensuring that security measures do not impede operational efficiency while safeguarding critical processes is a challenge. Effective network segmentation is also crucial to prevent lateral movement of threats between IT and OT systems. Ensuring that communication between the two domains is controlled and monitored can help contain potential breaches.

To address these challenges, organisations need a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that spans both IT and OT domains. This strategy should involve risk assessments, continuous monitoring, access controls, encryption, regular updates and patches, employee training, and strong incident response plans tailored to the unique aspects of converged environments.  Collaborative efforts between IT and OT teams, as well as cooperation with external cybersecurity experts, are crucial to maintaining the security and resilience of converged systems.

Conclusion

The convergence of Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) stands as a testament to the transformative power of integration. The potential for increased efficiency, real-time insights, and innovative advancements promises a competitive edge to organisations of all sizes. However, the journey toward OT/IT convergence is not without its challenges, and at the forefront of these challenges lies the critical concern of cybersecurity.

Organisations must recognise that a holistic approach to cybersecurity is no longer optional— it's imperative. The vulnerabilities introduced by this convergence can't be overlooked.