Bridging the Gap Between IT and OT

Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) are no longer worlds apart. With the rapid digitization of industries and the pressure of European regulation such as NIS2, the line between these two domains has blurred, presenting both challenges and opportunities.

Recently, two of our own experts at Easi —Jeroen Colpaert, Business Unit Manager, and Gerrit Neyrinck, Executive Security Engineer — sat down with media and B2B platform ITdaily to discuss this critical intersection and shared valuable insights into the unique dynamics of OT security.

The difference between OT and IT

While OT focuses on controlling and monitoring physical devices, such as machinery and production systems in industrial settings, IT is centered around managing data, communication systems, and business processes in digital environments. 

Traditionally, OT systems operated in isolation, designed for reliability and efficiency in managing industrial processes. They often run on on legacy technologies designed for long-term use. In contrast, IT systems emphasize data integrity, security, scalability, and user efficiency, often leveraging more modern, rapidly evolving technologies.

A Growing Convergence

However, the rise of Industry 4.0 has led to greater interconnectivity between OT and IT systems. This is impacted even more by international regulation such as the NIS2 directive imposed by the European Union. While this IT/OT convergence unlocks significant operational efficiencies and innovations, it also exposes OT environments to new cybersecurity risks.

Jeroen Colpaert emphasizes that many organizations still underestimate the vulnerabilities that arise when OT systems are connected to broader IT networks. Cyber threats can now target OT systems through IT networks, making a unified approach to security essential.

 

“The mindset that 'OT and IT are separate' is outdated and dangerous.”

- Jeroen Colpaert, Business Unit Manager at Easi

 

Key Challenges in Securing OT Environments

1. Legacy Systems: Many OT systems were built before cybersecurity became a concern. As a result, they lack the built-in security features of modern IT systems.

2. Interconnectivity Risks: Increased connectivity between IT and OT creates potential attack pathways that were previously nonexistent.

3. Limited Visibility: Organizations often struggle to monitor and control OT environments as effectively as IT networks.

4. Safety Over Security: In OT, operational continuity and safety often take precedence over implementing strict security measures, leading to trade-offs.

Easi’s Holistic Approach

At Easi, we addresse these challenges with a holistic strategy:

• Collaborative Security Measures: Ensuring that IT and OT teams work together is crucial. This includes aligning on risk management and incident response strategies.

• Network Segmentation: Creating clear boundaries between IT and OT networks is a key step to limiting the spread of potential cyberattacks.

• Continuous Monitoring: Easi’s Security Operations Center (SOC) provides 24/7 oversight of both IT and OT environments, identifying and mitigating threats in real time.

• Customized Solutions: Recognizing that OT environments differ vastly between industries, Easi tailors its solutions to meet the unique needs of each client.

The Importance of a Proactive Approach

Gerrit Neyrinck stresses that proactive security measures are essential to safeguarding OT systems. Waiting for an incident to occur can lead to catastrophic outcomes, including production downtime, financial losses, and even safety risks. By integrating IT and OT security strategies, businesses can stay ahead of threats while ensuring operational continuity.

Looking Ahead

As industries continue to evolve, the convergence of IT and OT will only deepen. Organizations must embrace this shift by adopting comprehensive security measures that protect their critical infrastructure without compromising efficiency.

At Easi, we’re proud to lead the way in helping businesses navigate this complex landscape.

• Visit our OT security page if you want to learn more about how we can secure your OT environment,
• or get in touch with our experts.