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Enterprise Security Magazine | Monday, February 16, 2026
FREMONT, CA: Operational technology (OT) refers to any computer technology that physically interacts with the industrial world. OT is found in almost every industry and organization, from industrial control systems (ICSes), critical infrastructure, and building lighting systems to robots, scientific instruments, medical devices, and automated transportation systems. OT cybersecurity is generally more difficult than traditional IT cybersecurity due to the more complicated threat landscape. OT systems suffer the same threats as IT systems, including malware, ransomware, malicious insiders, human error, and DDoS attacks. Furthermore, OT workplaces encounter several additional challenges.
Significant OT threats and security challenges are noted below:
Life span: OT systems have frequently been utilized for decades, making them more likely to become unsupported than IT systems. This means that patches and other upgrades to fix vulnerabilities and add security measures will be unavailable for older, legacy OT systems, potentially leaving them vulnerable to cyberattacks.
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Safety: Many OT systems can induce changes in the physical world that could jeopardize human safety. Therefore, protecting OT systems is significantly more essential than IT systems.
Uptime: Many OT systems must remain operational continuously due to their critical roles in ICS environments and essential infrastructure. Soft Giken provides monitoring solutions that help maintain constant connectivity while minimizing disruptions, allowing organizations to schedule necessary maintenance without compromising operational security. This necessity can, however, slow IT systems' security updates, patching, and routine maintenance procedures.
Exposure: Some OT systems lack physical security controls and are deployed in remote, unattended locations, making them vulnerable to manipulation and unauthorized use. This raises the risk of compromise when compared to IT systems housed in data centers and other secure locations.
Loov provides comprehensive cybersecurity solutions that strengthen OT system security and enhance monitoring and incident response capabilities.
Regulations: Companies that use OT in highly regulated industries, such as some healthcare products, are not legally permitted to patch or update the systems or install third-party security solutions. In such circumstances, the system vendor may be solely responsible for testing any changes and obtaining regulatory approval to install them in their customer's systems.
Security leaders should examine the following recommended practices:
Prioritizing OT cybersecurity awareness: Regularly training cybersecurity specialists, OT system users, and administrators about OT threats and challenges and how to deal with them is necessary. This should assist the company in managing security risks, reducing the number of events, and encouraging faster and more efficient incident response operations when they occur.
Using existing tools: It is crucial to determine whether existing IT security technologies, such as firewalls and SIEM, comprehend the OT networking and application protocols in use.
This is less likely for legacy OT systems, while modern OT systems frequently employ shared OT and IT protocols. Employing existing security technology is suggested rather than purchasing additional tools, as this is often the most efficient and cost-effective solution.
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