What is Operational Technology?
Operational Technology (OT) involves the systems, devices, and software used to monitor, control, and automate physical processes and equipment in industries such as manufacturing, energy, transportation, and utilities.
Common OT tools include Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, and Industrial Control Systems (ICS).
This technology focuses on ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of physical assets and critical processes that underpin industrial and infrastructure systems.
Why OT Security is important
OT systems were traditionally isolated, designed to operate independently from IT networks. However, with the rise of Industry 4.0 and the increasing interconnectivity between IT and OT, these systems have become more vulnerable to cyber threats.
A successful attack on an OT system can have devastating consequences, such as:
- operational downtime,
- financial losses,
- and even safety hazards.
"The scope is completely different: Availability, reliability, and safety are the three key aspects of OT security. OT and IT need to learn to understand each other and share knowledge. At the moment, they too often don’t know what the other is doing."
Jeroen Colpaert - Business Unit Manager - Easi
How can Easi help?
Easi is uniquely positioned to help businesses navigate the convergence of IT and OT. We understand the importance of collaboration between IT and OT teams to ensure a cohesive security strategy.
With our extensive experience in IT environments and our deep understanding of OT-specific requirements, we offer a holistic approach to securing industrial systems, bringing:
Enhanced Security
Protect critical systems from cyber threats and unauthorized access.
Increased Reliability
Minimize downtime and ensure consistent operational performance.
Regulatory Compliance
Stay ahead of industry regulations and avoid penalties.
Expert Guidance
Benefit from our team's expertise in both IT and OT domains.
Our partners specialised in OT
Claroty secures the Extended Internet of Things (XIoT) to achieve unmatched visibility, protection, and threat detection across all cyber-physical systems, such as IoT, BMS, IoMT and OT amog others. With their specialization in Operational Technology, Claroty helps organizations protect critical infrastructure, maintain operational reliability, and support the safe convergence of IT and OT environments.
Nozomi Networks keeps operational technology cyber resilient with OT network and endpoint visibility, threat detection, and AI-powered analysis.
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Shield Your Core '25
Through dynamic keynotes, expert panels, and real-world case studies, Shield Your Core will provide critical insights and actionable strategies to help you protect your core operations, manage risks holistically, and stay ahead of compliance requirements.
What NIS2 means to OT Security
The NIS2 Directive aims to strengthen cybersecurity across essential and important sectors within the EU. It extended the scope of its predecessor to include more industries such as energy, transportation, healthcare, and manufacturing. Not surprisingly these industries rely heavily on OT systems.
As OT systems need to integrate with IT networks for enhanced efficiency, they also inherit vulnerabilities like ransomware attacks, malware, and supply chain compromises.
NIS2 recognises these risks and mandates organisations to take comprehensive measures to secure both IT and OT infrastructures.
Part of Agoria's CMiB 4 OT/ICS
Easi proudly partakes in Cyber Made in Belgium (CMiB), a pivotal platform that advances cybersecurity in Belgium. By acting as a central hub, CMiB drives innovation, promotes best practices, and addresses the evolving challenges of the cybersecurity landscape.
CMiB is organised into three focus groups, each dedicated to a specific area. One of these focus groups is CMiB4ICS/OT that supports and raises cybersecurity awareness among the two-thirds of Agoria members in the manufacturing sector, and address the unique challenges of industrial cybersecurity.
Questions? Our experts are here to help!
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