What do we actually mean by OT security?

OT, or Operational Technology, includes all the systems that control machines and industrial processes. Think PLCs, SCADA systems, sensors and other equipment that keep your production running.

So OT security is about protecting these systems from cyber attacks. IT protects computers and data; OT keeps production and machines running optimally. And that's exactly where the pain point is: many OT systems are not built with security in mind.

Key cybersecurity risks in manufacturing environments

The reality is harsh: OT networks are increasingly being targeted by cyber attacks. Here are some of the risks we regularly encounter:

• Outdated systems: Many industrial machines run on operating systems that have not been supported for years, such as Windows XP or older firmware. Updates are often technically impossible or avoided for fear of downtime.
• Insufficient network segmentation: Without clear separation between IT and OT networks, an attack can spread at lightning speed. An infected e-mail in your office network could thus lead to downtime in the production hall.
• Poor visibility: OT networks often lack the monitoring tools that are standard in IT environments. As a result, you cannot see what is going on, let alone intervene in time in case of an attack.
• Unprotected external access: Technicians, vendors and maintenance parties regularly log in remotely via RDP or VPN, often without multi-factor authentication or logging. This makes abuse easy for unwanted users.
• Human error: In many manufacturing companies, the idea still prevails that cyber attacks mainly affect IT systems. Employees working with machines are often less trained in cybersecurity awareness, making phishing, infected USB sticks or weak passwords real risks.
• Shadow OT: Similar to shadow IT, departments sometimes install IoT devices or new sensors themselves without the knowledge of the IT or OT manager. These unknown devices represent a blind spot in your security.
• Limitations of traditional security tools: Classic antivirus or firewalls often do not work on OT devices. As a result, many systems are completely unprotected or the wrong tools are applied, providing false security.
• Failure to comply with NIS2 directive: The new European NIS2 legislation obliges organisations in key sectors to keep their cybersecurity in order. Failure to comply can lead to heavy fines, reputational damage and even directors' liability. OT environments explicitly fall within the scope of NIS2, which also requires industrial networks and processes to meet stricter requirements in terms of risk management, incident reporting and access control.
• Not part of standard security reviews: In many organisations, OT security is still not sufficiently considered in broader security assessments or audits. As a result, vulnerabilities remain under the radar for years and the risk of abuse is significant.

What if things go wrong?

When OT environments are hit by a cyberattack, the consequences are often tangible and severe:

• Production is at a standstill, which could cost huge amounts of money
• Employees at risk
• Reputational damage to customers and partners
• Financial loss and possible fines for data breaches

And yet, we see many companies still relying on outdated or ad hoc security.

Best practices for OT security

Fortunately, it doesn't have to come to that. Therefore, it is important to intervene in time with a thoughtful approach. There are achievable, people-centred steps you can take to strengthen your OT environment:

1. Start with insight: Know what assets you have, what their function is, and how they are connected.
2. Segmentation: Split your network up into zones. This keeps a problem local.
3. Monitoring: What you don't see, you can't protect. So monitoring is crucial.
4. Access management: Give people access only to what they really need.
5. Train your people: Awareness is often the best defence. This is why training is at least as important as technology.

How VanRoey helps you with OT security

We believe that technology only works when it is adapted to your reality. That is why we always start with a thorough analysis of your OT network. We then build a customised security strategy, using, among other things:

• Nozomi Networks for in-depth OT and IoT monitoring             
• Privileged Access Management (PaM) to make external access secure
• Visible segmentation that keeps risks local. We use the PERA model (Purdue Enterprise Reference Architecture Model) to logically divide your industrial environment into layers such as production, control and IT. This ensures clear network boundaries and controlled data flows, so that an incident in one zone cannot simply spread.
• 24/7 detection through us Security Operations Centre (SOC)
• Integration of OT security in our penetration tests, so that OT systems are evaluated along with your organisation's broader cybersecurity picture

We also make sure your environment is in line with the requirements of the NIS2 directive. This way, you are not only technically, but also legally prepared for the stricter requirements. Think of asset management, incident response, access control and reporting obligations. From analysis to implementation and follow-up: we guide you through every step towards compliancy, so you can rest assured that you are both technically and legally well prepared.

The overview below shows how VanRoey specifically responds to the main risks:

In conclusion: OT security starts with insight

OT security starts with small steps, with insight and with the right partner at your side. At VanRoey, we combine technical knowledge with a human approach, so you can keep producing with peace of mind.

Want to know how your OT environment is doing? Feel free to contact us for an initial analysis.