Glossary

What is Operational Technology (OT) and IIoT Security?

Operational Technology (OT) refers to the use of hardware and software to monitor, manage, and control physical processes, devices, and infrastructure. The market research firm Gartner describes the term as follows: “Operational technology (OT) is hardware and software that detects or causes a change through the direct monitoring and/or control of industrial equipment, assets, processes, and events.” Operational technologies can therefore be used to monitor and control physical devices, such as large industrial plants as well as small devices like cameras or controllers.

In this context, the topic of cybersecurity and operational technology —or IIoT security —is playing an increasingly important role today: While companies previously did not need OT cybersecurity because their systems were not connected to the Internet, increasing connectivity has now made companies across all industries targets of cyberattacks. Effective IT security—for both OT systems and IoT devices—requires a comprehensive security approach. According to the analyst firm and market researcher Gartner, by 2025, 75% of OT security solutions will be interoperable with IT security solutions and delivered via multifunctional platforms.