While operational technology (OT) has traditionally been separate from information technology (IT), that line is becoming increasingly blurred.

As digital transformation initiatives become widespread and IT-OT convergence rapidly expands, protecting OT systems today represents a critical element of an organisation’s security posture.

And with more and more organisations now looking for dedicated solutions to keep these systems secure, OT security vendors are gaining traction in the cybersecurity space, providing new ways to keep critical physical infrastructure secure. 

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What is OT security?

OT security refers to the practices and tools used to protect operational technology (OT) –

the technology that controls physical processes in critical infrastructure sectors like power generation, water treatment, and manufacturing.

OT security solutions are designed to protect OT systems like Industrial control systems (ICS)Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, and other OT backbone of global infrastructure and are critical to the operation of power grids, water treatment plants, and manufacturing facilities around the world. 

These systems systems are becoming increasingly connected to the internet too, which makes them more vulnerable to cyber attacks. Malicious actors are constantly developing new techniques to exploit these vulnerabilities and disrupt crucial operations.

But OT security is not just about preventing cyberattacks. While most discussions around OT security tend to focus on preventing external threats, it requires a comprehensive approach that addresses various aspects of security, including risk management, operational resilience, and human factors.

No matter how good an organisation's OT security posture is, security incidents are inevitable. It’s crucial to establish a robust incident so you can minimize the impact of such incidents and restore normal operations as quickly as possible.

Why is OT security important?

OT systems control critical infrastructure like power grids, water treatment plants, and manufacturing facilities. A cyber attack on these systems could disrupt operations, leading to cascading effects like blackouts, contaminated water supplies, or even industrial accidents.

Even if there's no physical harm, OT security breaches can cause major disruptions to operations and production stoppages. This could be devastating for some businesses, leading to lost revenue and a damaged reputation for the organization involved. 

what is OT security

Many industries also have strict regulations in place that mandate specific OT security measures, such as NERC CIP or IEC 62443. 

These regulations and standards define specific security requirements that organizations must meet to protect their OT systems from braces, and failure to comply can result in serious fines and other penalties.

Choosing an OT Security Vendor

Choosing the best OT security vendor for your business requires careful consideration of your specific needs and the vendor's capabilities. Here are some things you need to consider:

1. Self-Assessment

Before anything, it’s important to Identify the OT systems and devices you use, and how they connect to each other and the internet. This will help you prioritize the security measures you need.

You also need to consider the potential consequences of a cyberattack on your operations, as this will influence your choice of security solutions and vendor expertise 

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework provides a good foundation for OT security. Identify which pillars (Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover) are most critical for your organization.

2. Vendor Selection Criteria

When choosing an OT security vendor, make sure the vendor has a deep understanding of OT systems, protocols, and the specific security challenges of industrial environments. Look for vendors with experience in your industry, and check if the vendor's solutions address your prioritized security needs. 

It’s best to look for comprehensive solutions that cover asset discovery, vulnerability management, anomaly detection, and incident response. Consider the ease of deploying and integrating the vendor's solutions with your existing OT infrastructure too. Downtime for critical systems should be minimal.

3. Vendor Evaluation

Once you’ve chosen a vendor, develop a Request for Proposal (RFP) that outlines your specific requirements and evaluation criteria. This will help you compare different vendors effectively.If possible, it’s always good to request a proof-of-concept to see how the vendor's solution works in your environment to help identify any potential integration issues. 

Best OT Security Vendors

There are a variety of of OT tools and solutions on the market today, each of which can help your business secure critical OT systems can prevent disruptive cyber attacks before they happen. 

Here are ten of the best OT security Vendors available in 2024 based on their features, user reviews, and reputation in the space.