OT vs. IT Cybersecurity – Differences, Similarities and Everything in Between

As organizations become more globally interconnected and digitally reliant, cybersecurity threats expand beyond the IT infrastructure. Operational Technology (OT) systems are increasingly targets of cyberattacks. OT has always been a target, but given the interconnection, the likelihood of compromise increases. The risk to IT systems is mainly related to a business’s digital assets, and OT risks can result in physical damage or even personal injury (safety-related incidents). 

An article from McKinsey put the risks of OT attacks as greater than IT, “OT cyberattacks tend to have higher, more negative effects than those in IT do, as they can have physical consequences...” While OT and IT share similarities, securing these environments requires distinct strategies.

Understanding OT and IT cybersecurity differences is critical for organizations that rely on both systems, as attacks or breaches on one can cross over into the other. 

IT versus OT – What’s the Difference?

• IT (Information Technology) primarily deals with systems that manage data, including computers, servers, and networks. Its focus is on ensuring a proper balance among the CIA Triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability) to protect data most effectively without impacting business operations.
• OT (Operational Technology) per NIST, OT is defined as programmable systems or devices that interact with the physical environment (or manage devices that interact with the physical environment). These systems/devices detect or cause a direct change by monitoring and/or controlling devices, processes, and events. Examples include industrial control systems (ICS), building management systems, fire control systems, and physical access control mechanisms. These systems monitor and control physical devices like turbines, conveyor belts, and other devices.).

OT and IT Cybersecurity – Very Different Animals

For many reasons, IT and OT systems face very different cybersecurity challenges because they serve very distinct purposes. For one thing, IT systems tend to be regularly updated, and networks are designed to share information. OT, on the other hand, prioritizes safety and keeping operations running smoothly. Many OT systems rely on decades-old infrastructure that’s harder to update, and interruptions—even for maintenance—can cause major disruptions.  

The stakes are also different for IT and OT. IT attacks often target data or finances, while OT attacks can cause real-world consequences, like physical damage or safety risks. Some of the key differences between how IT and OT cybersecurity work include:

• Different Threats 

IT cybersecurity threats encompass phishing attacks, malware, ransomware, and insider threats, with financial gain as a primary motive. According to the 2024 Verizon Data Breach Incident Report, nearly 90% of breaches are financially driven, often involving data theft or systems being held hostage. Beyond financial loss, these attacks can inflict significant reputational damage on organizations.  

Operational technology (OT) systems face similar threats but also contend with unique risks, such as attacks that cause physical harm by tampering with industrial processes or damaging machinery. A notable example is the 2015 cyberattack on Ukraine’s power grid, which disrupted energy flow. 

Moreover, cross-domain attacks are increasingly common, in which attackers exploit gaps between IT and OT systems. The silos in processes, people, and technology across these environments present opportunities for compromise, enabling attackers to breach one domain to target the other.

• Different Priorities

In IT environments, efforts focus on protecting sensitive digital data, ensuring system uptime, auditing access rights, and preventing breaches or unauthorized access. Compliance with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and NIS2 also shapes how Security and IT teams focus their priorities.

In OT environments, the primary concern is human safety, followed by operational continuity. The consequences of a cyberattack on OT systems can be catastrophic, leading to equipment damage, safety hazards, operational shutdowns, and interruptions that can endanger lives. One of the more well-known attacks targeting physical systems was Stuxnet. The attack caused centrifuges to spin beyond design capability until failure (by disabling monitoring systems and functions), disrupting plant operations.

• Different System Lifecycles

IT systems often have shorter lifecycles, with regular hardware and software updates to enhance security and functionality. For example, corporate laptops are refreshed on an 18–36-month cycle. SaaS platforms often release multiple updates throughout a year or even a quarter to address customer needs or other market shifts. The Chrome browser, one of the most ubiquitous business apps, has pushed monthly releases throughout 2024.

OT systems, however, can have lifecycles extending over several decades. These systems are not designed to be updated as frequently and may run on legacy or unsupported software or hardware, making them more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Highly-regulated industries like nuclear power plants require these decades-long lifecycles due to the complexity of certifying new equipment.

• Different Connectivity

IT networks are traditionally open and interconnected, designed to facilitate the sharing and exchange of data across various systems and locations. OT systems have historically operated in isolation or been air-gapped without connection to external networks. However, with the rise of Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), OT systems are increasingly connected to IT networks, creating new attack surfaces.

• Different Security Patching

In IT environments, patch management is a routine process in which security updates are applied regularly to minimize vulnerabilities. “Patch Tuesday” is a common term among Security and IT professionals and highlights how frequently these updates are pushed out. Because, as mentioned, IT is a highly open and interconnected environment, these patches can be rapidly deployed to a globally dispersed business. This can be a tremendous benefit, but it can also cause a massively widespread problem if the underlying patch contains errors. 

In OT, applying patches (if they are even available) can be challenging because systems often run continuously and cannot be quickly taken offline. Even a short downtime for patching can potentially disrupt critical operations. OT systems are more sensitive to changes, and a patch could inadvertently cause a malfunction. Some OT systems are remote and disconnected, like offshore oil and gas rigs, which adds an extra layer of challenges – especially if people need to be deployed to multiple facilities to update systems physically.

• Different Physical Impact

Cyberattacks on IT systems typically aim to steal data (e.g., espionage), cause financial damage (e.g., ransomware), or disrupt operations (e.g., wiper). The impact of these attacks is typically limited to virtual, monetary or data-related damage. OT cyberattacks, however, can result in physical damage to critical infrastructure, including energy grids, water treatment facilities, and transportation systems. Such attacks can endanger human lives and cause widespread disruption.

OT and IT: Different Security Approaches 

Owing to the differences discussed above, and the fact that they operate in distinct environments with unique priorities, IT and OT approach key cybersecurity tenets very differently. Notably:

• Segmentation and Network Isolation

One of the best practices in securing OT systems is network segmentation, which ensures that critical OT systems are isolated from IT networks to minimize attack surfaces. This limits attackers’ ability to move laterally between OT and IT environments. The downside is that this isolation necessitates additional security strategies and controls that cover both environments, which can mean extra software, hardware and staffing.

• Real-Time Monitoring

IT environments typically have real-time monitoring tools to detect anomalous behavior and identify potential threats. Cybersecurity solutions like Data Loss Prevention (DLP) can prevent data from leaving in the moment, Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) can identify the highest risk exposures that target critical assets, and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) can monitor devices to detect and respond to cyber threats like ransomware and malware. Real-time monitoring is also essential in OT cybersecurity, but far more complex given the sensitivity of operations. Any OT security monitoring system must ensure that it doesn’t inadvertently disrupt the physical processes the OT system controls. 

• Incident Response Planning

While IT teams often have established incident response plans for data breaches or system outages, OT environments need tailored plans that address potential physical damage and safety risks. Incident response in OT must prioritize operational continuity and human safety, and response protocols should be designed with this in mind.

The Bottom Line

The convergence of IT and OT systems in today’s industrial and corporate environments creates new cybersecurity challenges. The rise of connected devices and IIoT technologies have exposed OT systems to the same cyber threats that have plagued IT for decades. However, because these systems are critical to physical processes, securing them requires a unique approach to OT security that emphasizes safety and operational integrity.

Historically, IT and OT have operated separately within organizations, with little to no collaboration. Once an organization is of a certain size and scale, the roles of IT and OT Security bifurcate due to the specialization needed for each. However, in the age of digital transformation, these teams must work together to ensure comprehensive cybersecurity. Aligning IT and OT requires shared governance, communication, tools, processes, and understanding of each domain’s different priorities and challenges.

Organizations can implement effective cybersecurity strategies that protect their digital assets and physical operations by understanding IT and OT systems’ key differences and vulnerabilities. Whether through network segmentation, real-time monitoring, or collaboration between IT and OT teams, the goal is to mitigate risks while ensuring that critical operations remain uninterrupted. As industries continue to evolve, so should their cybersecurity approach, ensuring that IT and OT environments are protected against increasingly sophisticated threats.