Information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) require different types of security to prevent potential attacks and breaches. As more equipment, devices, and sensors connect to the internet, it's essential for cybersecurity professionals to combine IT and OT security and integrate them effectively.

When it comes to IT vs. OT cybersecurity, it's important to understand that IT security mainly protects data and information while OT security focuses on the safety and reliability of operational technology.

What is the main difference between IT and OT security?

The main differences between IT vs. OT security are their main focuses and the types of systems they protect. IT cybersecurity manages electronic data, while OT cybersecurity manages physical equipment and processes.

IT security

Businesses that perform operations and processes with software and computers depend on IT security to protect critical data. Strong IT security helps your company collect, store, process, and exchange or share data securely because it focuses on the following:

• Processing and managing data
• Ensuring data availability
• Maintaining data integrity and confidentiality

OT security

Companies that perform industrial operations use OT security software and hardware to control equipment and functions. Industries such as energy and manufacturing depend on this type of security to maintain safety and efficiency because it accomplishes the following:

• Monitoring and controlling physical equipment and processes
• Supporting critical infrastructure
• Ensuring machinery operates safely and efficiently

OT and IT security differ in the following ways:

Environment

IT security protects general computing environments and standard operating systems. It manages devices like servers, computers, and smartphones to focus on data-centric tasks.

OT security works in industrial environments to manage specialized processes, equipment, and devices such as:

• Robots
• Actuators
• Sensors
• Pumps
• Valves
• Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems
• programmable logic controllers (PLCs)

Risk management

IT security manages risks related to data, maintaining data confidentiality and preventing unauthorized users from viewing or stealing sensitive information. Implementing IT security is vital for protecting client and employee information, preventing financial loss, maintaining online operations, and protecting your company from potential reputational damage.

OT security deals with risks related to equipment operation. It ensures industrial systems remain safe and available, preventing accidents and equipment downtime. OT security prevents cyber criminals from hacking into your systems, taking control of your equipment, and manipulating it for malicious purposes. It is crucial for keeping production on schedule, maintaining process parameters, and preventing injuries.

System updates and maintenance

IT systems require regular updates to reduce vulnerabilities and improve performance. Updating your IT systems on an established schedule is vital for consistency and optimal security.

Businesses perform less frequent updates on OT systems because interrupting operations can hinder production. Instead of regular updates, OT systems receive necessary updates and repairs during scheduled maintenance windows.

Data types

IT security handles various data types such as voice, bulky, and transactional. It focuses on the broader needs of data processing, storing, and sharing.

OT security focuses more on real-time data processing, which enables it to control physical processes and devices effectively.

It's also important to understand the difference between OT and Internet of Things (IoT) security. IoT security differs from OT security because it focuses on protecting device integrity and data privacy across a wide range of interconnected devices.

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IT systems have always been highly interconnected because they facilitate communication and data sharing across networks. OT systems have traditionally been isolated, operating with little connection to the internet and a lack of built-in security protection. However, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) integrates OT systems, equipment, devices, and sensors with the Internet and broader networks.

IT and OT convergence enhance operational efficiency, data analytics, and visibility for greater decision-making. It also increases the need for advanced security.

As IT and OT systems converge, cybersecurity professionals must understand and implement both types of security. Combining security measures to protect IT and OT systems is vital since these types of technology face different threats. You can enhance security for your integrated IT and OT systems with the following tips:

1. Implement network segmentation and firewalls

Network segmentation separates your network into smaller subnetworks, making it easier to control traffic flow and prevent or minimize breaches. Effective segmentation creates strong boundaries between subnetworks and makes it harder for cyber criminals to move laterally across your network. If a breach occurs, a segmented network uses firewalls to contain it in a small area and block attackers from accessing more crucial segments.

2. Update your software

Outdated or legacy devices often operate on outdated software. If your equipment runs on unsupported software, you should update it as soon as possible to decrease vulnerabilities and potential risks.

3. Implement a zero-trust framework

A zero-trust framework enforces security policies for each connection between users, data, devices, and applications. To implement a zero-trust framework, you must constantly authenticate users and continuously monitor devices to prevent unauthorized access. Key tools such as the following can help you maintain a zero-trust framework in your IT and OT systems:

• Identity and access management (IAM) systems
• Device discovery solutions
• Strong authentication mechanisms
• Privileged access management (PAM) platforms
• Continuous monitoring systems

4. Secure remote access

Internal personnel and third-party individuals, such as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and maintenance technicians, often need to access your OT systems remotely. One of the best ways to secure remote access is to implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) and a remote access solution with encryption.

5. Manage user access with the least privilege principle

The least privilege principle involves limiting user access to only the data, applications, and systems they need to perform their job. You can implement this principle with the following tips:

• Assign the minimum level of access users need to complete jobs effectively
• Frequently audit user privileges
• Use role-based access control (RBAC)
• Enforce strict account separation and password management policies

6. Use AI-powered security tools and software

Artificial intelligence (AI) significantly enhances OT and IT cybersecurity. AI-powered security tools and software provide real-time threat detection, allowing them to respond to known and new threats rapidly.

AI proactively manages vulnerabilities by automatically analyzing data and identifying potential threats. This technology is especially crucial as cyber-attacks become more sophisticated. AI-powered software is advanced enough to mitigate the most innovative attacks, protecting your IT and OT systems from breaches.

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IT and OT security are different in purpose and focus, but both are often necessary. Combining IT and OT security is crucial when you operate internet-connected OT systems such as IIoT. Darktrace offers AI-powered cybersecurity solutions to enhance your cybersecurity, maintain data confidentiality, prevent breaches, and increase the safety and reliability of your operations.

Darktrace has been pioneering AI since 2013, and our AI-driven security solutions protect your entire network with real-time threat detection. Learn more about Darktrace / OT, the most comprehensive OT security solution.