OT security FAQs: everything industrial organisations need to know

As operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) environments continue to converge, industrial organisations are facing more threats than ever. Cyberattacks on OT systems have increased dramatically in recent years, making it critical for businesses to understand how to secure their environments. In this blog, we answer some of the most common questions about OT security and how Integrity360 helps organisations build resilient, secure, and compliant operations.

What is OT security and how is it different from IT security?

OT security refers to the protection of systems that control physical processes such as manufacturing lines, water treatment plants, and energy infrastructure. Unlike IT security, which focuses primarily on data protection, OT security is concerned with availability, integrity, and safety. Any disruption can have direct consequences on operations and, in some cases, physical safety. OT systems also tend to run for decades and are often based on legacy technology, making them more difficult to secure and update.

Why is OT security more important now than ever?

The lines between IT and OT have blurred, making once-isolated industrial systems accessible through network connections. Cybercriminals, including nation-state actors, now use IT systems as entry points to pivot into OT environments. According to data, there has been an 87% year-on-year increase in ransomware attacks against industrial organisations. This growing convergence means that securing both IT and OT environments is essential.

What are the most common weaknesses found in OT environments?

Integrity360 has identified several recurring issues in industrial organisations:

• Lack of segmentation between IT and OT networks, allowing lateral movement by attackers.
• Outdated and unpatched systems, often unsupported by vendors.
• Weak configurations, such as default credentials and unnecessary services.
• Insecure remote access, offering an easy path into critical systems.
• Limited visibility over OT assets, leading to blind spots in monitoring.
• Absence of malware protection, leaving environments vulnerable to infection.

What services does Integrity360 offer to protect OT environments?

Integrity360 provides a comprehensive portfolio of OT security services across five key areas:

1. OT Security Consulting – including risk analysis, strategy and governance, compliance advisory, and CISO as a Service.
2. OT Security Auditing – covering Industrial 360 audits, penetration testing, DMZ assessments, and ransomware simulations.
3. OT Security Engineering – delivering secure architecture, solution design, implementation, and long-term support.
4. OT Security Investigations – providing incident response retainers and forensic investigations.
5. OT Security Awareness Training – offering scenario-based learning and real-world attack simulations tailored to industrial roles.

How does Integrity360 help during a cyber incident in an OT environment?

Speed and expertise are critical during a cyberattack. Integrity360 offers 24x7 OT incident response support through its retainers. Specialists assist with detection, containment, eradication, and recovery – all backed by structured reporting and forensics. Whether it’s a full-scale attack or a suspected breach, our teams help organisations return to safe, stable operations quickly and with minimal disruption.

How can Integrity360 assess and improve our current OT security posture?

Through its Industrial 360 Audit, Integrity360 provides a full top-down and bottom-up evaluation of an organisation’s OT security, covering everything from governance and network architecture to physical access and organisational maturity. Targeted audits and pen tests can focus on specific areas like DMZs, Wi-Fi security, or ransomware resilience.

Following these assessments, clients receive detailed, easy-to-understand reports with clear recommendations, helping them prioritise actions and improve overall risk coverage.

is training available for OT staff?

Absolutely. Integrity360’s OT Security Awareness Training is tailored to the specific challenges of industrial environments. It includes:

• Training sessions for different staff levels, from engineers to management.
• Real-world demonstrations of attacks on OT systems, including maritime and smart building scenarios.
• Interactive, scenario-driven learning that helps teams understand and reduce their exposure to threats.

What expertise does Integrity360 offer?

Integrity360 boasts over 580 cyber security professionals, including more than 40 OT specialists with deep knowledge of industrial environments and threat actor techniques. The team holds leading industry certifications and brings decades of OT experience. Each assessment is tailored to the customer’s unique environment, ensuring practical, actionable results.

Why should you choose Integrity360 for our OT security needs?

Integrity360 stands out for its:

• Industry-leading reporting – clear, comprehensive, and business-relevant.
• Tailored approach – services adapted to your environment, goals, and operational context.
• End-to-end capabilities – from consulting and engineering to training and incident response.
• Proven track record – trusted across five continents with more than 250 OT pen tests conducted annually.

With Integrity360’s deep expertise, wide-ranging services, and real-world experience, your organisation can stay ahead of evolving risks, protect critical operations, and build long-term resilience.

To learn more or speak to an OT security expert, visit integrity360.com or contact us directly.