Operational Technology (OT) runs the world, but who secures it?
Factories, power plants, water utilities, and transportation systems rely on OT systems like SCADA, DCS, and PLCs to keep operations running. But as digital transformation accelerates, OT environments are increasingly exposed to cyber threats.
We’ve all seen headlines:
- The Triton malware targeting critical safety systems.
- Ransomware disrupting manufacturing plants.
Yet, despite the growing risks, most organizations don’t have dedicated OT security leadership at the executive table. Instead, OT cybersecurity is often an afterthought, tacked onto the responsibilities of the IT CISO.
But here’s the problem:
OT security is not the same as IT security.
- Different Priorities: In OT, uptime and safety are everything. In IT, the focus is on confidentiality and integrity.
- Legacy Systems: OT environments are full of decades-old systems not built for connectivity, let alone security.
- Unique Risks: An OT cyberattack doesn’t just steal data—it can shut down operations, damage equipment, or even put lives at risk.
This begs the question: Why isn’t there a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for OT?
We Need to Recognize OT Security as Its Own Discipline.
As a professional who started my career as a PLC programmer, I’ve seen firsthand how critical OT systems are to the backbone of modern industries. I’ve also seen the gaps in how they’re secured.
A dedicated OT CISO:
✅ Understands the unique challenges of OT systems.
✅ Speaks the language of both engineering and business.
✅ Balances safety, availability, and security risks.
✅ Builds programs that align with OT security standards like ISA/IEC 62443 and NIST 800-82.
Most importantly, an OT CISO ensures that OT cybersecurity is treated as a business priority, not just another line under IT.
My Call to Action:
It’s time to start the conversation.
- Should OT security leadership exist independently of IT?
- How do we give OT security the attention it deserves at the senior level?
- What’s the roadmap to establishing an OT CISO role in organizations?
I’m passionate about growing in this field and helping shape the future of OT cybersecurity leadership.