Why is OT security so important?
- Protect critical assets: A cyberattack on OT systems can lead to production downtime and direct hazards.
- High operational availability: Security must ensure that processes continue to run smoothly – without disruptive downtime.
- IT-OT convergence: The merging of IT and OT systems (Industry 4.0) creates new areas of vulnerability, but requires integrated security strategies.
Callenges & approaches to solutions
- Outdated systems: Many OT systems were developed without modern security concepts.
- Solution: Regular security analyses and targeted modernisation.
- Complex networks: The integration of IT and OT requires coordinated measures that provide optimal protection for both areas.
- Solution: Network segmentation, strict access controls and continuous monitoring.
- Managed services: Take advantage of our managed OT security – we offer 24/7 protection that reduces the burden on your internal resources.
The perfect symbiosisIT-Security vs. OT-Security
While IT security focuses on data protection and network security, OT security guarantees the continuous availability and integrity of physical processes. An integrated strategy that combines both disciplines minimises risks and ensures seamless protection for your systems.
- Extended obligations: KRITIS operators must implement modern attack detection systems and regularly review their security measures.
- Extended target group: In addition to traditional KRITIS, companies of particular public interest (UBI) are also covered.
- Objective: To ensure operational readiness and protect critical facilities from cyber attacks.
- EU-wide uniform standards: Introduction of binding minimum requirements for cybersecurity in critical sectors.
- Mandatory reporting deadlines: Incidents must be reported within 24 hours (early warning) and no later than 72 hours – with detailed reports due within one month.
- Extended scope: Now also covers medium-sized and large companies in other industries, significantly increasing the level of protection.
- Definition of KRITIS: Determines which companies are considered critical based on industry-specific thresholds.
- ISMS and audits: Operators must implement an information security management system (ISMS) and conduct regular (e.g. every two years) security audits.
- Industry-specific minimum standards: Implementation of specific measures through recognised B3S (industry standards).
- International standard: Certifiable framework for information security management systems (ISMS) that offers a risk-based approach.
- Cross-industry: Applicable in all sectors – even in complex OT environments – serves as proof of systematic security measures.
- Advantage: Supports the integration of IT and OT security through standardised processes.
- Specific to OT: The leading standard for industrial control and automation systems.
- Security zones: Implements the ‘zones and conduits’ approach to segment critical areas and minimise attack vectors.
- Target audience: Aimed at manufacturers, system integrators and operators to implement practical, technical and organisational measures.
Best Practices & Managed Services Our services for you
Rely on proven measures:
- Network segmentation and defense-in-depth
- Regular audits and real-time monitoring
- Managed security services for comprehensive 24/7 protection
Find out more about our specialized services in analysis & consulting, network security, monitoring, managed services, and our data lock on the following pages. Feel free to contact us now for a no-obligation consultation—so you can protect your OT environments and critical infrastructures in the long term.