What Is Operational Technology?

Operational technology (OT) uses hardware and software to manage industrial equipment and systems. OT controls high-tech specialist systems, like those found in the energy, industrial, manufacturing, oil and gas, robotics, telecommunications, waste control, and water control industries.

Industrial control systems (ICS) are one of the most prominent forms of OT. They control and monitor the performance of industrial processes and deploy systems like supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), which gather and analyze data in real time to manage plant equipment.

These systems typically use programmable logic controllers (PLCs), which use information from sensors or devices to perform tasks like monitoring machine productivity, tracking operating temperatures, and automating machine processes. 

Access to OT devices usually have to be restricted to small groups of people within organizations. The highly specialized nature of OT means it typically requires custom software rather than standard operating systems, such as Windows.

Securing OT relies on solutions like security information and event management (SIEM), which provides real-time analysis of applications and network activity, and next-generation firewalls (NGFWs), which filter traffic coming into and out of the network.

Why Cybersecurity Is Essential In OT?

Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) security play a fundamental role in safeguarding devices, networks, systems, and users from cyber threats. Cybersecurity has been an essential component of IT, aiding organizations in protecting sensitive information, securing internet connections, and preventing potential cyberattacks. However, cybersecurity is equally crucial for OT systems, which are integral to critical infrastructure.

A brief disruption or unexpected downtime can lead to the closure of manufacturing plants, power facilities, or water supply systems. The importance of safeguarding these systems surges as they become more interconnected, presenting cyber criminals with new vulnerabilities to exploit in industrial networks. Consequently, cyberattacks are on the rise; research from the Ponemon Institute reveals that over 90% of organizations running OT systems have encountered one or more significant security breaches within a two-year timeframe. Moreover, at least half of these organizations have faced OT system infrastructure attacks, resulting in equipment or plant downtime.

Cyberattacks targeting OT systems and critical infrastructure are also listed among the top five most significant global risks by the World Economic Forum, alongside issues like climate change, geopolitical tensions, and natural catastrophes.

What Is Operational Security (OPSEC)?

Operational security (OPSEC) is a security and risk management process that prevents sensitive information from getting into the wrong hands. 

Another OPSEC meaning is a process that identifies seemingly innocuous actions that could inadvertently reveal critical or sensitive data to a cyber criminal. OPSEC is both a process and a strategy, and it encourages IT and security managers to view their operations and systems from the perspective of a potential attacker. It includes analytical activities and processes like behavior monitoring, social media monitoring, and security best practice.

A crucial piece of what is OPSEC is the use of risk management to discover potential threats and vulnerabilities in organizations’ processes, the way they operate, and the software and hardware their employees use. Looking at systems and operations from a third party’s point of view enables OPSEC teams to discover issues they may have overlooked and can be crucial to implementing the appropriate countermeasures that will keep their most sensitive data secure.

The 5 Steps of Operational Security (OPSEC) in OT Environments

At Niagara Systems, we understand that Operational Technology environments require more than traditional IT security—they demand a proactive approach that accounts for physical systems, industrial control, and safety-critical infrastructure. Our OT security services are built around the foundational 5 steps of Operational Security (OPSEC), ensuring continuous protection against emerging threats:

1. Identify Critical Information

The first step is recognizing what data, systems, or processes are vital to your industrial operations. This includes control system configurations, network architecture, operational workflows, and asset performance data. At Niagara Systems, we help organizations map out this critical information to establish a solid foundation for their OT security strategy.

2. Analyze Threats

Understanding who might want to target your OT environment—and why—is crucial. We assess potential adversaries including nation-state actors, cybercriminals, and insider threats. By analyzing threat actors and their tactics, we tailor defense mechanisms to meet your operational needs.

3. Identify Vulnerabilities

Next, we examine how attackers might exploit gaps in your OT infrastructure. This includes outdated control systems, unpatched firmware, weak access controls, and legacy protocols. Our vulnerability assessments uncover these weaknesses and prioritize them based on risk to your critical operations.

4. Assess Risks

With threats and vulnerabilities identified, we evaluate the likelihood and impact of different attack scenarios. Whether it’s a ransomware attack on a SCADA system or a remote access exploit, Niagara Systems provides a clear picture of your OT risk landscape—empowering you to make informed security decisions.

5. Apply Countermeasures

Finally, we help implement targeted countermeasures to mitigate identified risks. These may include network segmentation, asset hardening, continuous monitoring, security awareness training, and incident response planning—ensuring your operations remain secure, resilient, and compliant.

How Can You Secure Your OT Environment?

Operational Technology environments face a unique blend of cyber and physical threats. At Niagara Systems, we deliver end-to-end OT security solutions that help organizations protect industrial control systems (ICS), ensure operational continuity, and comply with evolving cybersecurity standards.

1. Network Segmentation and Zoning

Implementing network segmentation and secure zoning based on ISA/IEC 62443 standards minimizes risk by isolating critical assets and controlling data flows between zones. This reduces the likelihood of malware propagation or unauthorized access across the OT network.

2. Asset Discovery and Inventory Management

Full visibility into all connected OT assets—PLCs, RTUs, HMIs, and more—is essential. Our automated tools detect and catalog every device, including firmware versions and communication protocols, creating a baseline for effective security management.

3. Access Control and Identity Management

We help organizations enforce strict access controls using role-based access, secure authentication mechanisms, and identity federation for remote users and vendors—ensuring that only authorized personnel can interact with sensitive systems.

4. Patch Management and Endpoint Hardening

Legacy devices and unpatched systems pose major risks in OT environments. Niagara Systems supports organizations with tailored patching strategies, and applies endpoint hardening techniques such as disabling unnecessary services, locking down ports, and enforcing secure configurations.

5. Industrial Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)

Our OT-specific IDS solutions provide real-time monitoring of network traffic, flagging abnormal behavior, suspicious commands, or deviations from established communication patterns—without interrupting critical operations.

6. Secure Remote Access

We implement secure, auditable remote access solutions using encrypted tunnels, jump hosts, and multi-factor authentication (MFA). This ensures maintenance and support teams can work safely without compromising the OT perimeter.

7. Data Classification and Protection

Data classification allows organizations to identify, label, and handle sensitive operational data appropriately—such as engineering files, system configurations, and proprietary process details. Niagara Systems integrates classification tools that embed labels directly into files to enforce security policies and ensure visibility across systems.

8. Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

Preventing sensitive data from leaving the OT environment is crucial. Our DLP solutions monitor file transfers, USB usage, and network traffic to detect and block unauthorized data exfiltration—supporting both compliance and intellectual property protection. This is especially valuable in OT environments with external vendors and remote engineering support.

9. Continuous Monitoring and Incident Response

We deliver centralized visibility and monitoring across OT networks, integrating with SIEM platforms and deploying threat detection analytics. Our OT-specific incident response planning ensures fast recovery and minimal downtime in the event of an incident.

10. Security Awareness and Training

We offer OT-focused training programs for operators, engineers, and technicians—covering social engineering threats, secure remote access practices, and how to respond to cybersecurity events within industrial environments.

Niagara Systems helps clients build a resilient OT cybersecurity program through layered defenses, visibility, and control—while respecting the safety, availability, and real-time requirements of industrial operations.