Summary
SSeeccuurree CCoonnnneeccttiivviittyy PPrriinncciipplleess ffoorr OOppeerraattiioonnaall TTeecchhnnoollooggyy ((OOTT)) Operational technology (OT) environments - which have long been centred on safety, uptime, and operational continuity - are now more interconnected than ever. Driven by the need for increased efficiency, agility, and integration, these advancements offer significant operational benefits (such as real-time analytics, predictive maintenance and remote monitoring & administration), but they Organisations deploying or operating OT systems often face challenges in prioritising cyber security due to operational constraints, such as dependence on legacy technologies that were never designed for modern connectivity or security requirements. These challenges are compounded by the increasing use of third-party vendors, remote access solutions and supply chain integrations, all of which expand the potential attack surface. In an OT environment, risks are elevated since a cyber intrusion can lead to physical harm, environmental impact, or potentially the disruption of an operator of essential service (OES). Exposed and insecure OT connectivity is known to be targeted by both opportunistic and highly capable actors.