While IT security is firmly established in most companies, Operational Technology (OT)—control systems, production facilities, and industrial networks—remains an often-underestimated risk. By 2026, OT security will no longer be a niche topic: attacks on production environments are on the rise, regulatory requirements are increasing, and the convergence of IT and OT is creating new vulnerabilities.
IT vs. OT: What's the difference?
Operational Technology encompasses all systems that control physical processes: production facilities, SCADA systems, industrial control systems (ICS), and sensor technology. Unlike IT, availability is the top priority in OT—a production stoppage results in immediate financial losses. This creates a dilemma: patches, which are routine in IT, often require months-long validation processes in OT environments.
Common vulnerabilities in industrial environments
- Outdated operating systems: Windows XP and similar systems are still in use in many production environments—without security updates for years.
- Lack of network segmentation: IT and OT networks are often inadequately separated. An IT attack can spread directly to production systems.
- Default passwords: Many industrial control systems use factory-set login credentials—which have remained unchanged since installation.
- Insecure remote maintenance access: Maintenance access provided by machine manufacturers is often inadequately secured.
Regulatory Requirements: NIS-2 and KRITIS
Under NIS-2 and the KRITIS Framework Act, operators of critical infrastructure in critical sectors are required to implement enhanced security standards—including risk management, incident reporting, and supply chain security. The personal liability of senior management is explicitly addressed.
What companies need to do specifically
- Creating an OT Asset Inventory: What's on the network? Which systems communicate with which others?
- Implement network segmentation between IT and OT
- Securing remote access: MFA, time-limited access, logging
- Implement OT-specific monitoring (passive, without interfering with processes)
- Create an Incident Response Plan for OT Incidents
Axsos helps companies analyze and secure their OT environments. Request a security check now.