What is OT Security - by Abhisam

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OT stands for Operational Technology. OT systems are computer based systems that monitor and control physical objects and parameters. Many of these are Industrial Automation and Control systems such as those based on DCS (Distributed Control Systems), PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers), SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems) and SIS (Safety Instrumented Systems). There are many other kinds of OT systems too, such as Building Automation Systems, Ship Steering systems, port crane control systems or automated warehouse stacking systems.They are distinct from IT systems, which are computer based systems that only manage data. Examples of IT systems are ERP systems (such as SAP) or Stock Trading systems or Banking systems or Credit Card processing systems. There are cyber attacks on both kinds of systems, but attacks on OT systems can have physical consequences such as loss of control of equipment, fires, explosions, damage to assets, injuries to people and damage to environment in addition to production losses and loss or theft of proprietary information. Hence it is very important to protect OT systems from cyber threats. Also the techniques of protecting OT systems are different from IT systems, the standards are also different. For example the IEC 62443 standard is applicable for OT Security.