Cyber Security Series 6 Operational Technology Environments

Defining Operational Technology: Scope, Components, and Unique Characteristics These systems are primarily found in manufacturing, energy, transportation, and utility sectors. OT includes hardware and software that detects or causes changes through direct monitoring and control of physical devices, processes, and events. Unlike traditional IT systems, which focus on data management and information exchange, OT is designed to operate machinery and equipment. This fundamental difference highlights OT's critical role in the safety and efficiency of physical operations. OT systems often include programmable logic controllers (PLCs), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, distributed control systems (DCS), and various sensors and actuators. These components work together to create an environment where data from the physical world is collected, monitored, and analyzed to optimize operations.