The world is becoming increasingly connected, and this trend is not limited to consumer devices. Industrial systems, such as those used in manufacturing, energy production, and transportation, are also becoming more connected. This trend is known as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and it is transforming the way that industrial systems are designed, operated, and maintained. One of the key components of the IIoT is the intersection of operational technology (OT) and connectivity. In this article, we will explore this intersection and demystify the new OT networks that are emerging.
What is Operational Technology?
operational technology (OT) refers to the hardware and software systems that are used to control and monitor industrial processes. These systems are typically designed to be highly reliable and secure, as they are critical to the operation of industrial facilities. Examples of OT systems include:
- Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
- Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems
- Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
- Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs)
These systems are designed to operate in harsh environments and to communicate with other systems using specialized protocols. They are typically isolated from other networks, such as corporate IT networks, to ensure their security and reliability.
The Rise of Connectivity
In recent years, there has been a trend towards connecting OT systems to other networks, such as the internet and corporate IT networks. This trend is driven by several factors, including:
- The need for real-time data: Connected OT systems can provide real-time data on industrial processes, which can be used to optimize operations and improve efficiency.
- The rise of cloud computing: Cloud computing has made it easier to store and analyze large amounts of data, which is particularly useful for industrial systems that generate large amounts of data.
- The need for remote access: Connected OT systems can be accessed remotely, which is useful for maintenance and troubleshooting.
However, connecting OT systems to other networks also introduces new risks, such as cyber attacks and data breaches. These risks must be carefully managed to ensure the security and reliability of industrial systems.
The Challenges of Connecting OT Systems
Connecting OT systems to other networks presents several challenges, including:
- Legacy systems: Many OT systems were designed before the rise of connectivity and were not designed to be connected to other networks. Upgrading these systems to support connectivity can be difficult and expensive.
- Security: OT systems are critical to the operation of industrial facilities, and a cyber attack on these systems could have serious consequences. Ensuring the security of connected OT systems is therefore critical.
- Reliability: OT systems are designed to be highly reliable, and any disruption to these systems could have serious consequences. Ensuring the reliability of connected OT systems is therefore critical.
- Interoperability: OT systems often use specialized protocols that are not compatible with other networks. Ensuring interoperability between OT systems and other networks is therefore critical.
Best Practices for Connecting OT Systems
To ensure the security and reliability of connected OT systems, several best practices should be followed, including:
- Segmentation: OT systems should be segmented from other networks to ensure their security and reliability. This can be done using firewalls and other network security measures.
- Encryption: Data transmitted between OT systems and other networks should be encrypted to ensure its security.
- Access control: Access to connected OT systems should be tightly controlled to ensure their security.
- Monitoring: Connected OT systems should be monitored for signs of cyber attacks and other security threats.
- Testing: Connected OT systems should be regularly tested to ensure their security and reliability.
Case Studies
Several case studies illustrate the challenges and benefits of connecting OT systems. One example is the Stuxnet worm, which was a cyber attack on Iranian nuclear facilities that targeted their OT systems. The attack was highly sophisticated and demonstrated the potential risks of connecting OT systems to other networks.
On the other hand, there are also many examples of the benefits of connecting OT systems. For example, a manufacturing company that connected its OT systems to the cloud was able to reduce downtime by 50% and increase productivity by 20%.
Conclusion
The intersection of operational technology and connectivity is transforming the way that industrial systems are designed, operated, and maintained. While there are many benefits to connecting OT systems, there are also many risks that must be carefully managed. By following best practices for connecting OT systems, industrial companies can ensure the security and reliability of their systems while reaping the benefits of the IIoT.
