Operational technology (OT) is vital to public safety and economic well-being, controlling the equipment that runs the world’s manufacturing plants, power grids, water utilities, shipping lines, and more.

The rise of OT began in the early decades of the 20th century as electrically powered machines and controls replaced steam-powered and muscle-powered equipment. OT predates the rise of information technology (IT) by many decades, and traditionally, OT and IT networks have been separated by an air gap. Recently, however, IT-based technologies such as sensors, machine learning (ML), and big data are being integrated with OT networks to create new efficiencies and competitive advantages. This increases the digital attack surface and the risk of intrusion.

To explore the state of cybersecurity in OT environments, Fortinet surveyed plant operations and manufacturing leaders (plant operations leaders) at large manufacturing, energy and utilities, healthcare, and transportation organizations.