How does OT differ from IT?

While IT focuses on data, information, and users, OT controls machines, sensors, and physical processes. Failures or attacks in OT environments can have direct physical, environmental, and safety consequences.

What systems are typically part of an OT environment?

OT environments commonly include PLCs, SCADA systems, DCS platforms, sensors, actuators, robots, and industrial networking equipment.

Why are OT environments increasingly exposed to cyber threats?

As OT systems become more connected to IT systems, cloud platforms, and external vendors, the attack surface expands. Many OT systems were not originally designed to withstand modern cyber threats.

What are the potential consequences of an OT cyberattack?

OT attacks can result in production outages, physical damage, environmental incidents, and in severe cases risks to human safety.

Provides continuous visibility into OT and IT/OT environments, enabling early detection and rapid response to security incidents. Read more about "Security monitoring and response" here > Risk and vulnerability management Helps identify, assess, and reduce weaknesses in OT environments before they can be exploited. Read more about "Risk and vulnerability management" here > Security testing Delivers targeted security testing adapted to industrial environments to uncover vulnerabilities without disrupting critical operations. Read more about "Security testing" here > Vulnerability analysis and scanning Provides systematic identification of technical weaknesses in OT systems as a foundation for effective risk reduction. Read more about "Vulnerability analysis and scanning" here >

OT (Operational technology)

What is OT?

Operational Technology (OT) refers to technologies and systems used to monitor and control physical processes in industrial and critical infrastructure environments—such as manufacturing lines, power grids, water supply, transportation, and process industries. While IT primarily deals with information, data, and users, OT focuses on machines, sensors, and control of the physical world—often in real time and with strict requirements for availability and stability.

A typical OT environment consists of Industrial Control Systems (ICS), which include, among others:

PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) that control machines and processes
SCADA systems for monitoring and remote control
DCS (Distributed Control Systems) used in larger process facilities
Sensors, actuators, robots, valves, and industrial network devices

These systems have traditionally been designed for reliability and safe operation—not for exposure to modern threat actors. As OT environments become more tightly integrated with IT systems, cloud platforms, and external vendors, the attack surface increases significantly.

An OT system is not simply an IT system using different protocols—it is a safety-critical system where failures, misuse, or cyberattacks can result in physical damage, production downtime, environmental incidents, or, in the worst case, loss of life. For this reason, OT requires its own architectural principles, risk assessments, and security measures—tailored to the realities of industrial operations.

Sicra and OT

Through its merger with Bluetree, Sicra has established one of Norway’s leading expert environments for industrial networks, modern OT architecture, and security in operational systems. This enables customers to benefit from both strategic advisory services and deep technical expertise grounded in real-world OT design and operations.

Sicra and Bluetree work in a structured manner based on recognized frameworks such as IEC 62443, supporting organizations in their efforts to:

Gain visibility into OT architectures, system landscapes, and technical dependencies
Define clear security zones and establish controlled communication paths
Reduce exposure and minimize risk across IT, OT, cloud environments, and third parties
Embed security into the architecture from the ground up—rather than adding it as an afterthought

This approach makes it possible to protect critical systems without compromising operational continuity, safety, or production, while also providing a strong foundation for compliance with regulatory requirements such as NIS2 and sector-specific regulations.

OT (Operational technology)

What is OT?

Sicra and OT

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