You know what happens when two worlds collide? Sometimes you get chaos. Sometimes you get chemistry. When IoT and OT start hanging out together, you get a bit of both. And , a whole new level of digital complexity that needs serious brains (and maybe a sprinkle of retro flair) to manage properly.
IT, OT, IoT… wait, what?
IT is your classic nerd: focused on data, networks and keeping things confidential, available and accurate. OT is more the hardware-head: it keeps factories running, systems safe and processes productive. One deals with information, the other with real-world operations.
IoT is the unexpected glue between those two. IoT devices live in both camps, chatting away with machines and servers like it’s one big digital family BBQ. But things get tricky when your factory floor starts talking to your cloud dashboard.
OT security: not exactly plug-and-play
Unlike IT systems that get shiny updates and patches, OT often runs on what can only be described as digital fossils. Think Windows XP Embedded still humming in a control room somewhere — older than your first Nokia ringtone.
These systems are mission-critical but also vulnerable. You can’t just shut down a turbine or a production line to install a security patch, and so many companies… don’t, which makes them juicy targets for attackers. Mirai, RSOCKS, and their botnet buddies love old OT gear like hackers love default admin passwords.
Add in crypto miners, propagation malware, ransomware and remote code execution, and your factory suddenly starts behaving like it’s possessed. All because someone didn’t segment the network.
Shadow OT: the threat you didn’t see coming
Remember Shadow IT? Now meet its equally sneaky cousin: Shadow OT. That’s what you get when devices like smart HVAC systems or badge scanners operate outside the official IT radar. They’re plugged in, online and ready to be poked by anyone with a script and a search engine.
We’ve seen HVAC systems accessible from someone’s living room, industrial controls reachable from the open internet, and default passwords still intact. These aren’t horror stories. They’re Wednesday afternoon surprises.
It’s not paranoia if they’re scanning your Modbus ports.
The case for segmentation (and a little paranoia)
If it talks to the internet, it shouldn’t be in the same room — digitally speaking — as your crown jewels. Segment smart lighting, badge readers, and meeting room TVs from your core OT systems. VLANs are your friend. MFA is your other friend. And least privilege? That’s your cool, quiet buddy who saves the day in every retro action movie.
OT and cloud: a match made in… spreadsheets?
As more organisations adopt hybrid cloud strategies, OT is coming along for the ride. Not your entire SCADA setup, but definitely telemetry, metrics and non-critical workloads. That sounds great, right?
Sure — until you hit legacy compatibility issues, security gaps or a flaky connection that messes with your real-time monitoring. It’s like streaming Netflix on a dial-up modem during a thunderstorm. You can, but should you?
Zero downtime, zero impact: it’s not just a mantra
In both IoT and OT, availability is king. If your smart building system fails, it’s not just annoying, it’s potentially dangerous. Imagine your fire alarm going on strike or the lifts taking a nap during rush hour.
That’s why we believe in Zero Impact and Zero Downtime. No ifs, no buts, no exceptions.
So what now?
Start with a full asset inventory. Segment your networks. Update what you can. Monitor what you must. Audit regularly. And for the love of everything with a circuit board, change the default passwords.
Need a hand untangling the spaghetti of IT, OT and IoT? Let’s grab a coffee (real or virtual) and talk shop.
