CCNet

Apr 18, 2025 • 3 min read

Industry 4.0: Why IT and OT Security Must Not Be Considered Separately

Industrial Companies Are Vulnerable!

With the increasing digitization and networking of industrial systems, the risk of cyberattacks is rising drastically. Companies that treat IT and OT security separately expose themselves to significant security risks. Production facilities, IoT sensors, and machine controls (PLC, SCADA) are directly connected to IT systems, yet a comprehensive security strategy is often missing.

Why Is This Dangerous?
Hackers can infiltrate the OT network via a compromised IT application, sabotage machines, and cause production downtime.

Further information can be found here: IT-infrastructure-hardening

What Do IT and OT Security Mean in the Industry?

IT security (Information Technology) protects corporate networks, ERP systems, servers, and user accounts.
OT security (Operational Technology) covers industrial control systems, machine communication, and production processes.

Previously, these systems were strictly separated, but with Industry 4.0, they are increasingly merging. Modern manufacturing plants are interconnected, exchanging real-time data with IT systems and being maintained remotely.

The Problem:
Many companies have secured their IT, but OT remains vulnerable. An attack on IT can directly affect production systems.

The 4 Biggest Cybersecurity Risks for IT & OT

Ransomware in Production Networks
Ransomware attacks are no longer just an IT problem. Hackers specifically target PLC control systems and SCADA environments, bringing entire production lines to a standstill.
📌 Example: In 2021, the world's largest meat producer, JBS Foods, was hit by a ransomware attack. Production was halted in multiple countries.
Lack of Network Segmentation
Without a clear separation between IT and OT networks, attackers can move from a compromised office PC directly to machine control systems.
✅ Solution: Companies must implement a next-gen firewall (e.g., Forcepoint) to prevent IT-based attacks from reaching the production network.
Insecure Remote Access & User Rights
Many manufacturers offer remote access to machines, but secure authentication is often missing.
✅ Solution: With IAM (Keycloak), companies can introduce multi-factor authentication (MFA) & role-based access control.
Undetected Attacks in OT Environments
IT security teams often only monitor IT – but who watches over OT security?
✅ Solution: SIEM & IDS (e.g., Wazuh, Snort) provide real-time anomaly detection and prevent targeted attacks.

How Companies Can Secure IT & OT Together

Implement Network Segmentation with Next-Gen Firewalls

✔ Separate IT & OT networks (no direct access to production controls)
✔ Deploy firewalls with OT-specific security features

Introduce IAM (Identity & Access Management) for All Systems

✔ Use Keycloak for centralized access management for machines & control systems
✔ Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) for external maintenance teams & admins

Integrate Security Monitoring for IT & OT with SIEM & IDS

✔ SIEM detects suspicious activities in IT & OT networks
✔ Intrusion detection protects machine control systems from manipulation

Ensure Compliance & Audits According to NIS2 & IEC 62443

✔ Document all security measures
✔ Conduct regular security audits & penetration testing

Conclusion: IT & OT Security Belong Together!

The security strategy of the future must combine IT & OT security.
Companies that leave their production systems unprotected risk production downtimes, data losses, and high fines under NIS2.

📢 How Well Is Your Company Prepared?
Visit us at SPS Parma and experience live how the CCNet Industrial Security Dashboard secures IT & OT!

Industrial Security: Why IT and OT Security Must Be Considered Together

Why must IT and OT security be considered together?

Because modern production environments are increasingly networked – a vulnerability in IT can directly affect OT systems and vice versa.

What distinguishes IT security from OT security?

IT systems are usually flexible and capable of being updated, whereas OT systems are designed for stability and are often difficult to patch. In addition, OT priorities such as production safety and real-time operation apply.

What are typical security gaps between IT and OT?

Common vulnerabilities include insecure remote access, lack of network segmentation, outdated control systems, and poorly secured IoT devices.

How can IT and OT networks be securely separated?

Through the use of next-gen firewalls, VLANs, and strict rules for authorized data traffic between both network areas.

What role does identity management play in securing OT systems?

IAM with multi-factor authentication ensures that only verified users gain access to critical control systems.

What is the benefit of joint monitoring of IT and OT networks?

Suspicious activities can be detected early with SIEM and IDS systems – both in IT and OT environments.

How can IoT devices in production be secured?

Through secure authentication, data encryption, and avoiding preset default passwords.

Why are audits and penetration tests important for industrial security?

They help identify vulnerabilities in IT and OT systems and allow targeted hardening according to applicable standards such as NIS2 or IEC 62443.