OPERATIONAL TECHNOLOGY

OT NEEDS ROBUST NETWORKS

When introducing operational technology, there are two categories most people generally refer to:

The Internet of Things (IoT): This is a network of smart, interconnected devices communicating and sharing data across the internet. For example, sensors on industrial machinery use IoT to collect and transfer data.

Industrial Control Systems (ICS): Specialised computer-based systems that monitor and control industrial processes, for example manufacturing and water treatment.

These two categories are both essential in the operation of critical industrial processes. A similarity they share is the need for connectivity to a wider network for the transfer of data and control commands.

This is part of the growing interconnectedness between IT and OT, a convergence that’s increasingly important in the collection, storage and usage of operational data. This data then improves efficiency, safety, and decision-making within an organisation.

At the heart of it all lies the need for a robust, fast network with capacity for the transfer of vast amounts of data. Often these networks have to be established in remote work sites, such as a mine or oil rig, well out of the reach of traditional telecoms.

Smile IT has a team with knowledge and experience in setting up reliable networks in remote areas across a range of industries. Get in touch if we can help you with yours.

OPERATIONAL TECHNOLOGY FUNCTIONS

Operational Technology drives innovation, making companies more productive and helping create safer working environments for people and machines. Today, it’s the foundation of modern industrialised society, fulfilling roles including:

Managing Infrastructure

OT maintains the functionality and integrity of critical infrastructure, helping keep essential services operating reliably and efficiently. These include energy supply, water treatment, road networks and healthcare.

Data-Driven Decisions

The vast amounts of data generated by OT in industrial environments is invaluable when it comes to optimising operations. It helps identify opportunities, reduce costs and boost competitiveness.

Quality Control

OT allows for the continuous monitoring and adjustment of production processes. This helps them meet the required standards and specifications, ensures outputs and products meet quality expectations.

Efficiency

By automating and optimising industrial processes, OT systems have led to massive leaps in efficiency across production and resource management. Real time monitoring reduces downtime and waste, while maximising output and productivity.

Safety

OT has made work sites across the world safer places to be. Systems can monitor environmental conditions, detect equipment malfunctions and create predictive maintenance schedules. Automated and immediate shutdown processes can be initiated to prevent injuries to team members and damage to machinery.

OPERATIONAL TECHNOLOGY SECURITY

Due to its mission-critical importance and its connectivity to wider networks and the internet, OT is a high cyber security risk. As the convergence with traditional IT grows, there will become more and more vulnerabilities for hackers to exploit. It’s essential organisations take a proactive approach to protecting their operational technology. It’s not just about cyber secure networks – a comprehensive approach to site security should be taken.

This should include:

Essential Eight Compliance

Advocated by the Australian Cyber Security Centre, the Essential Eight is a collection of mitigation strategies designed to mitigate the risk of cyber-attacks and improve an organisation’s defences. It covers approaches including multi-factor authentication, regular backups and patch applications.

Access Control

As well as limiting who has access to OT systems and data, it’s essential that physical access to a worksite with sensitive OT equipment is also controlled. Security measures such as CCTV, perimeter fences with controlled access points and intrusion detection systems help keep equipment, and staff, safe.

Team Awareness and Training

Human error is often at the heart of cybersecurity breaches. OT staff such as engineers, operators and maintenance crew need to be kept updated on the latest cyber security threats and how to spot them.  Maintaining a security-conscious work culture is a powerful preventative method.