Critical Infrastructure Security
,
Governance & Risk Management
,
Operational Technology (OT)
Elevate OT Cyber Skills Through Training, Collaboration and Practice
If you are beginning your cybersecurity career, chances are most of your preparation has focused on IT systems and protecting data centers, networks and corporate applications. Yet some of the most urgent and disruptive threats today are unfolding far from the keyboard, in operational technology environments that keep factories running, energy flowing and transportation systems moving. In these sectors, digital attacks can lead to physical consequences, and defending OT environments demands specialized skills.
See Also: OnDemand | Transform API Security with Unmatched Discovery and Defense
Real-world incidents across manufacturing and critical infrastructure show how quickly operations can be disrupted when OT systems are not adequately protected. Just this week, Jaguar Land Rover disclosed that a cyberattack “severely disrupted” its automotive manufacturing operations.
British newspaper Liverpool Echo reported that employees at the Merseyside plant near Liverpool were told not to report for work. Production and retail operations are offline for indefinitely, with the attack affecting both car manufacturing and dealerships. The company dealers have been unable to book sales since Monday, the same day that parent company Tata Motors disclosed to Indian stock exchanges that its British unit experienced “global IT issues impacting our business.”
And just last month, electronics manufacturer Data I/O experienced a ransomware attack that disrupted internal IT systems, including critical functions including communications, shipping, receiving, and manufacturing support. The company activated its incident response plan, brought systems offline, and engaged external cybersecurity specialists to aid in the recovery.
Not only do OT incidents pose threats to individual organizations, but they also can affect broader markets such as the 2021 ransomware attacks on JBS Foods, the world’s largest meat supplier, and Colonial Pipeline, which temporary disrupted supplies of meat and gasoline.
Why OT-Specific Training Matters
OT environments present challenges that differ sharply from traditional IT. While security is improving, OT security teams must protect legacy control systems running outdated firmware, making them difficult to patch. Operators need to prioritize uptime and safety over system changes; and IT and OT teams frequently work in silos. These conditions mean that breaches can have physical as well as digital consequences, from halting production to endangering lives. Training tailored to OT is essential to secure critical systems while maintaining operational continuity.
The incidents above demonstrate how much is at stake when OT systems are disrupted. Each illustrates how better training could have strengthened defenses or improved recovery. Building a learning ecosystem around OT security is one of the most effective ways to prepare the workforce for these challenges.
Building an OT Cybersecurity Learning Ecosystem
An OT cybersecurity learning ecosystem is not a one-time checklist but a continuous program. The following elements help organizations choose training that meets current needs while building capacity for ongoing improvement.
Curriculum Foundations
- Certification Programs. Encourage industry-recognized standards such as Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional, or GICSP, and ISA/IEC 62443 for baseline technical competence.
- Vendor-Specific Labs. Hands-on training with real-world OT platforms from providers such as Siemens, Rockwell Automation or Schneider Electric.
Simulation and Table-Top Exercises
- Incident Table Top. Rehearse scenarios in which OT systems are compromised and practice containment measures that protect safety chains while minimizing production downtime.
- Phishing Response Simulations. Target simulations specifically to warehouse, operations and engineering staff to spot and escalate phishing attempts, a likely entry vector in the Data I/O case.
- Cross-Team Unified Response Exercises. Bring IT, OT, supply chain and cybersecurity teams together to coordinate a shared response, balancing system recovery with operational continuity.
- Live-Fire Scenarios. Engage in simulations of ransomware attacks against production systems, coordinating with engineering teams to practice safe recovery steps.
- Digital Twins. Use virtual environments to model attacks without risking live production systems.
Culture and Operations Integration
- Anomaly Reporting and Response. Train OT personnel to recognize irregular system behavior and escalate it through established incident channels, ensuring that potential threats are addressed quickly without disrupting critical operations.
- Joint training. Conduct sessions with both IT and OT teams to foster mutual understanding and shared playbooks.
The Career Upside: OT Cybersecurity Specialists
For professionals willing to step into OT, the career upside is significant. These roles demand unique skills and offer equally unique impact:
- OT Security Engineer/Analyst combines IT knowledge with deep understanding of control systems and physical processes.
- Industrial Incident Responder coordinates forensic and recovery operations for OT environments, balancing safety, uptime, and threat mitigation.
- ICS/BMS Penetration Tester models adversarial behavior to uncover vulnerabilities in smart building or manufacturing systems.
These careers matter because they directly safeguard production lines, protect supply chains and prevent physical harm when minutes count.
OT cybersecurity is not in the margins. It is definitely mainstream these days. For professionals, building OT expertise is a way to stand out in a crowded job market and step into roles that directly safeguard critical operations. For educators, employers and training providers, investing in OT-focused learning is necessary to ensure a prepared workforce.
By blending technical skill, safety awareness and cross-functional collaboration, we can equip the next generation of cybersecurity professionals to protect not only data but also the systems that keep society running.