IT(Information Technology) & OT(Operational Technology)

IT(Information Technology) & OT(Operational Technology)

With digital transformation, the integration between IT and OT has broadened, making communication between the two essential.

 

To implement smart factories, smart cities, and intelligent transportation systems, an environment where IT and OT are integrated is necessary.

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Management Points and Differences Between IT and OT 

IT serves as the technological backbone of the organization, managing applications such as Email, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), and HR systems, as well as IT infrastructure like data centers and cloud servers.

 

Since IT must manage the organization’s entire information infrastructure, it should maintain consistent policies and focus on protecting sensitive applications and confidential data from unauthorized external access.

 

OT connects, monitors, and manages the industrial operations of the organization.

 

Companies engaged in industries such as manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, utilities, and transportation are closely related to OT. This includes equipment used in industrial sites, such as robots, industrial control systems (ICS), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines. Beyond industrial settings, ATMs, kiosks, train and service vehicles, and electric vehicle chargers are also OT devices closely tied to our lives.

 

Since OT equipment in industrial environments is crucial to company revenue, teams must pay particular attention to machine uptime and maintenance.

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Key Differences Between IT and OT

The primary difference between IT and OT is that IT focuses on Front-End (information) while OT emphasizes Back-End (machines or tools).

 

Unlike IT, which primarily focuses on making data accessible, OT concentrates on enabling machines to affect the physical world. Machines can also generate data that must be processed to monitor industrial processes and assist operators in making decisions, such as predictive maintenance.

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Characteristics of IT and OT Equipment

IT devices are generally off-the-shelf, replaceable, have a lifespan of about 3-5 years, and are relatively easy to maintain. They typically run on common operating systems like Windows, iOS, and Linux.

 

OT devices are often purpose-built, which means they usually have specialized software and can run proprietary protocols. Because industrial sites are built to operate for years or even decades, OT devices tend to have much longer lifespans. Since OT devices control critical infrastructure, they may need to operate continuously without failure.

 

OT devices and systems are not updated as frequently as IT devices and systems and can have numerous software vulnerabilities. They may be installed in remote locations or harsh environments, making access challenging. They can also be controlled by partners or vendors. In all cases, modifications to OT devices may undergo complex approval processes, as any changes (including simple software updates) can have cascading impacts on industrial processes.

 

Are IT and OT Networks Different?

OT and IT network infrastructures share similar elements, such as switches, routers, and wireless technologies. (IT equipment has MAC and IP addresses for communication.) Therefore, OT networks can leverage the rigor and experience that IT has built over the years through common network management and security controls to establish a robust network foundation.

 

The key differences include:

• Form Factor: OT network devices are often provided in smaller, modular form factors, allowing for various mounting options, such as on rails, walls, light poles, or integrated into vehicles and other equipment.
• Hardening: OT network infrastructures may need to be robust when deployed in harsh industrial conditions. They must be resistant to shock, vibration, water, extreme temperatures, corrosive air, and chemicals.
• Network Interfaces: OT devices can support networks such as LoRaWAN or WiSun, connecting Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices according to their purpose.
• Protocols: OT network devices connect IoT sensors and machines using communication protocols not typically used in existing IT networks. As a result, industrial networking products must support various protocols such as Modbus, Profinet, and CIP (Common Industrial Protocol).

Protecting OT infrastructure is key to enabling digital transformation across all industries. IT and OT professionals must work together to define trust zones, apply segmentation, and monitor endpoints to detect threats before it’s too late, necessitating an accurate view of connected assets, communication patterns, and network topologies.