Cybersecurity in OT: Practical, Smart and Future-proof
Imagine: you install a process automation system today that has to last at least 10, 15, or even 30 years. But how do you keep those systems safe, now and in the future? Especially when you know that some components – such as Windows platforms – are already “legacy” after three to five years and are no longer supported?
Recognizable OT challenges
- Legacy equipment: How do you protect systems that have been running for years and cannot simply be replaced?
- Short support cycles: Control systems that become obsolete faster than your process installation.
- Expensive IT solutions: Investing in monitoring tools that mainly show that you have been hacked, but do not really protect your process.
- IT solutions in an OT jacket: Solutions that do not match the practice of process automation.
Why Traditional IT Solutions Don't Work for OT
In the IT world, everything revolves around data security and users. In OT (Operational Technology), it revolves around continuity of your process. An update in the office? No problem. But an update on your process installation? That can easily bring your business processes to a standstill – with all the consequences that entails.
Moreover, threats do not only come via IT. Look at recent cyber attacks: they often come in via suppliers, employees or updates. Ransomware is getting smarter, hackers are getting more creative. Relying on IT monitoring alone is simply not enough.
Zero Trust: nice in theory, difficult in practice
“Zero Trust” sounds good – no one gets access without permission. But how do you apply that to a 2005 PLC (Programmable Logic Controller)? Replacing everything is not feasible, both in terms of time and budget. Yet many companies continue to opt for IT solutions that were not designed for OT – and time and time again we see that it doesn’t work.
What does work then?
We understand that you don't change everything overnight. You want to work on more safety step by step, without endangering the process. That's why we offer cybersecurity solutions that are specially developed for process automation. Our approach:
- Protects legacy and new equipment – without having to replace everything immediately.
- Makes updates less risky – you don’t have to update everything at once, but can activate functionalities in phases.
- No surprises – you don’t pay extra for more functionality, and our solutions are easy to integrate and manage.
- Grows with you – you determine the pace and steps yourself, so that your organization and your people can get used to the new way of working.
Building trust together
We believe that true cybersecurity starts with trust: in your colleagues, your processes and the chosen solutions. By working together and sharing knowledge, we build step by step on a safe and future-proof process automation.
Curious about how we can protect your process, now and in the future?
Let's see together how we can make your process automation smarter and safer - now and in the future. Contact us for a free consultation or a customized workshop!
MODELEC knows how to connect, because Your OT Network is Our Expertise!
Nederlands