OT cybersecurity protects industrial control systems , PLCs, SCADA, MES , that were never designed to be connected to external networks, where a breach causes physical production consequences, not just data loss.
Definition
Cybersecurity in operational technology (OT) refers to the practices, systems, and policies that protect industrial control systems , PLCs, SCADA, DCS, MES , from cyber threats. OT environments were historically air-gapped from IT networks, so security was not designed in. As manufacturers connect these systems to enterprise IT and the internet, they expose legacy infrastructure that was never built to be defended. The consequences of an OT breach are physical: production halts, safety incidents, and equipment damage.
What this means when you're hiring
OT cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing specialist areas in manufacturing hiring, and the talent supply is nowhere near the demand. Most IT security professionals don't understand industrial protocols, real-time control requirements, or the consequences of patching a PLC incorrectly. Most OT engineers understand the systems but not the threat landscape. Candidates who bridge both , ideally with IEC 62443 knowledge and hands-on SCADA security experience , are rare and expensive. I typically see £90K+ for mid-level OT security engineers in the UK market.
Where candidates get this wrong
The most dangerous misconception is that air-gapping provides adequate protection. It doesn't , USB drives, contractor laptops, and remote access for vendor support all create vectors that bypass physical isolation. Another one is that standard IT security tools can be applied directly to OT environments. Intrusion detection systems that block traffic can shut down production; patch management cycles that work in IT are often impossible in OT where downtime windows are extremely limited.
How expectations change by level
CISO-level OT security candidates need to understand regulatory frameworks (IEC 62443, NIST CSF, NIS2) and be able to build the business case for OT security investment to a board that often still doesn't perceive cyber as a manufacturing risk. At practitioner level, I want specific experience with OT-native security tools , Claroty, Dragos, Nozomi , and a track record of implementing security without disrupting production. This is not the place for theoretical knowledge.
Related Platforms
Related Roles
Ready to hire in MES or Industry 4.0?
We specialise exclusively in manufacturing software and digital transformation leadership. 250+ critical hires delivered.