IT Security Solutions for IT/OT Integration: Identifying Gaps and Opportunities

Abstract

In the contemporary landscape of convergence between Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT), maintaining asset visibility within the Industrial Control Systems (ICS) infrastructure is paramount. Yet, the escalating targeting of legacy systems and air-gapped networks by cyber threats underscores the need for robust security measures and solutions to counter unauthorized access and malicious activities. This paper presents an analysis aimed at identifying gaps and opportunities in integrating IT Security Solutions with OT environments. These solutions offer comprehensive features such as real-time threat detection, asset identification, network monitoring, and incident response capabilities tailored specifically for the unique challenges posed by industrial control networks. Leveraging the Festo MPS 403–1 system as a case study, we delve into the intricacies of IT/ OT integration and highlight areas necessitating improvement to achieve seamless convergence and harness the advantages of unified systems across industries.