IT/OT Convergence: Best Practices for Securing the Integration

The ongoing digital transformation of industry has blurred the lines between information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) networks. While this convergence drives efficiency and innovation, it also introduces new cybersecurity risks that demand a unified, strategic approach.

Historically, OT systems operated as isolated, air-gapped environments with minimal exposure to external threats. However, the integration of remote monitoring capabilities, cloud infrastructure, and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices has fundamentally transformed this landscape, creating connectivity pathways that expose industrial assets to IT-originated cyber threats. As IT/OT convergence has evolved, emerging technologies have expanded this integration into a comprehensive OT/IT/Cloud ecosystem, exemplified by cloud-based SCADA systems and Energy Management Systems (EMS). This expanded attack surface now enables threat actors to exploit IT vulnerabilities as entry points to pivot into OT environments, directly targeting critical infrastructure and industrial control systems.

The challenge occurs at two levels for cyber teams within the same organization: technical integration and cultural alignment. IT teams prioritize data security and rapid patching, while OT teams focus on uptime, safety, and legacy compatibility. Bridging this technical and cultural divide requires:

• Unified Security Policies: Establish cross-functional teams to develop security policies that address both IT and OT needs.

• Pseudo Endpoint Security: Much like IT assets which demand endpoint protection (such as AV and a host based firewall), OT assets require the same level of asset-oriented perspective but with careful attention to the unique constraints and challenges of OT assets.

• Network Segmentation: Implement robust segmentation to limit lateral movement between IT and OT networks.

• Continuous Monitoring: Deploy solutions that provide visibility into both environments, detecting anomalies and unauthorized access in real time.

• Incident Response Planning: Create joint response protocols to ensure coordinated action during security events.

At RubyComm, we have helped organizations navigate IT/OT convergence by developing tailored security architectures that respect operational requirements while mitigating emerging threats. Our experience shows that proactive integration is not just about technology—it’s about building trust and collaboration across teams.

About RubyComm: RubyComm delivers tailored operational technology (OT) cybersecurity solutions for industrial environments where standard products fall short. Based in Israel with a U.S. presence, we secure critical systems for industrial manufacturers, infrastructure operators, medical equipment providers, energy producers, and smart building managers. Our competitive advantage lies in creating customized security architectures that address the specific challenges conventional solutions cannot: functionality limitations in specialized settings, complex operational environments requiring precision approaches, prohibitive pricing structures, and technical expertise gaps within client organizations. Unlike one-size-fits-all offerings, RubyComm's solutions maintain operational efficiency while providing comprehensive protection, transforming security from a product purchase into a strategic partnership. Our team of specialists is strategically positioned to scale our proven methodology, meeting the rapidly growing demand for sophisticated OT security across vital sectors worldwide.