Industrial facilities, power plants, and transportation systems run on operational technology (OT) – the specialized hardware and software that monitor and control physical processes. These systems were once isolated, but the rise of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has connected them to corporate networks and the broader internet.
As a result, attackers now see factories and pipelines as attractive targets. A single exploit can stop production lines, cause machinery to overheat, or contaminate drinking water. Research cited by Fortinet shows that more than 90 % of organisations operating OT systems have experienced at least one damaging security event within two years.
This growing threat has created an urgent need for professionals who understand both cybersecurity and industrial operations. Unfortunately, there aren’t enough of them. The OT security skills gap is a major concern for companies that want to modernise safely. This article examines the reasons behind the shortage, highlights what makes the field unique, and outlines how professionals can build successful careers in this emerging space.
Why the Shortage?
Several factors contribute to the scarcity of OT security specialists:
- Different priorities: IT focuses on data confidentiality and privacy, whereas OT prioritises safety and availability. Many cybersecurity experts are trained in IT OT security to protect email servers and web applications, not to keep turbines spinning.
- Legacy systems: Industrial devices run on proprietary firmware and may operate for decades. They cannot be patched or updated as easily as laptops, requiring knowledge of legacy protocols.
- Hidden discipline: Until recently, OT cybersecurity was handled quietly within engineering departments. As incidents become more visible, companies realise the need for dedicated roles but struggle to find candidates with the right blend of skills.
- Slow training pipeline: Universities rarely offer coursework that covers both control systems and cybersecurity. Engineers often learn about threats on the job, but this takes time and leaves organisations vulnerable.
Core Competencies for OT Security Roles
What makes an effective OT cyber security professional? To begin with, you must grasp what is OT security – the practice of protecting industrial control systems and the physical processes they manage from digital threats. As experts at TXOne Networks often emphasize, OT devices run on proprietary software and are notoriously difficult to patch, which means defending them requires a different mindset than safeguarding desktops or corporate servers.
Once that foundation is clear, several other competencies come into play:
- Understanding industrial processes: It’s not enough to know network protocols; you must understand how machines operate, what normal behaviour looks like, and how a cyber incident could affect safety.
- Risk assessment: Professionals need to evaluate how a vulnerability could disrupt production. This means understanding the potential costs of downtime and how to prioritise fixes based on safety and financial impact.
- Communication: OT cyber security teams work closely with plant managers, electricians, and IT staff. Translating complex risks into actionable recommendations requires strong interpersonal skills.
- Regulatory compliance: Many industries – from pharmaceuticals to energy – have strict regulations governing safety and security. Specialists must interpret and apply standards like IEC 62443.
- Resilience engineering: Because unplanned downtime is so costly, OT environments often favour strategies that reduce risk rather than constant patching. Designing compensating controls, network segmentation, and continuous monitoring solutions is crucial.
Building the Talent Pipeline
How can companies and individuals address the shortage? Here are some ideas:
- Cross‑train existing staff: Electricians and mechanical engineers can learn basic cybersecurity principles, while IT analysts can gain exposure to industrial protocols. Short courses and internal workshops are a practical starting point.
- Partner with universities and trade schools: Collaborate on curricula that combine control systems, cybersecurity, and safety engineering. Offer internships that expose students to real‑world OT environments.
- Encourage certifications: Programmes like Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional (GICSP) or Certified SCADA Security Architect (CSSA) help professionals demonstrate competence in this niche field.
- Mentoring and shadowing: Pair new recruits with seasoned OT engineers. Observing how experts troubleshoot equipment builds intuition that textbooks can’t provide.
A Roadmap for Career Seekers
For those considering a career shift or just starting out, many OT security solution offers a rewarding path. Here’s how to get started:
- Build the basics → Strengthen your foundation in networking and cybersecurity. Learn protocols like Ethernet/IP, Modbus, and DNP3, plus key systems such as PLCs and HMIs.
- Get hands-on → Internships at utilities or manufacturing plants provide real-world context. Even facility maintenance experience can sharpen your understanding of how machines operate.
- Earn certifications → Credentials like GICSP or ISA/IEC 62443 signal specialized expertise and boost credibility.
- Stay updated → The field evolves quickly. Follow emerging threats, new standards, and tools like digital twins or predictive maintenance.
Conclusion
Industrial operators can no longer afford to treat security as an afterthought. The convergence of IT and OT has exposed factories and utilities to the same cyber risks that office networks face, while the complexity and longevity of industrial systems demand specialised expertise. By closing the OT security skills gap through training, recruitment, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, organisations can protect critical operations and create rewarding career opportunities. For professionals who enjoy solving real-world problems, OT security offers both impact and long-term growth.