August 8, 2025
Ever wonder what would happen if the machines that make your products suddenly stopped because of a cyberattack?
For many business owners, operational technology (OT) appears to be a concern only for large manufacturers. But in today’s connected world, any business using smart devices or automated systems is exposed to OT-related cyber risks.
In fact, 64% of manufacturers already run an OT security platform, and another 32% plan to deploy one, according to recent industry data. That shows that these aren’t just industrial concerns. They’ve become mainstream business threats.
Considering the scenario, here is what every entrepreneur, CEO, or business operator should know about protecting their connected equipment. Dive into the article!
Most business leaders understand IT security. It protects data, emails, servers, and cloud systems. OT cybersecurity, on the other hand, protects physical equipment that runs operations.
While IT systems focus on safeguarding information, OT systems are built to keep machines and processes running. If those machines fail, you don’t just lose data, you lose output, revenue, and possibly employee safety.
The challenge? Many OT systems were built decades ago. They often use outdated software and hardware that can’t be patched or upgraded easily. What seems like a simple update for IT can take weeks of planning in an OT environment. And that is why attackers often use the less protected IT side to breach OT.
Investing in OT security does not just help avoid disaster. Along with that, it can actually improve your operations. Additionally, the right security helps prevent downtime. It can protect product quality and keep customers and partners confident in your reliability.
Getting started doesn’t require a massive overhaul. You can start small:
If you’re unsure where to begin or want expert guidance, companies like TXOne Networks offer hands-on support and tailored solutions to help you build a solid OT cybersecurity foundation. Ultimately, remember that you don’t need to implement everything at once. Even gradual improvements can significantly reduce your cyber risk.
You don’t have to run a factory to rely on OT. It is already around you. Your smart thermostat, lighting automation, kitchen appliances, or medical devices? Those are forms of operational technology. Whether you run a restaurant, a clinic, or a retail store, connected systems are probably embedded in your daily operations.
In fact, a 2025 report shows that 30% of manufacturers rank cyber risk among their top external threats. And the risks are not hypothetical. The Colonial Pipeline attack in 2021 disrupted a major fuel supply. A similar attack on Norsk Hydro in 2019 led to tens of millions in recovery costs. The takeaway is simple: Every business with connected devices is at risk.
It’s not always a sophisticated hack that compromises your systems. Sometimes, all it takes is one overlooked software update, a weak password, or a misplaced click to expose your network. In fact, over 90% of cyberattacks still begin with a simple phishing email.
But attackers don’t stop at stealing credentials, they move laterally across networks, tampering with control systems, data flows, or even halting production entirely. This kind of disruption can cost millions in downtime, lost trust, or even physical damage to equipment.
Here’s how to reduce your risk:
Rather than waiting for something to go wrong, adopt a “zero trust” mindset, assume every access request or new connection could be a threat until verified.
Your business might not look like a traditional factory. But if you use connected systems, you have real cyber risks to manage.
Cybercriminals do not care what industry you are in. They care about access. That access might come from your billing system. It might come from a smart fridge. Or it might be from a phishing email that no one expected.
So, to prevent your business, start simple. Know what is connected. Segment your systems and educate your team. Use expert resources to guide you. Ultimately, you don’t need to be a tech expert. You just need to be prepared. And in today’s environment, being prepared is one of the smartest business decisions you can make.
IT cybersecurity focuses on protecting data, networks, and servers, dealing with information confidentiality and integrity. In contrast, OT cybersecurity is concerned with protecting physical machinery and industrial control systems, prioritising operational availability and safety to prevent physical disruption.
Even small businesses use Operational Technology. This can include smart security cameras, automated lighting, point-of-sale systems, or even smart thermostats. A cyberattack on these connected devices could disrupt your daily operations, compromise physical security, or create a pathway into your main IT network.
You can begin by creating an inventory of all your connected operational devices. A great next step is to separate your business network from the network your smart equipment uses. Also, ensure you have secure remote access protocols, like multi-factor authentication, in place for any device that needs it.
A “zero trust” mindset means you do not automatically trust any device or user, whether they are inside or outside your network. Every access request must be verified before granting entry. This approach helps prevent attackers from moving freely across your systems if they manage to breach one area.
If you are unsure where to start, seeking guidance from cybersecurity specialists is a wise move. Experts can help you assess your specific risks and build a practical security foundation. Consulting with trusted advisors like the team at Robinwaite can provide clarity and a clear path forward.
