Bridging the IT/OT Gap: The Role of Cybersecurity Professionals
IT/OT convergence has been a hot topic in the cybersecurity industry for some time now. As more critical national infrastructure (CNI) becomes digitized, the lines between traditional IT networks and operational technology (OT) systems are blurring. This convergence creates new risks and challenges for cybersecurity professionals, as the attack surface of these systems expands and becomes more complex.
Over the past seven years, we’ve seen a significant increase in investment in CNI and OT cybersecurity. This has resulted in a much wider talent pool of cybersecurity professionals, particularly those with a background in industrial engineering. As more industrial control systems (ICS) become interconnected, the need for cybersecurity professionals who understand both IT and OT systems is growing.
Critical Skills for OT Cybersecurity
The transition from industrial engineering to OT cybersecurity is a natural one, as many of the skills required for both fields overlap. Industrial engineers have a deep understanding of how manufacturing and industrial processes work, as well as how to design, implement, and optimize these systems. These skills are highly transferable to the field of OT cybersecurity, where professionals need to understand how ICS systems work, how they are connected, and how to design and implement secure systems.
At the same time, cybersecurity professionals with a background in IT are also making the transition to OT cybersecurity. These professionals bring a deep understanding of IT systems and cybersecurity best practices, which can be invaluable when securing complex OT systems. However, they need to develop a deeper understanding of OT systems and the unique risks and challenges they present.
Innovative Cybersecurity Recruitment Company
As a cybersecurity recruitment agency, Iceberg understands the importance of having a diverse and talented pool of cybersecurity professionals to tackle the challenges of IT/OT convergence. That’s why we work closely with our clients to find the right candidates for their cybersecurity needs, whether they come from an industrial engineering or IT background.
By partnering with companies that are at the forefront of CNI and OT cybersecurity, we help ensure that our clients have the right talent in place to secure their critical infrastructure and protect against cyber threats.