OT Cybersecurity — When Physical Systems Get Hacked
What is Operational Technology? Operational Technology (OT) refers to hardware and software that monitors and controls physical devices — power grids, water treatment plants, factory floors, hospital systems. Unlike IT (Information Technology) which manages data, OT manages physical processes. When an IT system is hacked, data is stolen. When an OT system is hacked, physical consequences follow — machines break, power goes out, or in extreme cases, explosions occur. The Lebanon Pager Incident — A Wake-Up Call The 2024 Lebanon pager incident was a stark reminder that physical devices connected to any network are potential attack surfaces. This wasn’t just a “cyber attack” — it was a supply-chain compromise with kinetic effects. ...