Why IT/OT convergence is becoming a cyber-security challenge

For years, operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) existed largely in separate worlds. Industrial control systems, manufacturing equipment and critical infrastructure were often isolated from corporate networks, limiting their exposure to cyber-threats.

Driven by digital transformation initiatives, organisations are increasingly connecting OT environments to IT systems to enable remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, real-time analytics and greater operational efficiency. While the benefits are significant, the convergence of IT and OT is creating new cyber-security challenges that many organisations are still struggling to address. According to IoT Analytics, IT/OT convergence is one of the most important trends shaping OT security strategies in 2026, but it is also expanding the attack surface available to attackers.

The challenge is that OT systems were never designed with modern cyber-threats in mind. Many industrial environments continue to rely on legacy equipment that prioritises availability and safety over security. Once connected to wider networks, those systems can become accessible through attack paths that did not previously exist.

The growing threat is reflected in recent attack data. Research cited by NCC Group found that industrial organisations experienced more than 2,000 ransomware incidents between April 2025 and March 2026, making them one of the most targeted sectors globally. Security experts warn that organisations often focus heavily on IT security while leaving OT environments comparatively exposed.

For security teams, the issue is no longer simply protecting two separate environments. IT and OT increasingly share data, applications and network connectivity. That means a compromise in an IT environment can potentially provide a pathway into operational systems, creating risks that extend beyond data loss to production disruption, safety incidents and operational downtime.

As a result, many organisations are rethinking their security architectures. Zero-trust principles, network segmentation and greater visibility across both IT and OT environments are becoming priorities. IoT Analytics reports that organisations are increasingly adopting micro-segmentation and hybrid security models designed specifically to manage converged environments.

The convergence of IT and OT is delivering clear business benefits, but it is also changing the cyber-risk landscape. For CISOs, the challenge is no longer securing the office network and the factory floor separately. It is securing the growing connections between them.