About a Decade Ago, Cybersecurity Was Not a Priority for Manufacturers
Today, with the rise of connected and automated factories, industrial machines and infrastructure are exposed to cyber‑attacks that can halt production and cause heavy financial losses. Protecting Operational Technology (OT) equipment—the systems that keep production lines running—has become essential, as has coordinating this security with traditional IT systems. Vigilance from both teams and senior management is now indispensable to guarantee business continuity and the safety of industrial processes.
The Press – Cybersecurity Has Historically Been Synonymous With IT Security
But since the internet, automation and, now, artificial intelligence have permeated every corner of industry—including the smallest plants and production units—securing machines and industrial infrastructure has turned into a major concern for manufacturers.
A disruption of a production process can be fatal for an industrial company: shutdowns, financial losses, and even damage to the company’s reputation. The repercussions of a malicious attack targeting OT equipment and industrial control systems can be severe. With the migration toward Industry 4.0 (the smart industry), production units have become more exposed, and threats are more persistent and omnipresent.
“In industry, OT security is a race against time. As hackers become better equipped and smarter, cybersecurity techniques evolve and strengthen. You must always be ready to respond,” said Asma Ben Amor, director at a cybersecurity‑solutions provider, in a statement to La Presse.
Interviewed on the sidelines of the Maghreb cybersecurity exhibition Cybersecurity and Cloud Expo (CMCC), the expert returned to the challenges of OT security in the era of Industry 4.0. “OT security concerns the industrial world. It’s not only about factories, but also about all physical infrastructures linked to automation, processes, or production lines,” she added.
A Necessary Convergence Between IT and OT Security
According to the interviewee, safeguarding this industrial component is crucial because any disturbance of the production chain has a considerable impact.
“Unlike IT, where a system or application outage can often be resolved within a few minutes, OT interruptions—whether a production line, a PLC, or a protocol—can have multiple consequences, even tarnishing a company’s brand image,” she explained.
For these reasons, securing OT equipment carries special importance, she emphasized, highlighting the need for a convergence between IT and OT security. Such convergence would, in her view, ensure the longevity of industrial systems and processes.
She also noted that with the advent of the fifth industrial revolution, which integrates AI, the debate on cybersecurity must expand to the era of Industry 5.0, even though this new wave has not yet fully arrived at our doors.
“Today, many industries already meet Industry 4.0 standards. Machines are connected. The challenge now is how to link IT and OT infrastructures. This requires a common governance model that guarantees effective security. Skills exist, but what’s missing is solid governance and heightened awareness among manufacturers. Top‑management commitment to security issues is paramount,” said Imen Nabli, commercial director at a digital‑and‑cloud solutions provider, to La Presse.
Cloud Adoption in the Industrial Sector
When asked about cloud usage in industry, the respondent noted that two years ago adoption was still tentative. Today it is accelerating, but not yet at the pace desired by the sector. According to her, increased agility and a refocus on core business are among the benefits of this transition.
“The cloud allows us to pool investments in IT security, reaching critical mass that lets multiple industries benefit from advanced technologies while optimizing costs,” she added.
Key Takeaways
- OT security is now as critical as IT security for preventing costly production stoppages and protecting brand reputation.
- Converging IT and OT governance is essential to sustain Industry 4.0 and prepare for Industry 5.0.
- Executive leadership and awareness are the main drivers for effective cybersecurity strategies in manufacturing.
- Cloud adoption offers a path to shared security investments, greater agility, and cost efficiency, though its uptake in the industrial realm still lags behind expectations.
This article was originally published in French by La Presse and has been translated into English for an international audience.
