Cracking the Code Pt. 1: Overcoming OT and IT Communication Gaps

Read full article here: https://corsha.com/blog/cracking-the-code-unraveling-ot-to-it-communication-challenges-and-solutions/?source=nhimg

Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) are converging rapidly under Industry 4.0. This integration drives efficiency and innovation but also exposes enterprises to new risks. OT systems manage physical processes (ICS, SCADA, PLCs), while IT systems manage data, analytics, and digital workflows. When connected, they enable predictive maintenance, real-time decision-making, and full supply chain visibility. But bridging these two domains creates significant security challenges.

Why It Matters

Historically, OT and IT ran in silos. Now, as manufacturers, energy providers, healthcare, and transportation operators connect industrial systems with digital platforms, new attack surfaces are emerging. Legacy protocols, static credentials, and lack of standards make OT-to-IT links vulnerable. Threat actors can exploit these weak points to move laterally, disrupt operations, or compromise critical infrastructure.

The Challenges

• Legacy Infrastructure - Outdated OT equipment often lacks modern security features.
• Identity Gaps - Machine identities, service accounts, and APIs often lack MFA or strong governance.
• Real-Time Constraints - Securing latency-sensitive OT processes without disrupting uptime is complex.
• Visibility Issues - Nested groups, hidden permissions, and scattered logs limit full oversight.
• Standardization Deficit - OT lacks uniform frameworks for identity and access governance.

Key Solutions

To secure OT-to-IT communication, enterprises need a layered strategy:

• Dynamic Identity & Access Management - Apply MFA and continuous verification to machine-to-machine and API communications.
• Segmentation & Segregation - Limit lateral movement with network segmentation and micro-perimeters.
• Security by Design - Bake controls into OT modernization projects instead of bolting them on later.
• Real-Time Detection - Deploy monitoring that can identify and respond to anomalies without disrupting operations.
• Pragmatic Migration - Use “no-code change” solutions to retrofit modern cyber controls into legacy OT enclaves.

How Corsha Helps

Corsha extends Zero Trust to APIs and machine identities, bringing proven MFA principles into OT and industrial environments. Its dynamic, fully automated API MFA enables:

• Secure, API-only connections across OT/IT boundaries.
• Protection against machine-to-machine exploits like credential stuffing or MITM.
• Dynamic machine identities for better observability and least-privilege access.
• Drop-in connectors that work with legacy and modern OT systems alike.
  

Bottom Line

The convergence of OT and IT is inevitable and essential for modern industrial competitiveness. But without identity-first security and strong governance, it also introduces unacceptable risks. By adopting solutions like Corsha’s dynamic machine identity MFA, organizations can unlock the benefits of hyper-connected operations while reducing the risks of breaches, lateral movement, and downtime.