Software

SALT AND PEPPER: Why companies should invest in protecting their industrial systems now

March 13, 2025. Production and manufacturing companies are increasingly being targeted by cyber attacks. While IT security is well established in many companies, the protection of operational technology (OT) often remains inadequate. We show why OT security should now be a top priority and what measures companies can take to protect themselves.

Photo: SALT AND PEPPER

Why OT security is more critical than ever

Cyber criminals have increasingly recognized industrial control systems (ICS) and machines as targets for attacks. The consequences of successful attacks range from production downtime and sabotage to significant financial losses. Particularly dangerous: many OT systems were originally designed for isolated networks and are not prepared for modern threat scenarios.

“The risks for production companies are increasing enormously. Without adequate OT security measures, there is a risk of production downtime and long-term reputational damage,” explains our Head of IT Infrastructure & Software Engineering Thomas Pause.

Best practices for a robust OT security strategy

In order to effectively protect industrial systems, companies should implement the following best practices:

Network segmentation: Separation of IT and OT networks to reduce attack surfaces.
Access management: Strict control and authentication of all users and systems.
Regular security updates: Patches and security measures must also be implemented for older machines.
Real-time monitoring: Continuous monitoring and early detection of anomalies.
Employee training: Raising awareness of cyber threats and establishing a strong security culture.

“Many companies are aware of the threat, but lack clear security guidelines and continuous measures. OT security is not a one-off task, but an ongoing process,” continues Thomas.

Financial impact of a lack of OT security

The figures from a study conducted by the digital association Bitkom in autumn 2024 are alarming: 81% of the German companies surveyed stated that they had been victims of theft, industrial espionage or sabotage in the last 12 months. The estimated total loss amounts to 267 billion euros, an increase of 29% compared to the previous year. Two thirds of companies feel that their existence is threatened by the increase in cyber attacks.

“Every day that a production plant is at a standstill costs companies immense sums of money. These risks can be minimized through proactive OT security measures,” emphasizes Thomas.
We support companies with tailor-made security concepts to protect production facilities from cyber threats in the long term.

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