OT/ICS Security
Protecting industrial systems from cyber threats. From IEC 62443 audits and SCADA penetration testing to secure OT architecture design — comprehensive support for critical infrastructure.
Four Areas of OT Security
Audits, testing, architecture and incident response — a holistic approach to protecting industrial systems and critical infrastructure.
OT Audits & Compliance
Comprehensive industrial system security audits and compliance assessment against international standards. We identify OT security gaps without disrupting production processes.
OT Security Testing
Penetration testing and resilience assessment of industrial systems against cyber attacks. We use OT-specific methodologies that do not disrupt production processes.
Architecture & Design
Designing and building secure industrial network architecture. IT/OT segmentation, security zones and policies aligned with IEC 62443.
OT Incident Response
Preparing organizations for security incidents in industrial environments. Response plans, exercises and expert support for OT incident handling.
Why OT Security with nFlo?
- OT Specialization
We do not apply IT tools in industrial environments — we use dedicated OT methodologies and tools, because standard scanners can disrupt production processes
- Critical Sector Experience
We work with the energy, manufacturing, water utility and transportation sectors — so we understand the specific requirements and regulatory landscape of each industry
- Non-Invasive Approach
Production process safety is the priority — all tests and audits are conducted in a way that does not disrupt operational continuity
- IEC 62443 Compliance
Audits and architecture design aligned with the leading international standard for industrial automation and control system security
OT Systems Are Under Attack
Attacks on industrial infrastructure are increasing year over year. Unlike IT, the consequences of OT attacks can be physical — from production shutdowns to threats to human health and life.
- • 70% of industrial organizations have experienced an OT cyber attack
- • NIS2 requires securing OT systems in critical sectors
- • Average cost of an OT incident: over $2 million
What is OT Security?
OT (Operational Technology) security is the protection of industrial control systems — SCADA, PLC, DCS, HMI — from cyber threats. Unlike IT security, where data confidentiality is the priority, OT security focuses on system availability and the physical safety of processes. It encompasses IT/OT network segmentation, industrial traffic monitoring, vulnerability management and incident response in environments where downtime is measured in production losses and potential safety hazards.
Why Does OT Require a Separate Approach?
OT systems have fundamentally different requirements than IT: they operate continuously (24/7/365), use specific industrial protocols (Modbus, OPC UA, Profinet, DNP3), have long lifecycles (15-25 years) and often cannot be updated without planned downtime. Standard IT security tools — vulnerability scanners, antivirus systems — can disrupt industrial processes or damage sensitive PLC controllers. This is why OT security requires specialists who understand both cybersecurity and industrial processes.
How Much Does an OT Security Audit Cost?
Costs depend on scope and complexity of the industrial environment. OT/ICS security audit from €7,000. IEC 62443 compliance audit from €9,500. SCADA/ICS penetration testing from €8,500. OT security architecture design from €12,000. NIS2 compliance assessment for OT from €6,000. The cost of an audit is a fraction of the potential losses from production downtime or a security incident. Prices current as of 2026.
FAQ — OT/ICS Security
Answers to frequently asked questions about industrial system security
What is OT/ICS security?
OT/ICS (Operational Technology / Industrial Control Systems) security is a set of practices, technologies and processes that protect industrial control systems from cyber threats. It covers securing SCADA, PLC, DCS, RTU systems and industrial networks — because attacks on these systems can lead to physical damage to infrastructure, production downtime and threats to human safety. nFlo offers comprehensive OT security services tailored to the specific requirements of industrial sectors.
Why do OT systems require a different approach than IT?
OT systems differ from IT in several fundamental ways: the priority is availability and physical safety (not data confidentiality), systems often run 24/7 without the possibility of restart, they use specific protocols (Modbus, OPC UA, DNP3), and their lifecycle spans 15-25 years. Standard IT tools can disrupt industrial processes, which is why OT security requires specialized knowledge and dedicated testing methods that account for these constraints.
What is IEC 62443 and why does it matter?
IEC 62443 is an international series of standards for industrial automation and control system (IACS) security. It defines security requirements for operators, integrators and component manufacturers. The standard introduces the concept of security zones and conduits along with security levels (SL 1-4). It is essential because it provides the globally recognized framework for assessing and building OT security across all industrial sectors.
What does an OT security audit involve?
An OT security audit includes: asset inventory and industrial network mapping, IT/OT segmentation architecture assessment, device configuration analysis (PLC, SCADA, HMI), OT security policy and procedure review, compliance assessment against IEC 62443 or other industry standards, and vulnerability identification without interfering with production processes. The entire process is conducted non-invasively to ensure operational continuity.
Are OT penetration tests safe for production processes?
Yes, OT penetration tests conducted by nFlo are safe. We use OT-specific methodologies that account for the sensitivity of industrial systems. Testing begins in test environments and simulations, and in production environments we use only passive and non-invasive techniques. Before each test, we establish maintenance windows and emergency procedures with the client, because production process safety is always the top priority.
How does the NIS2 directive affect OT security?
The NIS2 directive extends cybersecurity obligations to critical sectors that use OT systems: energy, transport, water, manufacturing and digital infrastructure. Entities must implement risk management covering OT systems, report incidents within 24 hours and ensure supply chain security. nFlo helps organizations meet NIS2 requirements in the context of industrial systems and operational technology environments.
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