Tag Archives: operational technology

Military Theatres and Battlefield Tech: Archetypal OT, Misgoverned as ICT

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This article examines how military theatres, battlefield systems, and drone technologies are quintessential Operational Technology (OT) environments, yet are often mismanaged under traditional ICT frameworks. It highlights the real-time, cyber-physical, and life-critical nature of defence systems, and argues for a shift toward mission-aware OT security governance to prevent strategic and kinetic failures.

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Theatres of Risk: Rethinking Cybersecurity in Healthcare as Operational Technology, Not IT

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This article argues that medical theatres and hospital systems should be treated as Operational Technology (OT) environments rather than traditional IT. It highlights how flat networks, embedded legacy systems, and an overwhelming focus on availability over security create critical vulnerabilities. The piece calls for a shift in governance, risk modelling, and procurement practices to align with the cyber-physical realities of modern healthcare infrastructure.

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Environments That Are Actually OT (But Often Misclassified as IT)

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This article identifies and evaluates real-world environments that function as Operational Technology (OT) systems but are typically treated as standard IT infrastructure. It outlines the cyber-physical risks of this misclassification and calls for a shift in risk posture, governance, and tooling to reflect the real operational realities of these spaces.

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Understanding OT: Operational Technology in Context

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This article defines Operational Technology (OT) as distinct from traditional IT, highlighting its core characteristics, such as real-time control, safety-critical processes, long-lifecycle assets, and minimal security by design. It is the first in a short series of articles that argues that failure to recognise OT environments as such leads to systemic cybersecurity blind spots, particularly in sectors like healthcare, logistics, and building management.

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IT: Plumbing or Business Development?

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This article explores the dual role of IT in organisations, balancing foundational “plumbing” functions with innovative business development. It discusses Gartner’s bimodal IT framework, highlighting the operational stability provided by Mode 1 and the experimental growth enabled by Mode 2. Topics such as cost centres versus profit centres, cybersecurity investment, and the integration of IT and OT are examined to underline the necessity of a balanced approach. The conclusion emphasises the importance of aligning these roles for operational efficiency and strategic growth.

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