OT Environments – security with runZero and full visibility

OT environments are the heart of industry and critical infrastructure. This is where PLC controllers, SCADA systems, and automation devices manage production, energy, transportation, and water. Unlike traditional IT, which works with data, OT environments manage physical processes. That’s why a failure means more than just downtime—it often affects people’s safety and the continuity of entire organizations. Solutions such as runZero help organizations regain visibility in this area and safely identify every element of the OT environment.

Why are OT environments so sensitive?

Many devices in OT environments were designed a dozen or even several decades ago. They were built to operate in isolated networks, often based on serial lines, and only later adapted to TCP/IP. Their characteristics include:

• limited computing power,

• infrequent or no updates,

• an expected operating lifetime of 10–20 years without interruption.

This may sound stable, but there’s another side of the coin. Today, more and more OT environments are connected to IT networks and the internet. In practice, this means that protocols created decades ago are becoming vulnerable to modern threats.

Myths about OT environments

The most common myth? That OT environments are “too fragile to monitor.” This is not true. Their fragility is precisely the reason why they must be observed more carefully and cautiously. Ignoring this area is a recipe for disaster—from halted production to a blackout in the power grid.

How to safely discover OT environments

Security in OT environments is not about aggressive scanning. It follows a completely different philosophy than IT. Here, respect for the systems and precision in action matter most. Four rules are worth remembering:

• Start with protocols. Modbus and DNP3 have their own identification functions. Use them instead of “firing” random requests.

• Work at your own pace. Limit scanning speed and leave time between queries.

• Look at the big picture. Not only PLCs are sensitive—routers, switches, and firewalls are as well.

• Avoid recklessness. Testing unknown protocols or running mass scans at full wire speed doesn’t show accuracy—it shows irresponsibility.

Why visibility in OT environments is crucial

OT environments are increasingly becoming targets of attacks. However, even if they are not directly attacked, ordinary internet traffic can still cause outages. Visibility and control over this area are not optional—they are a necessity.

With the right tools, it is now possible to safely:

• identify devices in OT environments,

• detect vulnerabilities and exposure,

• monitor the age and condition of devices,

• create a modernization and security plan for the infrastructure.

Summary

OT environments are the foundation of industry and critical infrastructure. Their fragility cannot be an excuse to leave them off the cybersecurity radar. On the contrary, it is precisely why they demand the greatest attention, diligence, and well-chosen tools.

Watch the recording

Want to explore the topic in more depth? In the webcast recording, you’ll find:

• an analysis of why OT technology is so fragile and how it got this way,

• unique guidance on managing sensitive OT environments, including hard-learned lessons and best practices,

• an overview of runZero’s approach to OT environments—featuring research into protocols such as Modbus, DNP3, and more,

• a review of safe techniques for active discovery and exposure detection in OT environments.