manufacturing facility with engineer overseeing automated systems

Most manufacturers believe their biggest security risk lives in their IT systems.

Email. Laptops. Servers. File storage.

But in reality, the biggest risk often sits somewhere else, quietly running the production floor.

That’s where OT (Operational Technology) comes in.

Understanding the difference between IT vs OT security in manufacturing is critical, because many organizations protect one while unintentionally exposing the other.

What Is IT Security in Manufacturing?

IT security focuses on traditional business systems, such as:

  • Employee computers and laptops

  • Email systems

  • Servers and cloud infrastructure

  • Business applications

  • Corporate networks

Most manufacturers already invest here. Firewalls, antivirus tools, and user access controls are common.

And that’s good, but it’s only half the picture.

What Is OT Security?

OT systems control physical processes. In manufacturing, this includes:

  • Production machinery

  • PLCs and control systems

  • Industrial networks

  • Sensors and automated equipment

  • SCADA systems

These systems were designed for reliability and uptime, not modern cyber threats.

Many were never meant to be connected to corporate networks yet today, they often are.

Where Manufacturers Get It Wrong

The most common issue we see isn’t a lack of security tools.

It’s assuming IT security automatically protects OT environments.

Here’s what usually happens:

  • IT systems are locked down

  • Production systems are left exposed

  • No clear ownership between IT and operations

  • Vendors connect remotely without proper controls

  • Security visibility stops at the office network

From leadership’s perspective, everything “looks secure.”

From an attacker’s perspective, it’s an open door.

Why OT Security Is a Growing Risk

Manufacturing has become a prime target for cyber attacks for one simple reason:

Downtime pressure.

Attackers know that:

  • Stopping production creates urgency

  • Delays cost real money quickly

  • Manufacturers are more likely to pay to resume operations

OT systems often run on older technology, making them harder to patch and easier to exploit.

The Real Impact of OT Security Gaps

When OT security is overlooked, the consequences are serious:

  • Production lines shut down

  • Safety risks increase

  • Equipment can be damaged

  • Delivery deadlines are missed

  • Contracts and customer trust are impacted

This isn’t just an IT problem.
It’s an operational and financial risk.

Bridging the Gap Between IT and OT

Strong manufacturing security requires alignment, not separation.

That means:

  • Visibility across both IT and production environments

  • Controlled access between networks

  • Clear ownership and accountability

  • Monitoring that doesn’t disrupt operations

  • Planning for incidents before they happen

Security has to support uptime not fight against it.

Why This Matters for Manufacturing Leaders

Executives often ask one key question:

“Are we actually protected, or do we just think we are?”

If IT and OT security aren’t addressed together, the answer is usually unclear.

That uncertainty becomes dangerous when something goes wrong.

Manufacturing IT Services Built for Operations

Manufacturers don’t need more tools.
They need clarity, structure, and accountability.

Modern manufacturing IT services focus on:

  • Protecting both business and production systems

  • Reducing downtime risk

  • Improving visibility for leadership

  • Supporting compliance and audits

When IT and OT are aligned, security becomes a business enabler, not a roadblock.

Learn more about manufacturing IT services built for uptime and security.

Final Thought

The biggest mistake manufacturers make isn’t ignoring security.

It’s assuming one side of the environment speaks for the whole.

Understanding IT vs OT security in manufacturing is the first step toward protecting production, revenue, and long-term stability.