Digital Safety versus Cybersecurity – What’s the difference? 

Information technology (IT) environments are focused on security, whereas operational technology (OT) environments are focused on safety.

The evolution of cybersecurity for industrial & manufacturing environments has brought us into the realm of “Digital Safety.” There are many reasons Digital Safety should be on your radar, especially as it relates to the utilization of OT on the plant floor. At Velta Technology, we see and address the inherent vulnerabilities of OT, industrial internet of things (IIoT), and industrial control system (ICS) equipment every day. Whether it’s a malicious intrusion, human error, or another type of irregular activity, cyber vulnerabilities remain a top business risk that is no longer solely in the IT domain.

This runs counter to an all-too-common misconception that IT departments have this area covered. This is not the case and can put industrial assets and your business at risk, while potentially jeopardizing plant floor production.

The term “cybersecurity” does not fully capture the vulnerabilities digital assets face in today’s production or critical infrastructure environments. We’re living in a new world where IT addresses traditional cybersecurity needs to protect the integrity of office computer systems, whereas the threats to OT must be addressed uniquely. This is why it’s important to address machine integrity and monitor remote access points – to create awareness of potential disruptions and reduce unplanned OT system downtime.

With more than 100 years of combined OT/IT industrial, enterprise & C-suite experience, Velta Technology offers technology tools, solutions and services that enhance your Digital Safety. Our end-to-end protections harden digital platforms, enable continuous monitoring and secure remote access. Our collaborative approach includes continuous improvement methodology to further protect from environmental and human harm, and utilizes best practices established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to identify, protect, detect, respond, and recover.

If your business is involved with manufacturing, petroleum refining, critical infrastructure, food & beverage, automotive, pulp & paper or pharmaceuticals, Velta Technology can help improve your Digital Safety posture and ensure the most comprehensive cyber protections for your digital assets and safety.

Take steps now to Get Safer Sooner. Follow Velta Technology on LinkedIn, where we share practical advice and expert insight around Digital Safety for OT and critical infrastructure environments. You may also explore our website for more helpful information about immediate steps you can take to improve your Digital Safety posture, including our tabletop exercise and connected devices vulnerability (CDV) Index.