C h a p t e r 4
CONVERGENCE OF IT & OT
NETWORKS
Traditionally, computer-based networks
consist of two distinct areas of
technology: information technology (IT)
and operational technology (OT). Now, as
technology has evolved, the industry is
starting to see a convergence of IT and
OT—a change that is bringing some new
security considerations.
In general, IT refers to the storage and
processing of data within a network and
is largely concerned with non-time-critical
infrastructure. On the other hand, OT
refers to the use of technology to control
and monitor physical processes, such as
the automation of a factory. Historically,
these two areas have existed separately,
but today, the proliferation of data and
connected devices has made it such
that IT and OT are becoming virtually
inseparable.
While allowing for greater data
accessibility and new functionality for
embedded systems, the convergence
of IT and OT also introduces some
interesting challenges surrounding
security for these systems.
One security challenge that comes with
the convergence of IT and OT is an
increased attack surface. As these two
seemingly disparate systems have come
together to form one larger system, a
The convergence of IT/OT simply
means the merging/overlap of the
two realms, which traditionally
have been separate. The IT systems
are now able to reach and access
OT systems, obtaining more data in
more areas."
Shawn Meng
Senior Program Manager, System Engineer, Garmin
19
Embedded Security: Keeping Edge Data Safe
