Operational Technology, often abbreviated as OT, refers to the combination of hardware and software systems that monitor, control, and automate physical processes in industrial environments:

OT environments are characterized by long equipment lifecycles, proprietary or legacy protocols prioritizing determinism over built-in security, limited bandwidth, and extremely low tolerance for downtime—features that drive a distinct security posture compared with IT.

• OT refers to hardware and software that monitors and controls physical devices and processes.
• Common in industries such as manufacturing, energy, water, transportation.
• Focused on availability, safety, and real-time operations.