Operational Technology environments face a distinct set of cybersecurity vulnerabilities, many of which stem from their age, design philosophy, and operational constraints. Unlike IT systems, which evolve rapidly and can be patched or upgraded frequently, OT infrastructures are often built to last for decades  prioritizing stability and reliability over adaptability.

• Legacy systems with limited security updates.
• Lack of encryption or authentication.
• Physical access often equates to system access.
• Protocols not designed for cybersecurity (e.g., Modbus, DNP3)