EDITOR ’ S QUESTION
The convergence of IT and OT offers significant opportunities for innovation and increased efficiency , such as system integration , emerging technologies and the development of new business models . System integration , such as energy management , Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition ( SCDA ) systems and data analytics solutions , along with the exploration of technologies such as the Internet of Things ( IoT ), Artificial Intelligence ( AI ), Machine Learning ( ML ) and Blockchain , has the potential to enhance existing processes significantly .
The convergence of IT and OT offers significant opportunities for innovation and increased efficiency , such as system integration , emerging technologies and the development of new business models .
However , IT and OT integration also brings significant challenges to information security . One of the main problems is the increased attack surface and cybersecurity risks .
For example , hacking into power plant systems and smart meters can result in vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit . It can lead to power supply interruptions and compromise consumers ’ privacy .
We must adopt a proactive approach to managing cybersecurity risks to address these challenges effectively . It involves developing and implementing solid information security policies and procedures to ensure the integrity , availability and confidentiality of critical data and systems .
Additionally , it is essential to regularly conduct risk assessments to identify and prioritize areas that require substantial protection and attention . security by requiring users to provide two types of credentials to access a system , such as a password and a code sent to their mobile phone .
Network segmentation is another crucial security measure as it separates critical networks from less critical ones , making it more difficult for intruders to access and move within the systems .
In summary , the convergence of IT and OT brings significant opportunities for innovation and efficiency but also presents challenges in information security .
To address these challenges , it is essential to take a proactive approach to risk management , develop robust security policies and procedures , perform risk assessments , and implement mitigation measures such as data encryption , two-factor authentication and network segmentation . p
The mitigation measures include data encryption , which ensures the confidentiality of information by making it unintelligible to unauthorized persons . On the other hand , two-factor authentication enhances
ROBERTO HASHIOKA , CTO , NEXTRON ENERGIA
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