Cyber Security Operational Technology Environments

Mark Hayward's Cyber Security Operational Technology Environments is the definitive resource for anyone operating within or securing the world of industrial control systems. This book is vital because it addresses the single most critical gap in modern security: the chasm between traditional Information Technology (IT) defense and Operational Technology (OT) defense.

Hayward provides exceptional clarity by defining the unique characteristics of OT. Unlike IT, which prioritizes data, OT is designed to control physical processes in manufacturing, energy, transportation, and utilities. This fundamental difference means that an OT security failure risks safety, physical damage, and mass downtime, not just data theft.

What You Will Learn:

The Foundational Difference: Why standard IT security policies fail when applied to systems designed for "maximum safety and efficiency" over confidentiality.

Core OT Components: Gain a clear understanding of the security challenges posed by Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, and Distributed Control Systems (DCS).

Strategic Imperative: Position yourself as the expert who can secure the hardware and software that monitors and controls real-world assets.

This book is essential reading for CISOs, Security Architects, and OT Engineers who are responsible for maintaining the safety and efficiency of critical infrastructure. If you need to secure the systems that keep the lights on and the factories running, start here.