When we discuss industrial cyber security, we usually focus on technology. We hear about OT firewalls, encryption, sophisticated OT monitoring systems, and the latest tools to detect and neutralise threats. Yet, amid all this technological brilliance, the most critical factor often gets overlooked: people.
This isn’t just a nice-to-have consideration. The crux is whether your operational technology (OT) cyber security efforts succeed or fail. At SIS Industrial Cyber Security, we’ve seen repeatedly that while technology provides the framework, people breathe life into your security posture. Without a sharp focus on your workforce and other specialised consultants involved in your OT security journey even the best tools will fall short.
Technology alone can’t save you
The cyber security industry is rife with promises that technology will solve your problems. Need better visibility? Here’s a dashboard. Concerned about threats? Install this detection system. But let’s be honest—these tools are useless if the people behind them aren’t adequately trained, motivated, and empowered to use them effectively.
When organisations focus exclusively on technology, they miss the bigger picture: OT cyber security is a human endeavour. People configure systems, monitor alerts, respond to incidents, and refine strategies. Without the right people, even the most advanced systems are reduced to expensive, underutilised ornaments.
The IT-OT divide creates vulnerability
One of the most persistent issues in OT security is the divide between IT and OT teams. These departments often work in silos, driven by different objectives and speaking what feels like entirely different languages. IT teams prioritise data confidentiality and integrity, while OT teams are laser-focused on operational continuity and safety.
This disconnect creates blind spots that cyber attackers are quick to exploit. Bridging the gap between IT and OT isn’t just about aligning systems—it’s about aligning people.
Despite technology being the lynchpin in the equation, in our experience, we’ve found that getting OT security to work properly tends not to fall with the technology itself, but with a schism between expectation, expertise and the people in any given organisation.
At SIS, we advocate for training programs that bring IT and OT personnel together to foster mutual understanding and collaboration. It’s not an easy process, but it’s essential for creating a unified defence against increasingly sophisticated threats
Regardless of other differences, your IT and OT talents will be motivated by a common objective: to protect the company. This common outcome is where you can bring the two together through appropriate training and team reprogramming.
Training is the cornerstone of proactive defence
Training isn’t just a tick-box exercise. It’s the foundation of a resilient security strategy. At SIS, we insist on regular, tailored training for all team members, which is non-negotiable.
But here’s the catch: most training programs only skim the surface. They focus on protocols and procedures without diving into the ‘why’ behind them. This is a critical oversight. People must understand the reasoning behind their actions—how their daily decisions contribute to the broader security framework. When employees grasp the bigger picture, they’re far more likely to take ownership of their role in the organisation’s defence.
Our approach to training goes beyond technical know-how. We focus on embedding industrial security into the organisational culture. This means everyone, from frontline operators to senior executives, is trained to respond to and anticipate threats. It’s about creating a proactive rather than reactive mindset.
Empowerment is important
You can have all the training in the world, but it’s worthless if your people don’t feel empowered to act. Empowerment means giving your teams the confidence and authority to make real-time decisions. It’s about ensuring they know their role, understand their responsibilities, and feel supported by the organisation.
Empowerment isn’t just for the OT cyber security team. Everyone in the organisation, from engineers to executives, plays a role in security. By instilling a culture of ownership and accountability, you create a workforce that’s not only equipped to handle threats but motivated to do so.
Leadership sets the tone
Leadership is the keystone of a security-focused culture. If leaders aren’t committed to OT cyber security, the rest of the organisation is unlikely to be. But commitment isn’t just about signing off on budgets or policies. It’s about leading by example.
At SIS, we encourage leaders to participate in training programs, stay informed about emerging threats, and actively shape the organisation’s OT security strategy. When employees see that leadership prioritises security, it reinforces its importance.
Communication is the glue that holds it all together
Adequate OT security requires seamless communication—not just within departments but across the entire organisation. Regular strategy sessions, open lines of communication, and a culture of transparency are non-negotiable.
Communication extends beyond internal teams to external partners, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies. A unified approach ensures everyone is on the same page and leverages the best expertise available to combat evolving threats.
People matter more than ever
Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated by the day. Attackers are no longer just targeting systems—they’re targeting people., social engineering, and insider threats exploit human vulnerabilities as much as technical ones.
This reality underscores the need for a people-first approach to OT security. By investing in your workforce, you’re not just building a defence against technical threats—you’re fortifying the human element, which is often the weakest link in the chain.
Shifting the narrative
The industry needs a mindset shift. It’s not about replacing technology with people—it’s about recognising that technology is only as good as the people who use it. At SIS, we challenge the industry to stop viewing people as an afterthought in industrial cyber security strategies and instead see them as the driving force behind any adequate defence.
Looking ahead, successful organisations in industrial cyber security will prioritise their people. They will invest in training, foster collaboration, and empower their teams to take ownership of security.
World-class industrial cyber security isn’t just about fighting machines with machines. It’s about supporting and equipping people to outthink, outmanoeuvre, and outlast the threats that target our industries. By making people the cornerstone of your strategy, you’re not just building a defence—you’re building resilience.
If you’re interested in how your organisation measures up, you can take the SIS Industrial Cyber Security Assessment Scorecard—a tool to benchmark your efforts against the Industrial Cyber Security Principle Method™ with a personalised report and actionable insights to elevate your cybersecurity practices.