Compliance isn’t the goal. It’s the baseline.
The OT Security Compliance principle in the Industrial Cyber Security Principle Method™ helps organisations not only meet regulatory obligations but do it in a way that supports real security outcomes, not just box-ticking.
Because let’s be clear: meeting compliance doesn’t mean your systems are secure.
But ignoring compliance?
That’s a fast track to fines, scrutiny, and unnecessary risk.
What Does “OT Security Compliance” Mean?
It means integrating compliance into your broader OT security strategy not bolting it on after the fact. Specifically, it includes:
- Registering critical OT assets with the appropriate authorities.
- Reporting security incidents that impact essential services.
- Adopting a risk-based security management plan that aligns with local regulations.
- Developing incident response plans tailored for OT environments.
- Staying in active communication with regulators—not just when something goes wrong.
Where Compliance Usually Falls Short
Too many organisations treat compliance like a start and a finish line.
As long as the paperwork looks good, they assume their control systems are safe.
But real security requires a business-driven, risk-based and enterprise wide approach first.
Compliance should follow, not lead.
Another common issue: compliance efforts are too often siloed.
They’re handled by a single team or consultant, with little coordination across the broader OT security program.
This creates gaps, overlaps, and missed opportunities for real improvement.
They also typically don’t look at the full ISA/95/Purdue level stack and claim that OT is compliant based on SCADA interfaces with Corporate Level 4 systems.
How to Get It Right
A strong OT Security Compliance approach is proactive, embedded, and strategic. That means:
Integrating with your risk-based strategy:
Don’t start with the checklist. Start with the risks.
Fulfilling obligations with intent:
Register, report, and document thoroughly–but tie these activities to broader security goals.
Designing OT-specific incident response plans:
Don’t rely on your IT playbook. Build processes for the realities of industrial systems.
Practicing preparedness:
Run exercises. Test your response. Don’t wait for an incident to find out you’re not ready.
Building a relationship with regulators:
Keep the conversation going. Share progress. Learn what’s changing.
This principle isn’t about doing the minimum.
It’s about aligning compliance with operational resilience and proving to stakeholders, customers, and regulators that your OT security program is serious, structured, and strategic.
If your compliance efforts feel like an afterthought, it’s time to treat them like the foundation they’re meant to be.
Click here to complete the industrial cyber security scorecard and see how well your organisation applies the OT Security Compliance principle.