Imagine a world where a factory floor halts not due to faulty machinery, but because of a malicious code slipped into a vulnerable network. That world is now. Operational Technology (OT)—the backbone of industries such as manufacturing, utilities, and logistics—is under siege from sophisticated cyber threats. Yet, according to Fortinet’s 2025 State of OT and Cybersecurity Report, there is hope. Organizations are maturing. Strategies are evolving. And crucially, responsibility is shifting to the top.
Cybersecurity Goes to the C-Suite
The report reveals a significant trend: OT security is no longer just an IT issue—it’s a boardroom priority. In 2025, over half (52%) of organizations have placed OT cybersecurity under the CISO, up from a mere 16% in 2022. This shift reflects a growing awareness of OT’s strategic importance and the potential consequences of cyber incidents.
Maturity Brings Results
Cyber maturity is rising. Nearly half of all respondents now rate their cybersecurity processes at Level 4, where feedback loops, threat intelligence, and incident response are continuously optimized. Intrusions are declining too. In 2025, 52% of organizations reported zero intrusions, compared to just 6% in 2022. Mature organizations that utilize advanced controls experience significantly fewer incidents compared to those that lag in this area.
Threats Still Loom Large
While progress is evident, so are the dangers. Cyberattacks remain a persistent threat, especially for less mature organizations. The manufacturing sector, the most targeted, continues to face risks from ransomware and malware. Additionally, AI-powered attacks are making phishing and malware detection and prevention more challenging.
Best Practices That Work
Organizations making headway are embracing proven strategies:
- Segmentation and Visibility: Creating network zones to limit the spread of threats.
- OT-Specific Threat Intelligence: Enabling faster detection of sector-specific exploits.
- Platform-Based Security: Simplifying architecture while improving response.
- Vendor Consolidation: 78% now work with just 1–4 OT vendors, enhancing control and reducing cost.
- Executive-Level Incident Reporting: More firms are transitioning from routine compliance reporting to comprehensive security assessments, such as penetration tests.
A Safer Future Hinges on Strategy
Despite the aging infrastructure—most OT systems are 6–10 years old—companies are investing in modernization and virtual patching. With 66% of organizations expecting tighter regulations within five years, proactive security planning is no longer optional.
The message from Fortinet’s global survey of 550+ OT professionals is clear: cybersecurity maturity pays off. As the digital-physical boundary fades, securing the operational core of modern enterprises has never been more urgent—or more achievable.
