Changing perceptions: How Cybersecurity can be a Business Enabler for OT

For years, air-gapped networks were the standard approach to securing Operational Technology (OT). In high-stakes environments where safety and uptime matter above all, isolating systems made sense. But today's industrial operations are changing - and isolation isn't always an option.

Organisations now rely on real-time data to drive smarter decisions. From condition monitoring to predictive maintenance, the ability to connect OT systems to the cloud unlocks a whole new layer of value. Done right, it means less downtime, greater efficiency, and faster response times.

But 'done right' is key. Connecting OT to the cloud doesn't just introduce opportunities - it creates risk if not carefully managed. That's why cybersecurity can't be treated as an add-on. It has to be part of the design.

Why the cloud matters to OT

Industrial systems produce huge volumes of data. Until recently, much of that stayed trapped inside isolated networks. But that's starting to shift.

These aren't speculative benefits. They're driving measurable change across sectors like transport, energy, and manufacturing. But achieving them safely depends on secure, well-architected data flows.

Security must be built in - not bolted on

Too often, OT security starts with the question: "How do we stop attackers getting in?" It's a valid concern - but when you're sending data to the cloud, the better question is: "How do we make sure the data gets out safely, without introducing new risk?"

The Purdue model helps here, mapping different levels of industrial systems - from sensors on the plant floor to enterprise and cloud systems at the top. Each level comes with its own protocols, behaviours, and risk profile. And each needs appropriate protection.

Basic segmentation or firewalls aren't enough. Data flows need to be tightly controlled, validated, and separated. That often means using unidirectional gateways, protocol breaks, or other mechanisms that allow data to flow up, without letting commands or threats come back down.

One example: cloud enablement at scale

One UK infrastructure provider wanted to centralise operational visibility across a nationwide estate. The aim was to reduce maintenance costs and improve fault detection - but without compromising the safety of their control systems.

We worked with them to build a secure architecture that enforced strict boundaries between operational levels. Data was extracted and transferred in a controlled, one-way flow - never allowing direct cloud access into the core OT network.

The result was real-time insights delivered safely to the cloud, and a clear line of assurance for regulators. Most importantly, it didn't disrupt existing operations.

Security as a strategic enabler

It's easy to view cybersecurity as a cost. A barrier. A necessary evil. But in the OT space, the opposite is true. Well-designed security isn't a blocker - it's what makes digital transformation possible.

It enables data-driven maintenance, centralised control, and scalable cloud services. It reduces downtime, supports compliance, and builds long-term resilience.

Put simply, when security is built in from the beginning, it lets OT systems evolve with confidence.

The future of OT is connected - and secure

The shift from isolated to integrated isn't theoretical. It's already happening. But it doesn't mean compromising safety to gain insight.

With the right design principles, organisations can connect critical systems to the cloud while maintaining full control over what goes in and out. That's the real opportunity: not just more data, but secure, usable data that drives better outcomes.

Cybersecurity isn't a trade-off. It's the foundation that makes the next phase of industrial innovation possible.

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Meet the team

Jill Broom

Head of Cyber Resilience, techUK

Jill leads the techUK Cyber Resilience programme, having originally joined techUK in October 2020 as a Programme Manager for the Cyber and Central Government programmes. She is responsible for managing techUK's work across the cyber security ecosystem, bringing industry together with key stakeholders across the public and private sectors. Jill also provides the industry secretariat for the Cyber Growth Partnership, the industry and government conduit for supporting the growth of the sector. A key focus of her work is to strengthen the public–private partnership across cyber to support further development of UK cyber security and resilience policy.

Before joining techUK, Jill worked as a Senior Caseworker for an MP, advocating for local communities, businesses and individuals, so she is particularly committed to techUK’s vision of harnessing the power of technology to improve people’s lives. Jill is also an experienced editorial professional and has delivered copyediting and writing services for public-body and SME clients as well as publishers.

Email:: [email protected]
Website:: www.techuk.org/
LinkedIn:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-broom-19aa824

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Annie Collings

Programme Manager, Cyber Resilience, techUK

Annie is the Programme Manager for Cyber Resilience at techUK. She first joined as the Programme Manager for Cyber Security and Central Government in September 2023.

In her role, Annie supports the Cyber Security SME Forum, engaging regularly with key government and industry stakeholders to advance the growth and development of SMEs in the cyber sector. Annie also coordinates events, engages with policy makers and represents techUK at a number of cyber security events.

Before joining techUK, Annie was an Account Manager at a specialist healthcare agency, where she provided public affairs support to a wide range of medical technology clients. She also gained experience as an intern in both an MP’s constituency office and with the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed. Annie holds a degree in International Relations from Nottingham Trent University.

Email:: [email protected]
Twitter:: anniecollings24
LinkedIn:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-collings-270150158/

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Francesca Richiusa

Programme Team Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK

Fran serves as the Programme Team Assistant within techUK’s Public Sector Market Programmes, where she is responsible for delivering comprehensive team support, managing administrative functions, and fostering strong relationships with members.

Prior to joining techUK in May 2025, Fran built a meaningful career in the charitable and local government sectors. She worked extensively with both victims and perpetrators of crime, and notably led the coordination of Domestic Homicide Reviews across Surrey—an initiative aimed at identifying lessons and preventing future incidents of domestic abuse.

Outside of work, Fran is an avid traveller and a proud cat mum who enjoys unwinding with her feline companions.

Email:: [email protected]
Website:: www.techuk.org/
LinkedIn:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesca-richiusa/

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Olivia Staples

Junior Programme Manager - Cyber Resilience, techUK

Olivia Staples joined techUK in May 2025 as a Junior Programme Manager in the Cyber Resilience team.

She supports the programs mission to promote cyber resilience by engaging key commercial and government stakeholders to shape the cyber resilience policy towards increased security and industry growth. Olivia assists in member engagement, event facilitation and communications support.

Before joining techUK, Olivia gained experience in research, advocacy, and strategic communications across several international organisations. At the Munich Security Conference, she supported stakeholder engagement and contributed to strategic communications. She also worked closely with local and national government stakeholders in Spain and Italy, where she was involved in policy monitoring and advocacy for both public and private sector clients.

Olivia holds an MSc in Political Science (Comparative Politics and Conflict Studies) from the London School of Economics (LSE) and a BA in Spanish and Latin American Studies from University College London (UCL).

Outside of tech, Olivia enjoys volunteering with local charities and learning Norwegian.

Email:: [email protected]
Website:: www.techuk.org/
LinkedIn:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-staples-85119117a/

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Tracy Modha

Programme Marketing Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK

Tracy supports the marketing of several areas at techUK, including Cyber Exchange, Central Government, Cyber Resilience, Defence, Education, Health and Social Care, Justice and Emergency Services, Local Public Services, Nations and Regions and National Security.

Tracy joined techUK in March 2022, having worked in the education sector for 19 years, covering administration, research project support, IT support and event/training support. My most outstanding achievement has been running three very successful international conferences and over 300 training courses booked all over the globe!

Tracy has a great interest in tech. Gaming and computing have been a big part of her life, and now electric cars are an exciting look at the future. She has warmed to Alexa, even though it can sometimes be sassy!

Email:: [email protected]
Phone:: 02073312000
Website:: www.techuk.org
LinkedIn:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracymodha83

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Changing perceptions: How Cybersecurity can be a Business Enabler for OT

Alex Ball

Why the cloud matters to OT

Security must be built in - not bolted on

One example: cloud enablement at scale

Security as a strategic enabler

The future of OT is connected - and secure

techUK’s Operational Technology Security Impact Days 2025 #techUKOTSecurity

Responding to Ransomware Threats to the UK's Operational Technology Systems