IoT/OT Security Guide: Visibility, Control and Compliance in 2025

IoT/OT Security Guide: Visibility, Control and Compliance in 2025

In today’s digitally fused environments, the boundary between IT and OT (Operational Technology) is rapidly disappearing. Yet, while this convergence unlocks new efficiencies, it also introduces substantial cybersecurity risks, including cybersecurity threats to critical infrastructures that support essential public services. As regulations tighten and threat actors grow more sophisticated, IoT/OT security must become a top priority for enterprises in 2025. The convergence of IT, OT, and IoT impacts various industries and significantly expands the attack surface due to increased Internet connectivity.

That’s where Device Authority’s new IoT/OT Security Guide comes in—providing a practical roadmap to achieving real-time visibility, intelligent control, and continuous compliance across complex environments. This guide also prepares organizations for the future of IoT/OT security by addressing evolving cybersecurity threats and emerging technologies.

🌐 Introduction to IoT and OT Security

The rapid evolution of industrial control systems has made IoT and OT security essential pillars of modern cybersecurity strategies. IoT security is focused on safeguarding connected devices and the vast amounts of data they generate, while OT security is dedicated to protecting the systems that control critical physical processes in industrial environments. As operational technology and IoT systems become increasingly interconnected, the attack surface expands, exposing critical infrastructure to a broader range of cyber threats.

In these environments, industrial sensors and IoT devices are often prime targets for attackers seeking to disrupt operations or compromise sensitive data. This makes the deployment of robust OT security tools and advanced security technologies non-negotiable. Strong authentication and encryption are vital for minimizing risks and ensuring the safety and reliability of essential systems. By prioritizing the protection of both operational technology and IoT devices, organizations can better defend their critical infrastructure and maintain the integrity of their industrial processes.

🔎 Why Visibility and Control Are Non-Negotiable

Organisations cannot secure what they can’t see. From smart sensors to SCADA systems, IoT/OT networks contain thousands—if not millions—of devices that often go unmonitored, unauthenticated, and unpatched. It is essential to monitor devices and systems in real time to detect anomalies and maintain operational continuity.

Without a unified approach to identity and policy management, and the ability to manage security policies and device identities across the network, enterprises face:

  • Operational downtime from preventable attacks
  • Regulatory non-compliance (e.g. NIST, EO 14028, CRA)
  • Increased risk of insider threats and lateral movement

The only scalable solution? Machine identity automation and Zero Trust enforcement at the device level.

🆚 Key Differences: IT, OT, and IoT Security

Understanding the key differences between IT, OT, and IoT security is crucial for developing effective protection strategies in industrial control systems and building automation systems. IT security traditionally centers on safeguarding data confidentiality, integrity, and availability—ensuring that information remains protected from unauthorized access or alteration. In contrast, OT security is primarily concerned with maintaining system availability, operational efficiency, and the safety of physical devices and processes.

IoT security introduces another layer of complexity, focusing on the protection of a broad range of connected devices and the data they transmit across networks. Unlike IT environments, OT and IoT systems require real-time monitoring and control to ensure uninterrupted operations and safety. This means that OT security tools and technologies must be tailored to address the unique challenges of operational technology environments, where the consequences of a security breach can directly impact physical safety and critical services. Recognizing these distinctions allows organizations to implement targeted security strategies that protect both digital and physical assets.

🔗 Supply Chain Security Risks in IoT/OT

Supply chain security risks are a growing concern for organizations operating in IoT and OT environments. The integration of unmanaged devices, reliance on default credentials, and use of unsecured communication protocols can introduce significant vulnerabilities into critical infrastructure. Many organizations may not fully understand the risks embedded within their supply chains, making it essential to adopt comprehensive security practices to reduce risks and protect vital systems.

Best practices for OT cybersecurity include conducting regular risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities, implementing network segmentation to limit the spread of threats, and ensuring that all communication between OT devices is secured using robust protocols. By proactively addressing supply chain risks and securing every link in the chain, organizations can better protect their OT environments and critical infrastructure from exploitation and operational disruption.

🛡️ Vulnerability Disclosure and Management

Effective vulnerability disclosure and management are fundamental to maintaining the security and reliability of OT systems. As cyber threats continue to evolve, organizations must be vigilant in identifying and addressing vulnerabilities within their operational technology environments. OT security tools and technologies play a crucial role in detecting weaknesses and managing the remediation process, helping to reduce the risk of exploitation by attackers.

Establishing a clear vulnerability disclosure policy and process enables organizations to respond swiftly and efficiently when new vulnerabilities are discovered. This proactive approach minimizes the risk of downtime, operational disruption, and potential damage to critical infrastructure. By prioritizing vulnerability management, organizations can ensure the ongoing safety of their OT systems and strengthen their overall security posture.

🔐 What the 2025 Guide Covers

Device Authority’s new guide outlines the building blocks of a modern IoT/OT security framework, including:

  • ✅ The true cost of unmanaged devices and visibility gaps
  • ✅ Machine identity management for real-time control
  • ✅ How AI-driven automation supports continuous protection
  • ✅ Compliance mapping against major regulations (NIST, CRA, EO 14028)
  • ✅ The case for agentless security at the edge
  • ✅ Aligning security goals across IT, OT, and IoT environments for unified risk management
  • ✅ A guide to protecting your security environment in 2023

This guide isn’t theory—it’s a toolkit CISOs and architects can use to mature their security operations today. It addresses challenges across the entire IoT ecosystem, including manufacturers, service providers, and regulatory bodies.

⚙️ KeyScaler 2025: The Enabler of Intelligent IoT/OT Security

At the heart of this strategy is KeyScaler 2025. With advanced discovery, automated certificate provisioning, policy enforcement, and AI-supported threat intelligence, KeyScaler enables:

  • Complete device inventory across IT, OT, and hybrid environments
  • Frictionless onboarding to secure Zero Trust architecture
  • Secure-by-design operation in operational technology (OT) environments, aligned with international frameworks

Whether you’re protecting smart factories, critical infrastructure, or distributed healthcare systems, KeyScaler delivers the unified visibility and compliance enforcement your organisation needs. KeyScaler also supports secure operation of operational technology (OT) systems in industrial and utility environments, ensuring safety, reliability, and control of critical physical processes.

📊 Compliance Pressure Is Rising

2025 marks a turning point in IoT/OT governance:

  • The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) in the EU mandates security by design
  • Executive Order 14028 requires enhanced supply chain visibility
  • NIST 2.0 sets new baseline controls for critical infrastructure

Organizations must ensure robust network security and maintain software compliance, including managing software components and vulnerabilities, to meet these new standards.

Failure to meet these standards isn’t just a security risk—it’s a legal and financial liability for the entire organization.

🚨 Incident Response and Management

Incident response and management are vital components of a resilient OT security strategy. When a cyber threat or security incident occurs, organizations must be prepared to act quickly to contain the threat and minimize its impact on critical infrastructure. OT security tools and technologies are essential for detecting suspicious activity, enabling rapid response, and supporting the recovery process.

Developing and regularly testing an incident response plan ensures that organizations are ready to address a wide range of cyber threats, from targeted attacks on OT systems to broader disruptions affecting operational technology environments. By investing in incident response capabilities and fostering a culture of preparedness, organizations can protect their critical systems, reduce operational risks, and maintain the safety and reliability of their essential services.

✅ Actionable Next Steps

Conclusion

The convergence of IoT and OT presents a unique opportunity—and risk. Device Authority’s IoT/OT Security Guide equips leaders with the knowledge and tools to secure their operations with confidence, clarity, and compliance.