Ask an OT Engineer: In an OT environment, what are attackers actually targeting?

Understanding attacker objectives in OT environments is essential for building effective industrial defenses.

In this "Ask an OT Engineer" segment featuring Gary Kneeland, learn what threat actors are actually targeting once they gain a foothold inside an operational technology (OT) network.

From programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and human-machine interfaces (HMIs) to engineering workstations, discovering high-value targets allows security teams to prioritize threat detection and protection mechanisms where they matter most.

Key topics include:

• Primary targets for threat actors inside industrial networks

• Understanding attacker motivations and lateral movement techniques

• Protecting PLCs, HMIs, and engineering workstations from disruption

• Enhancing threat detection and rapid incident response across OT environments