Compliance Challenges in IT/OT Convergence

Compliance challenges in IT/OT convergence refer to the difficulties that organizations face when trying to align their information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) systems with regulatory and industry standards. IT networks are responsible for data communication and processing, while OT networks control and monitor physical processes and devices. The convergence of these two networks can lead to increased efficiency, productivity, and innovation, but it also introduces new risks and complexities that need to be addressed¹.

Some of the compliance challenges in IT/OT convergence include:

• Regulatory compliance: Organizations must comply with a variety of regulations and standards that are specific to their industry and geography. These regulations may include data privacy, cybersecurity, safety, environmental, and quality standards, among others. Compliance with these regulations can be complex, time-consuming, and costly, especially if the organization operates in multiple jurisdictions or sectors¹.
• Risk management: IT/OT convergence increases the attack surface and exposure of the organization to cyber threats, physical hazards, and other risks that can affect the safety, reliability, and availability of the systems and services. Managing these risks requires a comprehensive and integrated approach that covers the entire life cycle of the systems, from design to disposal, and that involves all stakeholders, including suppliers, customers, partners, and regulators¹.
• Cultural and organizational change: IT/OT convergence requires a shift in the culture and mindset of the organization, from a siloed and hierarchical approach to a collaborative and agile approach that fosters innovation, experimentation, and learning. This requires a change in the leadership, governance, and management practices of the organization, as well as the skills, competencies, and roles of the employees².
• Technology integration: IT/OT convergence requires the integration of different technologies, platforms, and protocols that are often incompatible or proprietary. This requires a careful selection, testing, and validation of the technologies, as well as the development of interfaces, gateways, and middleware that can ensure interoperability, security, and performance³.
• Data management: IT/OT convergence generates large volumes of data that need to be collected, processed, analyzed, and stored in a secure, reliable, and efficient manner. This requires a data management strategy that defines the data governance, architecture, quality, and lifecycle of the data, as well as the tools, techniques, and skills needed to manage the data⁴.

To address these compliance challenges, organizations can adopt the following best practices:

• Establish a governance framework: IT/OT convergence requires a governance framework that defines the roles, responsibilities, and authorities of the stakeholders involved in the convergence, as well as the policies, procedures, and standards that guide the convergence. This framework should be aligned with the organization’s mission, objectives, and risk appetite, and should be reviewed and updated regularly¹.
• Conduct a risk assessment: IT/OT convergence requires a risk assessment that identifies, analyzes, and prioritizes the risks associated with the convergence, as well as the controls, safeguards, and countermeasures that can mitigate or transfer the risks. This risk assessment should be based on a comprehensive and accurate understanding of the IT/OT systems, assets, threats, and vulnerabilities, and should involve all stakeholders¹.
• Develop a compliance program: IT/OT convergence requires a compliance program that ensures the organization’s compliance with the relevant regulations and standards, as well as the internal policies and procedures. This compliance program should be based on a risk-based approach that focuses on the most critical and relevant compliance requirements, and that involves all stakeholders in the compliance process¹.
• Invest in training and awareness: IT/OT convergence requires a skilled and aware workforce that can understand, implement, and maintain the convergence. This requires investing in training, education, and awareness programs that enhance the skills, competencies, and awareness of the employees, as well as the leadership, governance, and management practices of the organization².
• Collaborate and share knowledge: IT/OT convergence requires a collaborative and knowledge-sharing culture that fosters innovation, experimentation, and learning. This requires collaborating and sharing knowledge with internal and external stakeholders, such as suppliers, customers, partners, regulators, and industry associations, to enhance the awareness, capabilities, and resilience of the organization¹.

More information and resources on compliance challenges in IT/OT convergence:

• Resolving the Challenges of IT-OT Convergence | CSO Online
• IT/OT Convergence: A Cultural and Organizational Change | Deloitte US
• IT/OT Convergence: Challenges and Opportunities | Schneider Electric
• Data Management Challenges in IT/OT Convergence | ARC Advisory Group