Navigating the Future of Cybersecurity in the OT Environment

As we approach the new year, cybersecurity for operational technology (OT) and critical environments continues to evolve rapidly. Watch this short video to find out which trends I expect will be hot (and which will not), then read the blog below for additional insights.

2025 Predictions: What's Hot in OT Cybersecurity?

AI for Good and for Evil 

Artifical Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing cybersecurity for both attackers and defenders. Predictive tools are becoming smarter and increasingly capable of not just detecting threats but autonomously mitigating them. But at the same time, threat actors are harnessing AI to launch highly targeted, sophisticated cyberattacks. This AI arms race makes it crucial for defenders to integrate advanced AI-powered defenses into their cybersecurity arsenal. In 2025, AI will be both a powerful ally and a dangerous adversary, shaping the security landscape in unprecedented ways. 

Zero Trust Enables Secure Remote Access for OT 

Hybrid work is now the norm for a large number of organizations, including industrial enterprises. This makes the ability to ensure secure remote access more vital than ever. Zero-trust access is already a pillar of IT security strategies, but it will gain greater acceptance as a means of securing access to newly connected OT environments. More broadly, the solutions based on the zero-trust framework will continue to play a significant role in safeguarding human-to-machine and machine-to-machine interactions.

Identity-Centric Security 

Digital identity is the backbone of cybersecurity, ensuring safe, secure access for people as well as non-human entities like machines and devices. As machine identities and communications between devices become more commonplace in factories and other OT settings, the need to quickly and accurately verify identities will only accelerate.

The Arrival of Industry 5.0 

The convergence of human, AI, and machine collaboration is primed to transform entire industries, driving precision, personalization, and efficiency. However, this coming revolution will also bring complex cybersecurity challenges. Protecting human-AI-machine interactions from unauthorized access and disruptions will be the key to enabling safe innovation and building trust as this next phase of industrial evolution unfolds.

Cloud Migration in OT – But Don’t Leave Legacy Systems Behind 

More manufacturers and other industrial enterprises are migrating to the cloud to improve efficiency and scalability. Organizations that adopt a robust security strategy to ensure cloud-based assets as well as legacy systems are safe and protected will experience the most successful transition in 2025 and beyond.

Autonomous Application Discovery with Admin-Controlled Publishing 

As network complexity rises, tools that automatically detect digital assets and user access patterns are becoming essential. These systems simplify security by provisioning applications into solutions while allowing admins to decide what to publish, restrict, or monitor — streamlining deployment and adapting to evolving security needs. 

Increased Dependence on Managed Security Services 

Unfortunately, 2025 will most likely see more escalating threats and a continuation of cross-industry talent shortages. In this climate, more organizations will turn to outside experts to provide comprehensive cybersecurity, including monitoring, incident response, and compliance management. 

Now that we’ve examined some of the expected hot trends for 2025, let’s look at what practices and technologies will likely fade away in 2025.

2025 Predictions: What's Not Hot in OT Cybersecurity?

Superficial Compliance 

Security is no longer about ticking boxes. The future lies in tailored, zero-trust strategies that align to specific business goals. Implement a robust security program based on zero-trust access, and compliance will naturally follow.

Legacy Remote Access Solutions 

Jump servers, VPNs, and outdated privileged access management (PAM) solutions are being replaced by modern, identity-centric, cloud-native tools that streamline operations and enhance security. Most significantly, industrial enterprises now have far more choice than just taking a remote access tool built for the world information technology (IT) and forcing it into their OT environment. Today, it is both possible and highly recommended to select a solution that’s purpose-built to address OT challenges.

Siloed Security

Cybersecurity is serious business, and there’s simply no time for drama between IT and OT teams. Collaboration is crucial – and it's thankfully easier to achieve than you might expect. Remember, both IT and OT are working toward a shared goal, and a unified approach to cybersecurity is critical to address risks effectively. 

New Year, New Opportunities

At Cyolo, we’re committed to helping organizations navigate a changing security landscape with confidence. By working together to more effectively secure critical systems, we’ll all be able to thrive in our increasingly interconnected world — in 2025 and beyond.