--- title: "Industrial Cybersecurity Explained: Defense Best Practices" description: Discover why robust IT and OT security is essential for safeguarding manufacturing operations and ensuring continuous, safe production in today's digital landscape. image: https://www.lazorpoint.com/hubfs/Football.webp --- [![LAZ-Full-Horizontal-REV Just the Name](https://www.lazorpoint.com/hubfs/Logos/Lazorpoint%20Logos/LAZ-Full-Horizontal-REV%20Just%20the%20Name.png) ](https://www.lazorpoint.com) ![burger icon](https://www.lazorpoint.com/hubfs/Digifianz/Assets/Icons/Burger%20white.png) ![times icon](https://www.lazorpoint.com/hubfs/Digifianz/Assets/Icons/Times%20white.png) IT Solutions That Deliver Peace of Mind [Solutions](https://www.lazorpoint.com/solutions) - [![chevron icon](https://www.lazorpoint.com/hubfs/Digifianz/Assets/Icons/Chevron%20right%20white.png) Managed IT Services ](https://www.lazorpoint.com/solutions/it-managed-services) - [![chevron icon](https://www.lazorpoint.com/hubfs/Digifianz/Assets/Icons/Chevron%20right%20white.png) Case Studies ](https://www.lazorpoint.com/it-case-studies) AI Fails Without the Foundation: A PE Playbook The AI budget is approved. 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[ Read More ](https://www.lazorpoint.com/insights/spom-evolution-from-cloud-adoption-to-ai-defense) [Insights](https://www.lazorpoint.com/insights) ![chevron icon](https://www.lazorpoint.com/hubfs/Digifianz/Assets/Icons/Chevron%20right%20white.png) Search Insights ![chevron icon](https://www.lazorpoint.com/hubfs/Digifianz/Assets/Icons/Chevron%20right%20white.png) Subscribe by Email Delivering You IT Peace of Mind [Company](https://www.lazorpoint.com/company/the-lazorpoint-team) - [![chevron icon](https://www.lazorpoint.com/hubfs/Digifianz/Assets/Icons/Chevron%20right%20white.png) Our Approach ](https://www.lazorpoint.com/company/culture) - [![chevron icon](https://www.lazorpoint.com/hubfs/Digifianz/Assets/Icons/Chevron%20right%20white.png) Our Team ](https://www.lazorpoint.com/company/the-lazorpoint-team) - [![chevron icon](https://www.lazorpoint.com/hubfs/Digifianz/Assets/Icons/Chevron%20right%20white.png) Careers ](https://www.lazorpoint.com/careers) ![chevron icon](https://www.lazorpoint.com/hubfs/Digifianz/Assets/Icons/Chevron%20right%20white.png) Solutions - [ Managed IT Services ](https://www.lazorpoint.com/solutions/it-managed-services) - [ Case Studies ](https://www.lazorpoint.com/it-case-studies) [![chevron icon](https://www.lazorpoint.com/hubfs/Digifianz/Assets/Icons/Chevron%20right%20white.png) Insights ](https://www.lazorpoint.com/insights) ![chevron icon](https://www.lazorpoint.com/hubfs/Digifianz/Assets/Icons/Chevron%20right%20white.png) Company - [ Our Approach ](https://www.lazorpoint.com/company/culture) - [ Our Team ](https://www.lazorpoint.com/company/the-lazorpoint-team) - [ Careers ](https://www.lazorpoint.com/careers) [ Talk to an expert ](https://www.lazorpoint.com/talk-to-an-expert) [ Get a Quote ](https://www.lazorpoint.com/talk-to-an-expert) Industrial Cybersecurity Explained: Defense Best Practices 5:32 # Industrial Cybersecurity 101: Why the Best Offense Is a Good Defense Posted by Matt Kraska on Thu, Oct 10, 2024 [** ](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://www.lazorpoint.com/insights/industrial-cybersecurity-101&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook) [** ](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.lazorpoint.com/insights/industrial-cybersecurity-101&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin) [** ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://www.lazorpoint.com/insights/industrial-cybersecurity-101&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&url=https://www.lazorpoint.com/insights/industrial-cybersecurity-101&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [** ](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://www.lazorpoint.com/insights/industrial-cybersecurity-101&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email%20&body=Check%20out%20https://www.lazorpoint.com/insights/industrial-cybersecurity-101&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email) Tags: [It Infrastructure](https://www.lazorpoint.com/insights/topic/it-infrastructure) | [Business Technology](https://www.lazorpoint.com/insights/topic/business-technology) | [It Security](https://www.lazorpoint.com/insights/topic/it-security) | [Cybersecurity](https://www.lazorpoint.com/insights/topic/cybersecurity) | [Manufacturing](https://www.lazorpoint.com/insights/topic/manufacturing) | [Ot Security](https://www.lazorpoint.com/insights/topic/ot-security) In Cleveland, we know a thing or two about the importance of a strong defense—just ask any Cleveland Browns fan. On the field, it’s not just about how many touchdowns you score; it’s also about stopping your opponent from doing the same. In the world of manufacturing, the same rules apply you need a solid offense to produce goods efficiently, but without a strong defense, your cybersecurity, the game could be over before you know it. When it comes to defending your manufacturing operations there are two sides of your cybersecurity playbook: IT security and OT security. Most companies focus on IT security to protect their data and digital assets, but many leave their OT (Operational Technology) exposed. This is a big oversight—like focusing on your offense while leaving your defense wide open. In this insight we’ll break down the differences between OT and IT security and why manufacturing companies like yours in Cleveland needs a strong defense on both sides of the line.   #### IT Security: The Offense Protecting Your Digital Playbook ![IT Offense as a Football Play](https://www.lazorpoint.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/IT%20Offense%20as%20a%20Football%20Play%20(1).webp?width=1100&height=500&name=IT%20Offense%20as%20a%20Football%20Play%20(1).webp) Think of IT security as the offensive line in football. It’s focused on moving the ball down the field by protecting your data, networks and information systems. Just like the Browns need to protect the quarterback to advance, IT security ensures your sensitive information—customer data, intellectual property, business communications—stays safe. ##### IT Security Breakdown - **Scope**: IT security protects your digital assets such as software, servers, databases, internal networks. - **Primary Concern**: It prioritizes the confidentiality, integrity and availability of your data. In other words, you want to make sure only the right people have access to sensitive information, that your data stays accurate, and that it’s available when needed. - **Technology**: IT security guards against data breaches, malware and phishing attacks. Your offensive playbook includes firewalls, encryption and multi-factor authentication to keep hackers out. But even with a good IT security offense you can’t win if your defense is weak. That’s where OT security comes in. #### OT Security: The Defensive Line Protecting Your Factory Floor ![OT Security - The Defensive Line](https://www.lazorpoint.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/OT%20Security%20-%20The%20Defensive%20Line%20(1).webp?width=1100&height=500&name=OT%20Security%20-%20The%20Defensive%20Line%20(1).webp) Just like Myles Garrett rushing the passer, OT security is the defensive line for your manufacturing operations. It’s all about keeping your physical production equipment, machinery and control systems safe from external threats. Imagine if a cybercriminal could disrupt your production line - suddenly your machinery is malfunctioning, workers are at risk and your output comes to a stop. That’s what happens when you neglect OT security. ##### OT Security Breakdown - **Scope**: OT security is focused on protecting the physical side of your business, including industrial control systems (ICS), sensors, robotics, and machinery. - **Primary Concern**: The top concerns here are uptime and safety. Data breaches can hurt your business, but OT disruptions can stop your production or even harm your employees. Imagine the Browns’ defense giving up a free pass to the other team’s offense – leaving your OT unprotected is the manufacturing equivalent. - **Technology**: Unlike IT systems which get updated frequently, OT systems often have legacy technology that was designed without cybersecurity in mind. They require specialized security to ensure your machines run safely 24/7, keeping the hackers out while your production line stays in motion. #### Why Both Offense and Defense Matter in Manufacturing Cybersecurity ![OT Security playbook as a football analogy](https://www.lazorpoint.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/OT%20Security%20playbook%20as%20a%20football%20analogy%20(1).webp?width=1100&height=500&name=OT%20Security%20playbook%20as%20a%20football%20analogy%20(1).webp) You wouldn’t build a football team with just an offense and no defense – it wouldn’t last long in the AFC North. The same applies to cybersecurity. If you only focus on IT security you’re leaving your OT infrastructure wide open to attacks that can cause costly shutdowns or safety risks. ##### The Risks of Not Securing OT - **Downtime**: A successful attack on your OT systems can stop production, costing thousands in downtime and repairs. - **Safety Hazards**: OT attacks can have real world consequences – equipment malfunctioning or hazardous conditions on the shop floor. - **Financial Loss**: The damage from an OT attack can go beyond fixing equipment – supply chain disruptions, missed deadlines and loss of business. Just like the Cleveland Browns need both offense and defense to win, your manufacturing business needs both IT and OT security to stay safe in today’s cyber-threat landscape. #### The Factory of the Future: Ready for Both Sides of the Game ![head to head football](https://www.lazorpoint.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/In%20Blog%20Images%201100%20x%20500/head%20to%20head%20football.png?width=1100&height=500&name=head%20to%20head%20football.png) As manufacturing becomes more dependent on smart technology, the factory of the future is here. From the Internet of Things (IoT) to automated robotics, digital transformation is changing how we make things. But with these changes comes the need for better defenses. A breach of your OT systems could stop production and put your employees in danger. By securing your OT you’re ensuring your production line runs safe and smooth, just like a strong defense helps win the game. You need both sides of the playbook – offense and defense – to win. #### Get Your Security Playbook Ready In manufacturing it’s not just about efficient production – it’s also about defending against the risks that can stop your operation cold. Just like football fans know defense is important, manufacturers need to know OT security is critical to their business. Now are you ready for the next snap? If you haven’t secured your OT, get to work. In manufacturing the best offense is a good defense. RELATED CONTENT - [ Understanding OT Security & Its Importance for Manufacturers ](https://www.lazorpoint.com/insights/ot-security) - [ Your Current IT Security Model Is Broken – Fix it with Zero Trust ](https://www.lazorpoint.com/insights/zerotrust) - [ Your Secret Weapon for Simplifying Device Management ](https://www.lazorpoint.com/insights/emaas) - [ Managed IT Services ](https://www.lazorpoint.com/solutions/it-managed-services) - [ The HR Executive's Guide to a Hacker-Proof Employee Handbook ](https://www.lazorpoint.com/insights/the-hr-executives-guide) *Hear it from those who know us best.* *Running a business is hard*. Imagine taking IT completely off your plate and just focusing on the things you love. 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Why Clear Technology Leadership Matters in Multi-Entity Organizations ](https://www.lazorpoint.com/insights/it-leadership-multi-entity-organizations-ownership) ### [ Stabilizing IT Under a Compressed Timeline ](https://www.lazorpoint.com/insights/stabilize-it-during-transitions-guide) ### [ IT in the Middle of a Merger – How to Avoid the 3 Most Common Failures ](https://www.lazorpoint.com/insights/it-in-the-middle-of-a-merger) ### [ The 90-Day IT Playbook for Newly PE-Backed Companies ](https://www.lazorpoint.com/insights/private-equity-it-assessment-90-day-plan) ### Get a Quote ![LAZ-Web-Horizontal-REV](https://www.lazorpoint.com/hubfs/Logos/Lazorpoint%20Logos/LAZ-Web-Horizontal-REV.png) 216.677.9892 [ Talk to an expert ](https://www.lazorpoint.com/talk-to-an-expert) © 2026  Lazorpoint ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "VideoObject", "contentUrl" : "https://252343.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/252343/Website/Video/Testimonial%20Video_Final_4K.mp4", "dateModified" : "2025-05-07T09:16:17.599Z", "description" : "", "duration" : "PT3M12.526S", "height" : 2160, "name" : "Testimonial Video_Final_4K", "thumbnailUrl" : "https://252343.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/252343/Website/Video/Testimonial%20Video_Final_4K.mp4/medium.jpg?t=1746609377599", "uploadDate" : "2021-02-06T23:25:41.362Z", "width" : 3840 } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "Corporation", "contactPoint" : { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "areaServed" : "US", "availableLanguage" : "English", "contactType" : "customer service", "telephone" : "+1 (216) 325-5200" }, "logo" : "", "name" : "Lazorpoint", "url" : "http://www.lazorpoint.com/" } ```