OT (Operational Technology)

Operational technology (OT) is the hardware and software that monitors and controls physical processes, as opposed to information technology, which handles data and business systems. On a ship OT covers engine and propulsion control, cargo and ballast systems, the integrated bridge and navigation equipment, power management, and shipboard SCADA and PLCs. These systems prize availability and safety over confidentiality, often run legacy software, and tolerate downtime poorly, which is why IMO MSC-FAL.1/Circ.3 treats them as a distinct risk category needing segmentation from IT. IEC 62443 is the leading standard for securing them.