Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity is at a pivotal moment. With industrial systems becoming increasingly interconnected through cloud integrations and AI, the opportunities for innovation are immense, but the risks are growing just as quickly. Threat actors are adapting, the talent gap in cybersecurity is widening, and critical infrastructure faces challenges that transcend the digital realm.  

Protecting industrial control systems (ICS) isn’t just a technical task—it’s about securing the processes that power modern life, from electricity grids to water treatment plants and production lines. A single breach could impact operations that society depends on daily.  

What does the future hold for OT cybersecurity? Drawing insights from the SANS 2024 State of ICS/OT Cybersecurity Survey, we unpack the key trends driving OT security and share practical strategies to address today’s pressing challenges. 

Top OT Cybersecurity Trends to Watch in 2025  

1. Cloud Adoption Brings New Security Risks  

Cloud technologies are revolutionizing OT systems, enabling greater efficiency and scalability. But they also introduce new vulnerabilities. While 39% of organizations now use cloud services, 45% remain hesitant, citing security and reliability concerns.  

The Challenge: How do organizations adopt cloud solutions while maintaining compliance and protecting critical systems against cyber threats?  

What to Do:  

• Strengthen your approach with robust threat-detection tools that provide real-time monitoring of OT environments.  

• For operations where cloud isn’t feasible, consider on-site solutions to ensure secure functionality without connectivity.  

Recommendation:  Insane Cyber's Valkyrie Security Automation Software and Cygnet Flyaway Kit 

2. Workforce Gaps in Certification and Skills  

The shortage of skilled professionals in OT cybersecurity presents one of the field’s toughest challenges. 51% of ICS professionals lack certifications, and many have under five years of experience. This reality leaves organizations with knowledge gaps during a critical period of evolving threats.  

The Challenge: Developing a capable, specialized workforce to safeguard complex ICS/OT systems.  

What to Do:  

• Invest in upskilling current teams with tailored training programs.  Engage external experts for critical needs like risk assessments, regulatory compliance, and incident response planning.

• Managed cybersecurity services can complement your in-house team, offering real-time monitoring and immediate support without overstretching resources.  

Recommendation:  Insane Cyber's Corvus Managed Services and Aesir Professional Services 

3. The Push for Better Network Segmentation  

Poorly segmented networks remain a weak link. With 22% of organizations reporting dual-homed ICS/OT assets, the boundary between IT and OT systems often leaves ICS networks vulnerable to lateral attacks.  

The Challenge: Balancing strong IT-OT boundary protections without disrupting operations.  

What to Do:  

• Audit your networks for segmentation gaps. Prioritize mapping data flows and isolating critical assets where necessary.  

• Use tools that simplify network visibility and monitoring, making it easier to identify vulnerabilities and respond to threats swiftly.  

Recommendation: Insane Cyber's Valkyrie Software

4. The Rise of AI and Automation in OT  

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning are rapidly gaining traction in industrial environments, with 64% of organizations planning to adopt AI-driven solutions within 18 months. While these advancements enhance efficiency and decision-making, they also come with new risks—such as the potential for adversarial AI attacks.  

The Challenge: Securely integrating AI-driven automation without introducing exploitable vulnerabilities.  

What to Do:  

• Conduct risk assessments specific to AI and automation in OT systems. 

• Ensure transparency and accountability in AI decision-making by incorporating robust monitoring into automated processes.  

• Train teams to recognize and mitigate emerging AI-related threats.  

Recommendation:  Automated monitoring with Insane Cyber's Valkyrie Software and schedule assessments with Aesir Professional Services.

5. Growing Importance of Incident Response and Testing  

While 56% of organizations have ICS-specific incident response plans, only 24% test them quarterly or more frequently. This leaves gaps in preparedness for incidents like ransomware.  Activating a costly IR plan without fully understanding the scope and impact of an incident can strain resources unnecessarily. Organizations must ensure their IR plans are thoroughly tested, validated, and ready for deployment only when truly needed.  

The Challenge: Streamlining incident response and regularly testing plans to minimize damage and expenses.  

What to Do: 

• Develop and implement a regular incident response exercise program that includes simulated attacks, tabletop exercises, and post-mortem evaluations. 

• Train employees on how to identify and respond to potential cyber threats.

• Have an incident response team in place with clear roles and responsibilities.

Recommendation: Insane Cyber's Valkyrie Software for automated detection of attacks and real-time incident response preparation. Our Cygnet Flyway Kit is a versatile tool for pre-incident testing and scenario validation, enabling smarter and more cost-effective IR decision-making.  

How Insane Cyber Can Help 

Valkyrie is Insane Cyber’s advanced threat detection and security automation platform, built to deliver unmatched visibility and protection for ICS/OT environments. With Valkyrie, organizations gain real-time insights into their network to identify vulnerabilities, monitor data flows, and address threats before they escalate. 

Key features of Valkyrie include:  

• Full Network Visibility  

• Continuous Monitoring  

• Rapid Incident Analysis  

• User-Friendly Design  

  
  

Cygnet Flyaway Kit: Security Without the Cloud  

For environments where cloud integration isn’t an option, Insane Cyber offers the Cygnet Flyaway Kit, a standalone on-site security solution.  This portable kit includes all the necessary hardware and software to protect your network, without relying on cloud connectivity. It’s ideal for remote locations or highly secure environments where direct internet access is limited or prohibited.  

Corvus Managed Services: Always-On Cybersecurity  

Corvus Managed Services provides organizations with a dedicated team of cybersecurity experts to monitor, manage, and defend ICS/OT networks 24/7.  

Corvus includes:  

• Real-Time Threat Monitoring: Around-the-clock oversight to neutralize threats before escalation. 

• Proactive Vulnerability Management: Ongoing assessments to address weaknesses. 

• Incident Response Support: Immediate assistance during breaches for fast containment and recovery.  

Aesir Professional Services: Expertise When You Need It  

For specialized projects or complex challenges, Insane Cyber’s Aesir Professional Services offers tailored solutions from experienced ICS/OT cybersecurity professionals.  

Key offerings:  

• Risk Assessments & Compliance Guidance: Align with industry standards like ISA/IEC 62443, NERC CIP, and NIST Cybersecurity Framework.  

• Incident Response Planning & Testing: Prepare with scenario-based tabletop exercises and live simulations.  

• System Hardening & Architecture Design: Implement secure architectures and segmentation strategies to minimize IT/OT risks. 

The Road Ahead  

OT cybersecurity isn’t just about reacting to threats—it’s about anticipating them.

Whether it’s safeguarding cloud integrations, closing workforce skill gaps, improving network segmentation, or securing AI-powered systems, each step you take strengthens your defenses against a constantly shifting threat landscape. 

Modern industrial processes depend on OT cybersecurity experts rising to the challenge. By focusing on proactive resilience and implementing practical strategies, your organization can face next year with confidence.  

Cyber threats are evolving—will your security strategy evolve with them?