How to Conduct an OT Cybersecurity Gap Analysis
The Evolving Landscape of OT Cybersecurity Threats
Operational Technology (OT) systems are the heartbeat of critical infrastructure in sectors like manufacturing, oil and gas, and energy. These systems control everything from assembly lines to drilling operations and power distribution. But as OT environments converge with IT networks and incorporate IoT devices, they've become magnets for sophisticated cyberattacks. According to the Dragos 8th Annual OT Cybersecurity Report released in 2025, ransomware and ICS intrusions have surged, with critical infrastructure facing persistent risks. Fortinet's 2025 State of Operational Technology and Cybersecurity Report reveals that 52% of organizations now place OT security under the CISO, a sharp rise from 16% in 2022, signaling a strategic shift amid escalating threats.
The financial stakes are staggering: average breach costs in OT environments exceed $32 million in 2025, driven by downtime, regulatory fines, and recovery efforts. CISA's latest guidance, "Foundations for OT Cybersecurity: Asset Inventory Guidance for Owners and Operators" published in August 2025, emphasizes asset inventory as a cornerstone for risk management, highlighting vulnerabilities in outdated software and weak authentication. For decision-makers, conducting an OT cybersecurity gap analysis isn't optional, it's essential for identifying weaknesses, aligning with standards like ISA/IEC 62443 and NIST CSF, and justifying investments that deliver measurable ROI through reduced risks and enhanced operational efficiency.
Why Conduct an OT Cybersecurity Gap Analysis?
An OT cybersecurity gap analysis is a systematic evaluation that compares your current security posture against industry standards and best practices. It uncovers discrepancies in controls, processes, and technologies, enabling targeted improvements. In high-stakes industries like manufacturing, oil and gas, and energy, where a single breach can halt operations or compromise safety, this analysis is crucial. Here's why it matters:
Identify Hidden Vulnerabilities: Legacy OT systems often lack visibility, making them susceptible to exploits. A gap analysis reveals these blind spots before attackers do.
Justify Budget Allocations: With OT security budgets shifting toward long-term strategy as noted in 2025 reports, a gap analysis provides data-driven evidence to secure funding, demonstrating potential ROI through avoided losses.
Enhance Compliance and Resilience: Align with CISA's 2025 guidelines on defensible architecture, reducing compliance risks and building systems that withstand evolving threats like ransomware.
Maximize ROI: By prioritizing high-impact fixes, organizations can achieve up to 300% ROI on cybersecurity investments, as breaches in oil and gas alone cost billions annually.
Conducting a gap analysis transforms reactive security into a proactive strategy, protecting assets while optimizing resource allocation for better business outcomes.
Why Download Shieldworkz OT Cybersecurity Gap Analysis Guide?
Shieldworkz How to Conduct an OT Cybersecurity Gap Analysis guide is a comprehensive resource tailored for CISOs, OT managers, and compliance officers in manufacturing, oil and gas, and energy sectors. Developed by seasoned OT cybersecurity experts, it equips you with practical tools to perform an effective analysis, justify budgets, and realize strong ROI. Here’s why it’s indispensable:
Step-by-Step Methodology: From asset inventory to risk prioritization, the guide offers a clear framework aligned with CISA’s 2025 asset guidance and NIST standards.
Industry-Tailored Insights: Addresses sector-specific challenges, such as remote oil field operations or energy grid integrations, with real-world examples.
ROI-Focused Approach: Includes templates for calculating potential savings from breach prevention, helping you build a compelling business case for investments.
Updated for 2025 Threats: Incorporates the latest on ransomware trends and market growth, ensuring your analysis accounts for current risks like those in the expanding OT security market projected to reach $89.95 billion by 2033.
Download this guide to streamline your gap analysis, secure stakeholder buy-in, and drive tangible returns on your cybersecurity efforts.
Key Takeaways from the Guide
Our guide distills complex concepts into actionable insights, empowering you to conduct a thorough OT cybersecurity gap analysis. Here are the key takeaways:
Start with Asset Inventory: Use CISA’s 2025 guidance to catalog OT assets, forming the foundation for identifying gaps in visibility and control.
Assess Against Standards: Compare your setup to ISA/IEC 62443 and NIST CSF, pinpointing deficiencies in network segmentation and access controls.
Prioritize Risks with ROI in Mind: Evaluate gaps based on potential impact and remediation costs, focusing on high-ROI areas like patching vulnerabilities to prevent multimillion-dollar breaches.
Develop a Remediation Plan: Create budgeted roadmaps with timelines, ensuring compliance and resilience while justifying expenditures through projected savings.
Measure and Iterate: Implement metrics to track ROI post-analysis, adapting to emerging threats like those in manufacturing and energy sectors.
These takeaways provide a blueprint for not just identifying gaps but closing them efficiently, delivering long-term value to your organization.
How Shieldworkz Supports Your Gap Analysis Journey
At Shieldworkz, we’re committed to helping industrial leaders in manufacturing, oil and gas, and energy sectors fortify their OT environments. Our expertise turns gap analyses into strategic advantages. Here’s how we assist:
Expert Consulting Services: Our OT specialists guide you through customized gap analyses, providing insights to justify budgets and maximize ROI.
Advanced Tools and Solutions: Leverage our platforms for automated asset discovery and risk assessment, aligning with CISA’s 2025 recommendations.
Training for Your Team: Offer specialized programs to build internal capabilities, ensuring sustained security and efficient resource use.
Ongoing Support: Help monitor progress and refine strategies, turning initial investments into compounding returns through reduced incident costs.
Who should download
Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs)
OT/ICS Managers
Compliance Officers
Plant and Operations Directors in manufacturing, oil & gas, and energy
Ready to Bridge Your OT Cybersecurity Gaps?
With OT security markets booming and threats like ransomware intensifying, proactive analysis ensures compliance and competitiveness. Download to start building your business case today.
Fill out the form to access your free guide and begin your journey with Shieldworkz toward a more secure, profitable future.
Download your copy today!
The Evolving Landscape of OT Cybersecurity Threats
Operational Technology (OT) systems are the heartbeat of critical infrastructure in sectors like manufacturing, oil and gas, and energy. These systems control everything from assembly lines to drilling operations and power distribution. But as OT environments converge with IT networks and incorporate IoT devices, they've become magnets for sophisticated cyberattacks. According to the Dragos 8th Annual OT Cybersecurity Report released in 2025, ransomware and ICS intrusions have surged, with critical infrastructure facing persistent risks. Fortinet's 2025 State of Operational Technology and Cybersecurity Report reveals that 52% of organizations now place OT security under the CISO, a sharp rise from 16% in 2022, signaling a strategic shift amid escalating threats.
The financial stakes are staggering: average breach costs in OT environments exceed $32 million in 2025, driven by downtime, regulatory fines, and recovery efforts. CISA's latest guidance, "Foundations for OT Cybersecurity: Asset Inventory Guidance for Owners and Operators" published in August 2025, emphasizes asset inventory as a cornerstone for risk management, highlighting vulnerabilities in outdated software and weak authentication. For decision-makers, conducting an OT cybersecurity gap analysis isn't optional, it's essential for identifying weaknesses, aligning with standards like ISA/IEC 62443 and NIST CSF, and justifying investments that deliver measurable ROI through reduced risks and enhanced operational efficiency.
Why Conduct an OT Cybersecurity Gap Analysis?
An OT cybersecurity gap analysis is a systematic evaluation that compares your current security posture against industry standards and best practices. It uncovers discrepancies in controls, processes, and technologies, enabling targeted improvements. In high-stakes industries like manufacturing, oil and gas, and energy, where a single breach can halt operations or compromise safety, this analysis is crucial. Here's why it matters:
Identify Hidden Vulnerabilities: Legacy OT systems often lack visibility, making them susceptible to exploits. A gap analysis reveals these blind spots before attackers do.
Justify Budget Allocations: With OT security budgets shifting toward long-term strategy as noted in 2025 reports, a gap analysis provides data-driven evidence to secure funding, demonstrating potential ROI through avoided losses.
Enhance Compliance and Resilience: Align with CISA's 2025 guidelines on defensible architecture, reducing compliance risks and building systems that withstand evolving threats like ransomware.
Maximize ROI: By prioritizing high-impact fixes, organizations can achieve up to 300% ROI on cybersecurity investments, as breaches in oil and gas alone cost billions annually.
Conducting a gap analysis transforms reactive security into a proactive strategy, protecting assets while optimizing resource allocation for better business outcomes.
Why Download Shieldworkz OT Cybersecurity Gap Analysis Guide?
Shieldworkz How to Conduct an OT Cybersecurity Gap Analysis guide is a comprehensive resource tailored for CISOs, OT managers, and compliance officers in manufacturing, oil and gas, and energy sectors. Developed by seasoned OT cybersecurity experts, it equips you with practical tools to perform an effective analysis, justify budgets, and realize strong ROI. Here’s why it’s indispensable:
Step-by-Step Methodology: From asset inventory to risk prioritization, the guide offers a clear framework aligned with CISA’s 2025 asset guidance and NIST standards.
Industry-Tailored Insights: Addresses sector-specific challenges, such as remote oil field operations or energy grid integrations, with real-world examples.
ROI-Focused Approach: Includes templates for calculating potential savings from breach prevention, helping you build a compelling business case for investments.
Updated for 2025 Threats: Incorporates the latest on ransomware trends and market growth, ensuring your analysis accounts for current risks like those in the expanding OT security market projected to reach $89.95 billion by 2033.
Download this guide to streamline your gap analysis, secure stakeholder buy-in, and drive tangible returns on your cybersecurity efforts.
Key Takeaways from the Guide
Our guide distills complex concepts into actionable insights, empowering you to conduct a thorough OT cybersecurity gap analysis. Here are the key takeaways:
Start with Asset Inventory: Use CISA’s 2025 guidance to catalog OT assets, forming the foundation for identifying gaps in visibility and control.
Assess Against Standards: Compare your setup to ISA/IEC 62443 and NIST CSF, pinpointing deficiencies in network segmentation and access controls.
Prioritize Risks with ROI in Mind: Evaluate gaps based on potential impact and remediation costs, focusing on high-ROI areas like patching vulnerabilities to prevent multimillion-dollar breaches.
Develop a Remediation Plan: Create budgeted roadmaps with timelines, ensuring compliance and resilience while justifying expenditures through projected savings.
Measure and Iterate: Implement metrics to track ROI post-analysis, adapting to emerging threats like those in manufacturing and energy sectors.
These takeaways provide a blueprint for not just identifying gaps but closing them efficiently, delivering long-term value to your organization.
How Shieldworkz Supports Your Gap Analysis Journey
At Shieldworkz, we’re committed to helping industrial leaders in manufacturing, oil and gas, and energy sectors fortify their OT environments. Our expertise turns gap analyses into strategic advantages. Here’s how we assist:
Expert Consulting Services: Our OT specialists guide you through customized gap analyses, providing insights to justify budgets and maximize ROI.
Advanced Tools and Solutions: Leverage our platforms for automated asset discovery and risk assessment, aligning with CISA’s 2025 recommendations.
Training for Your Team: Offer specialized programs to build internal capabilities, ensuring sustained security and efficient resource use.
Ongoing Support: Help monitor progress and refine strategies, turning initial investments into compounding returns through reduced incident costs.
Who should download
Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs)
OT/ICS Managers
Compliance Officers
Plant and Operations Directors in manufacturing, oil & gas, and energy
Ready to Bridge Your OT Cybersecurity Gaps?
With OT security markets booming and threats like ransomware intensifying, proactive analysis ensures compliance and competitiveness. Download to start building your business case today.
Fill out the form to access your free guide and begin your journey with Shieldworkz toward a more secure, profitable future.
Download your copy today!
The Evolving Landscape of OT Cybersecurity Threats
Operational Technology (OT) systems are the heartbeat of critical infrastructure in sectors like manufacturing, oil and gas, and energy. These systems control everything from assembly lines to drilling operations and power distribution. But as OT environments converge with IT networks and incorporate IoT devices, they've become magnets for sophisticated cyberattacks. According to the Dragos 8th Annual OT Cybersecurity Report released in 2025, ransomware and ICS intrusions have surged, with critical infrastructure facing persistent risks. Fortinet's 2025 State of Operational Technology and Cybersecurity Report reveals that 52% of organizations now place OT security under the CISO, a sharp rise from 16% in 2022, signaling a strategic shift amid escalating threats.
The financial stakes are staggering: average breach costs in OT environments exceed $32 million in 2025, driven by downtime, regulatory fines, and recovery efforts. CISA's latest guidance, "Foundations for OT Cybersecurity: Asset Inventory Guidance for Owners and Operators" published in August 2025, emphasizes asset inventory as a cornerstone for risk management, highlighting vulnerabilities in outdated software and weak authentication. For decision-makers, conducting an OT cybersecurity gap analysis isn't optional, it's essential for identifying weaknesses, aligning with standards like ISA/IEC 62443 and NIST CSF, and justifying investments that deliver measurable ROI through reduced risks and enhanced operational efficiency.
Why Conduct an OT Cybersecurity Gap Analysis?
An OT cybersecurity gap analysis is a systematic evaluation that compares your current security posture against industry standards and best practices. It uncovers discrepancies in controls, processes, and technologies, enabling targeted improvements. In high-stakes industries like manufacturing, oil and gas, and energy, where a single breach can halt operations or compromise safety, this analysis is crucial. Here's why it matters:
Identify Hidden Vulnerabilities: Legacy OT systems often lack visibility, making them susceptible to exploits. A gap analysis reveals these blind spots before attackers do.
Justify Budget Allocations: With OT security budgets shifting toward long-term strategy as noted in 2025 reports, a gap analysis provides data-driven evidence to secure funding, demonstrating potential ROI through avoided losses.
Enhance Compliance and Resilience: Align with CISA's 2025 guidelines on defensible architecture, reducing compliance risks and building systems that withstand evolving threats like ransomware.
Maximize ROI: By prioritizing high-impact fixes, organizations can achieve up to 300% ROI on cybersecurity investments, as breaches in oil and gas alone cost billions annually.
Conducting a gap analysis transforms reactive security into a proactive strategy, protecting assets while optimizing resource allocation for better business outcomes.
Why Download Shieldworkz OT Cybersecurity Gap Analysis Guide?
Shieldworkz How to Conduct an OT Cybersecurity Gap Analysis guide is a comprehensive resource tailored for CISOs, OT managers, and compliance officers in manufacturing, oil and gas, and energy sectors. Developed by seasoned OT cybersecurity experts, it equips you with practical tools to perform an effective analysis, justify budgets, and realize strong ROI. Here’s why it’s indispensable:
Step-by-Step Methodology: From asset inventory to risk prioritization, the guide offers a clear framework aligned with CISA’s 2025 asset guidance and NIST standards.
Industry-Tailored Insights: Addresses sector-specific challenges, such as remote oil field operations or energy grid integrations, with real-world examples.
ROI-Focused Approach: Includes templates for calculating potential savings from breach prevention, helping you build a compelling business case for investments.
Updated for 2025 Threats: Incorporates the latest on ransomware trends and market growth, ensuring your analysis accounts for current risks like those in the expanding OT security market projected to reach $89.95 billion by 2033.
Download this guide to streamline your gap analysis, secure stakeholder buy-in, and drive tangible returns on your cybersecurity efforts.
Key Takeaways from the Guide
Our guide distills complex concepts into actionable insights, empowering you to conduct a thorough OT cybersecurity gap analysis. Here are the key takeaways:
Start with Asset Inventory: Use CISA’s 2025 guidance to catalog OT assets, forming the foundation for identifying gaps in visibility and control.
Assess Against Standards: Compare your setup to ISA/IEC 62443 and NIST CSF, pinpointing deficiencies in network segmentation and access controls.
Prioritize Risks with ROI in Mind: Evaluate gaps based on potential impact and remediation costs, focusing on high-ROI areas like patching vulnerabilities to prevent multimillion-dollar breaches.
Develop a Remediation Plan: Create budgeted roadmaps with timelines, ensuring compliance and resilience while justifying expenditures through projected savings.
Measure and Iterate: Implement metrics to track ROI post-analysis, adapting to emerging threats like those in manufacturing and energy sectors.
These takeaways provide a blueprint for not just identifying gaps but closing them efficiently, delivering long-term value to your organization.
How Shieldworkz Supports Your Gap Analysis Journey
At Shieldworkz, we’re committed to helping industrial leaders in manufacturing, oil and gas, and energy sectors fortify their OT environments. Our expertise turns gap analyses into strategic advantages. Here’s how we assist:
Expert Consulting Services: Our OT specialists guide you through customized gap analyses, providing insights to justify budgets and maximize ROI.
Advanced Tools and Solutions: Leverage our platforms for automated asset discovery and risk assessment, aligning with CISA’s 2025 recommendations.
Training for Your Team: Offer specialized programs to build internal capabilities, ensuring sustained security and efficient resource use.
Ongoing Support: Help monitor progress and refine strategies, turning initial investments into compounding returns through reduced incident costs.
Who should download
Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs)
OT/ICS Managers
Compliance Officers
Plant and Operations Directors in manufacturing, oil & gas, and energy
Ready to Bridge Your OT Cybersecurity Gaps?
With OT security markets booming and threats like ransomware intensifying, proactive analysis ensures compliance and competitiveness. Download to start building your business case today.
Fill out the form to access your free guide and begin your journey with Shieldworkz toward a more secure, profitable future.
