Business & Technology
Most firms use IT tools for OT security, study finds
SOFIAH NICHOLE SALIVIO
News Editor
e2e-assure has published research showing that nearly one in three organisations rely on IT detection platforms adapted for operational technology. The study surveyed 250 cybersecurity decision-makers across manufacturing, utilities, transport, government and defence.
The findings highlight a gap between the tools many organisations use to monitor industrial environments and the demands of OT and industrial control systems. Some 32 per cent of respondents said they rely on detection platforms built for IT and later adapted for OT, while only 15 per cent have deployed passive visibility tools designed specifically for industrial control systems.
This shortfall comes amid disruption from cyber incidents. Among those surveyed, 63 per cent said incidents in the past year had caused direct operational downtime or affected critical OT or ICS systems.
Coordination gaps
The study also highlights weaknesses in how organisations manage security across converged IT and OT environments. It found that 28 per cent still depend on manual or ad hoc coordination between IT and OT security teams, while 37 per cent use a shared platform across both environments.
These figures suggest many businesses have yet to establish a joined-up approach to incident handling in operational settings, where response times and system visibility can directly affect production and services.
Richard Groome, OT Cybersecurity Specialist at e2e-assure, said: “Most adapted IT platforms struggle in OT because they’re still thinking like IT tools. They can identify anomalies, but they often have no understanding of their business impact. OT downtime isn’t just a network problem; it’s a process problem. If you can’t interpret what an alert means for a running plant or production line, you’re not preventing downtime, you’re just creating noise.”
The research argues that extending established IT security platforms into OT environments can leave teams with large volumes of data but limited understanding of its operational meaning. In practice, that can make it harder to assess whether an alert threatens a live process, production line or critical service.
Connectivity is adding further pressure. The survey found that 70 per cent of organisations have fully or largely integrated cloud-connected environments into their IT and OT security strategies, increasing the complexity of managing exposure across systems designed with different priorities.
Groome said: “The volume of data being ingested is often not understood or actionable, meaning incidents may still be missed. More connected does not automatically mean more secure, particularly where exposure increases faster than coordinated response capability.”
Rising costs
The financial impact of OT disruption also featured in the findings. Previously shared research found that 23 per cent of the most severe OT downtime incidents cost more than £1 million, while 6 per cent exceeded £5 million.
That cost backdrop appears to be influencing spending priorities. The survey found that 63 per cent of leaders are increasing budgets for workforce training and role clarity, making this the most commonly prioritised area for additional investment.
The focus on training suggests some organisations see the problem as extending beyond technology procurement. Where IT and OT teams follow different processes or lack a shared picture of incidents, the issue may lie as much in internal coordination and decision-making as in the monitoring tools themselves.
Supply chain risk is also emerging as a greater concern in OT security programmes following recent breaches, according to the study. That reflects the dependence of many industrial and public sector operators on external vendors, software providers and maintenance partners that connect into operational environments.
The research was conducted by Censuswide among cybersecurity decision-makers at organisations with between 250 and 10,000 employees. Respondents came from sectors including food manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, energy, utilities, telecoms, retail, pharmaceuticals, central government, local government and life sciences.
Across those sectors, the findings indicate that many organisations are still trying to bridge the divide between conventional IT security practices and the operational realities of industrial systems. With only a minority using OT-specific visibility tools and more than a quarter still relying on manual coordination between teams, the data points to persistent operational blind spots as cyber incidents continue to disrupt critical systems.
Martin Gibbon takes on the role covering operations across Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Herefordshire, Swindon, and Wiltshire.
He returns to the region after previously serving as operations director from 2019 to 2023.
Most recently, Mr Gibbon was managing director of Stagecoach South Wales and also served as chair of CPT (The Confederation of Public Transport) Wales.
Mr Gibbon said: “My focus will be on continuing to grow bus use by delivering reliable, high-quality services that people want to choose.
“I’ve seen first-hand how good public transport can transform opportunities for people, and that’s what motivates me to keep improving it.
“I’ve always been motivated by roles that make a real difference to people’s daily lives.
“Public transport is one of the few industries where you can see that impact immediately — connecting communities, supporting local economies and helping people access work, education and essential services.
“It also plays a vital role in improving social inclusion and delivering meaningful environmental benefits.
“You can expect openness, partnership and a genuine commitment to making your local bus services the best they can be.”
Mr Gibbon began his career with Stagecoach in 2011 and has since held a variety of operational and leadership roles across the South of England, including the West, Oxfordshire, and Wales.
Sam Greer, chief operating officer at Stagecoach Group Limited, said: “Martin brings real passion for our industry, strong leadership, and deep operational expertise.
“Importantly, he brings a transparency and genuine care for our local communities that really reflects what we mean when we say ‘We’ve got you’.
“I’m proud of this appointment and confident he will continue to strengthen the trust our customers place in us and deliver for the communities we serve across the region.”
Stagecoach, founded in 1980, is the UK’s largest bus and coach operator, with a fleet of 8,300 vehicles connecting over 100 major towns and cities across England, Scotland, and Wales.
The company employs 25,000 people and is deeply rooted in the communities it serves, aiming to make everyday journeys simpler, greener, and more reliable.
Stagecoach works with partners to promote greener, smarter, and more inclusive transport.
This helps reduce congestion, lower emissions, and support local economies.
The company continues to invest in sustainability, with more than 15 per cent of its fleet now electric.
As part of its sustainability strategy, Stagecoach has committed to donating up to 0.5 per cent of its annual profit before tax to charitable causes across the UK.
Witney-based digital agency Olamalu, founded in 2010 by husband-and-wife team Kate Berman and Christoph Corvin. , has grown into an award-winning company supporting organisations across Oxfordshire and beyond.
Reflecting on the milestone, co-founder Kate Berman said: “Reaching 16 years in business is a huge moment for us and one we’re incredibly proud of.
“When we started Olamalu, we wanted to create a business that delivered brilliant technical solutions but also genuinely cared about people – from our clients and team to the wider community around us.”
Built on values of creativity and community, the company has expanded its reach while remaining committed to its original mission.
Olamalu has gained particular recognition for its support of the Oxfordshire community and its investment in youth.
It runs an apprenticeship scheme aimed at helping young people build careers in technology without needing to relocate to bigger cities.
In 2024, the company was named SME Apprentice Employer of the Year in the South East regional finals and was highly commended nationally.
Niall Middleton, software developer team leader and former apprentice, said: “My skills grew and grew as I went through my apprenticeship and now I’m at a place where I’m proud to say that I can tackle complex software development projects and develop the skills of our newer apprentices.
“I want to give back to this company after what they’ve given me: a chance to stretch myself, grow and learn these new skills.
“I want to feed that back into the business and be one of the driving forces of Olamalu’s growth.”
The business also supports charities including Homeless Oxfordshire, MyVision Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire Community Foundation, Cogges Heritage Trust, and Wychwood Forest Trust.
Its team runs school coding clubs, attends careers events, and offers work experience to students interested in tech.
Ms Berman said: “Helping young people into careers in tech and building long-lasting relationships has always been just as important to us as the work itself.
“Looking back over the last 16 years, we’re incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received and excited about what comes next.”
Olamalu’s commitment to the community has been recognised by clients such as Cogges Manor Farm.
Guy Reed, general manager at Cogges, said: “Cogges Manor Farm were one of Olamalu’s first customers.
“As a small, independent heritage charity, our website is the heartbeat of our business.
“We’ve just launched a brand-new site which Olamalu developed, and it’s made a difference to us already.
“We’re grateful for the 16 years of support and wish Olamalu a very happy birthday.”
Taking place at Bicester Motion, the exhibition attracted around 80 visitors on June 12.
It also highlighted plans for new jobs, workspace, apartments, a hotel, and improved biodiversity.
Daniel Geoghegan, chief executive officer at Bicester Motion, said: “Thank you to everyone who took the time to attend our public exhibition and share their thoughts on the proposals.
“We were pleased to welcome so many people and have constructive conversations about the future of Bicester Motion.
“As custodians of this unique estate, we are committed to listening to our neighbours, local businesses and wider stakeholders.
“Their feedback is an important part of helping us shape plans that support long-term investment, jobs and opportunities, while respecting the estate’s heritage and its role within the local community.”
Visitors had the chance to meet the project team and ask questions.
The consultation remains open until 11pm on June 25, and the team is encouraging anyone who has not yet reviewed the proposals to do so online.
Following the close of the consultation, all comments will be reviewed and considered, and a consultation feedback report will be published outlining key themes and how feedback has influenced the plans.
Bicester Motion was supported by Ridge, Edgars, Nicholsons, Stantec, Motion, Aurochs Ecology, Worlledge Associates, and LDA Design.
More information and the feedback form can be found at https://consultation.bicestermotion.com/
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