Emerging threats
What is Operational Technology?
Operational Technology (OT) refers to systems and networks that monitor and control physical operations. These systems are used widely in Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), where a disruption can have a significant impact on operations and safety, and result in major financial loss.
OT is critical for key processes across a range of industries including:
- Critical National Infrastructure (CNI): Including water, waste water and sanitation, healthcare and emergency services, the chemical and nuclear industry, and transportation.
- Manufacturing and production: Including robotics, welding, painting, assembly, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) devices like lathes, and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).
- Energy: Including generation and distribution, turbines and electricity grid monitoring.
- Logistics: Including traffic control, rail signalling, automated cranes and port control.
- HVAC: i.e., Heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and Building Automation Systems (BAS) like lighting control and fire suppression.
- Physical Access Control Systems (PACS): Including automated locking systems.
Why OT security is essential
If an OT network is compromised by an attacker, there are serious risks of operational disruption, total shutdown of production facilities and physical safety concerns.
Unlike traditional digital systems today, many OT systems were not designed with security in mind and often:
- Lack basic security controls.
- Rely on legacy software or hardware that can’t be easily patched or updated.
- Don’t support the implementation of advanced security tools or controls.
- Are outdated by today’s security standards.
- Are increasingly connected to other IT networks and the public internet.
This makes them a prime target for threat actors, including organised crime groups and nation-state attackers.
The 2025 cyberattack against Jaguar Land Rover (conducted for extortion purposes by the organised crime 'supergroup' Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters), led to a five-week production shutdown at an estimated cost of £1.9 billion, and significant disruption throughout their supply chain.
What is OT Penetration Testing?
OT penetration testing is a specialised technical security assessment designed to test the resilience of Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and other operational environments.
We simulate a real-world attack against internal OT networks to identify any weaknesses before they can be exploited by a threat actor. It's essential for ensuring the safety and operational continuity of OT systems.
Our approach includes:
- Assessing your current configuration and assets.
- Setting clear security objectives aligned with your business needs and industry standards.
- Conducting a comprehensive penetration test to identify weaknesses.
- Providing prioritised remediation advice on controls and policies that are compatible with your specific setup.
PGI recognises that OT networks form the backbone of your company’s critical operations, and our testing is carefully scoped around your operational schedule to minimise disruption.
Our consultants follow globally recognised industry standard frameworks to guide OT security testing aligned with best practices (including ISA/IEC 62443, MITRE ATT&ACK for ICS, and NIST Special Publication 800-82).
Why choose PGI for OT Penetration Testing?
Our CREST accredited consultants are experts in penetration testing with over a decade of experience assessing complex OT environments. We provide in-depth insights into the real behaviours and techniques used by threat actors for realistic and impactful testing.
Deep technical expertise
Our experts bring deep technical knowledge of specific hardware devices and software protocols used in OT networks, ensuring safe and efficient testing of your environment.
Carefully scoped testing
We prioritise safety in every OT penetration testing engagement. Testing is carefully planned and tailored around each environment and operational schedule to minimise disruption to critical operations.
Security improvement roadmap
Beyond testing, we provide detailed remediation advice to our clients, with weaknesses prioritised by level of threat, so you can implement fixes quickly and efficiently. We will help you define clear, measurable security objectives, and deliver a roadmap to improving your OT security.