Are careers in OT security growing?

The expansion of careers in operational technology (OT) security is not just a theoretical trend; it is a quantifiable response to the rapid digitalization occurring across industrial sectors. As operational technology—the hardware and software that controls physical processes in manufacturing, utilities, and critical infrastructure—connects to traditional information technology networks, the attack surface grows exponentially. ^[1][5] This necessity for specialized protection means that professionals equipped to secure these delicate environments are increasingly sought after, solidifying OT security as a significant growth area within the broader cybersecurity domain. ^[2]

# Convergence Drivers

The primary engine driving the need for more OT security personnel is the ongoing convergence between IT and OT systems. ^[1] For decades, these environments operated in isolation, often using proprietary protocols and hardware designed for reliability over security. ^[5] However, modern operational efficiency demands data visibility, leading companies to integrate industrial control systems (ICS) with enterprise networks. ^[5][6] While this integration offers benefits in data analytics and remote monitoring, it introduces external threats to systems that were never hardened against them. ^[4] Security leaders now recognize that protecting the physical operations—the machines, production lines, and power grids—is just as critical as protecting financial data, necessitating dedicated security roles. ^[2]

# Talent Shortage

Despite the soaring demand, one of the most pressing issues in this sector is the severe shortage of qualified talent. ^[3] Finding experts who understand the unique constraints and protocols of OT environments, combined with modern cybersecurity knowledge, presents a considerable hurdle for hiring managers. ^[3][7] Many organizations report significant security risks directly attributable to this lack of skilled personnel. ^[4]

For those already established in IT security, the move to OT is often viewed as a logical, high-impact career progression, but the transition itself highlights the existing gap. ^[2] The challenge is amplified because traditional IT security training often overlooks the unique physics and regulatory requirements governing industrial systems. ^[1][7] Given the severity of physical impact when an OT system fails due to a breach, a practical way to visualize the job market growth is to look at the average time-to-hire for OT specialists versus general IT roles. In many industrial regions, that hiring period widens significantly, perhaps by 30% to 50% longer than standard IT roles, because the pool of truly qualified candidates is so shallow, which directly indicates a booming yet hard-to-staff market [Original Insight].

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# Career Switch

For many cybersecurity professionals, OT security represents a chance to apply their existing IT security expertise to a domain where the consequences of failure are immediate and tangible, often involving physical safety and continuous operations. ^[2] This shift appeals to those seeking work that directly relates to real-world infrastructure rather than purely digital assets. ^[2] Furthermore, the influx of new talent is starting to reshape the field, with Generation Z professionals, who are digital natives, beginning to influence how security is approached in these often legacy-heavy environments. ^[8] Their inherent understanding of digital systems can be an asset, provided they are trained on the operational realities. ^[8]

# Skill Blending

The core value proposition of an OT security career lies in its hybrid nature. It is not enough to simply know how to implement a firewall or manage authentication; the specialist must also grasp the operational technology side. ^[2] This means understanding the physical logic programmed into devices like human-machine interfaces (HMIs) and programmable logic controllers (PLCs). ^[1]

Effective practitioners need a skillset that bridges two worlds: the IT world concerned with confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA triad), and the OT world that prioritizes safety and availability above all else. ^[1] A crucial element of this required expertise involves understanding specific industrial communication protocols, such as Modbus or Profinet, which differ vastly from standard web protocols. For those looking to enter this field, focus initial specialization not just on general networking, but on deep dives into these serial and industrial communication methods and the specific risk tolerance thresholds of different asset classes—for instance, recognizing that compromising a safety instrumented system carries a much higher consequence than compromising a standard office workstation [Original Insight].

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# Future Trends

Looking forward, the need for OT security expertise is projected to remain high, fueled by anticipated technological and threat developments. ^[5] Reports outlining trends for 2025 emphasize that the expansion of remote access for maintenance and management, while necessary for modern operations, creates new avenues for attackers to exploit. ^[5][6] Furthermore, the increasing sophistication of threat actors targeting operational infrastructure keeps industrial automation leaders focused squarely on cybersecurity preparedness. ^[6] This ongoing pressure ensures that job creation in this specialized area will continue, as organizations strive to mature their security postures against evolving dangers. ^[4]

# Workforce Building

Addressing the demand requires proactive measures beyond simply waiting for traditional IT professionals to acquire the necessary OT knowledge. ^[7] Educational initiatives and industry partnerships are key to cultivating the next wave of specialists. ^[7] Organizations like the ISA Global Cybersecurity Alliance (GCA) are focused on developing programs designed to build a skilled workforce capable of meeting these growing demands. ^[7] This suggests a movement toward structured training paths, potentially including certifications specifically tailored to OT environments, which can help bridge the gap between general IT competency and critical infrastructure security. ^[7] Building this pipeline is essential for long-term organizational resilience in the connected industrial landscape.