IT-OT convergence is the linking of enterprise IT networks with operational technology (OT) environments that monitor and control physical processes. This can improve reporting, remote support, and data sharing, but it also removes the natural isolation that once protected industrial systems. As a result, the attack surface grows and security decisions must account for both business systems and safety-critical equipment.
In cyber security, IT-OT convergence matters because threats can move between office networks and plant networks if segmentation, identity controls, or remote access are weak. Attackers may abuse shared credentials, exposed jump hosts, or trusted integrations to reach controllers, historians, or engineering workstations. Defenders respond with strict network zoning, least-privilege access, asset inventory, monitoring tailored to OT protocols, and recovery plans that respect uptime and safety constraints. The goal is not to disconnect everything, but to control every connection.