Previously, industrial environments operated in a completely separate manner. In other words, the operational systems responsible for controlling machines, sensors, and physical processes were separated from IT. There was no integration with corporate networks, and the cloud was a distant concept. It was a closed and parallel world where security relied primarily on physical control: disconnected local networks, systems without internet access, and outdated industrial protocols not designed with digital threats in mind.
But all this has changed in recent years. With digitalization, production lines, equipment, and industrial data need to communicate in real time—not just within the factory but also with corporate systems and the cloud. The integration between OT and IT brought efficiency but also exposed vulnerabilities that didn’t exist before. Many industries still operate with legacy infrastructure, lacking proper protection against cyberattacks, outdated or obsolete software—and this has become a major risk.
Collaboration between IT and OT is essential to protect industrial networks
According to IDC, ‘As industrial operations increasingly rely on IT resources and the cloud, managing OT security in isolation is no longer viable.’ Collaboration between IT and OT is crucial because threats can—and indeed do—cross networks. Malware and ransomware pose as much of a threat to OT as targeted attacks on industrial control systems (ICS). These threats move from IT to OT, for example, when a control engineer clicks on a malicious link in a phishing email or when a service provider connects an infected USB drive to an OT workstation.’
This is why there’s an urgent need for innovation and cybersecurity to go hand in hand. Modernizing industrial facilities with smart sensors, autonomous systems, and AI-driven platforms won’t be effective if these advancements are hindered by a cyberattack. Every new technology implemented brings operational gains but also expands the attack surface.
And it’s essential to always keep in mind: an exposed environment is the same as a paralyzed operation, and a paralyzed operation means countless losses. Innovation is only sustainable when paired with a protection strategy that evolves at the same pace. This includes everything from selecting vendors who prioritize security to continuous team training, as well as access policies, network segmentation, regular updates, and complete visibility of all connected assets. In Industry 4.0, protecting is as important as innovating—and there’s no longer room for these decisions to be made separately.
How to deal with the lack of budget?
One of the biggest obstacles to addressing this need is budget—or rather, the lack thereof. Many companies simply don’t allocate funds to protect their systems, whether due to a lack of understanding of the risks or because they prioritize more visible investments, such as new equipment or production processes. In many cases, digital security still isn’t part of strategic planning and is only addressed when an incident occurs. The problem is that without adequate resources, it’s impossible to implement effective solutions, update legacy infrastructure, or hire specialists.
MetaIndústria Initiative
In this context, important initiatives like MetaIndústria emerge—a project developed by the Brazilian Agency for Industrial Development (ABDI) in partnership with technology companies to accelerate digital transformation in the sector. Combining physical and digital infrastructure, MetaIndústria offers a controlled environment where companies of different sizes can test and validate technological solutions with low cost and high precision. The proposal is clear: reduce barriers to innovation, allowing more industries to safely and effectively experiment, refine, and implement technologies while simulating real-world outcomes in their operations. This is a necessary push for digitalization to occur with awareness, planning, and, above all, security.
More than investing, it’s about raising awareness
The industry must clearly understand that cybersecurity is part of the strategic budget. Protecting data, systems, and operations isn’t just about avoiding losses—it’s about gaining market trust, ensuring business continuity, and building a solid foundation for growth. The more industrial leaders grasp the real risks and concrete benefits of a preventive approach, the better prepared they’ll be to make decisions that strengthen their future operations. Security isn’t a cost—it’s a competitive differentiator in the era of Industry 4.0.
