Shifting the security narrative from defence to innovation

Andrew Lintell at Claroty explains why security leaders should see cyber-security as a driver of positive business outcomes and not just a defence against threats

 

Cyber-security has traditionally been framed as a purely defensive measure. This is understandable – it’s a discipline created to ward off threats. However, this limited view misses a critical opportunity for growth and innovation. 

 

This is especially true for rapidly digitising environments like critical infrastructure. Digital transformation efforts, such as greater automation, AI-driven systems and remote access, mean the traditional operational technology (OT) systems common in these fields are facing elevated exposure to cyber-threats. 

 

Traditionally, OT-heavy sectors such as energy utilities, food and beverage, and other types of manufacturing have maintained a cautious, steady approach, but today’s business landscape demands faster, more flexible technology adoption. Security must support this momentum, not limit it. 

 

Just as DevOps reshaped IT by bringing development and operations closer together, a proactive approach to OT security establishes a foundation for safe innovation. This alignment allows companies to keep pace with changing markets and new opportunities without exposing critical systems to undue risks, making security a driver of long-term success. 

 

Aligning cyber-security with business goals 

Security strategies must be tied closely to core business objectives to reach their full potential. Moving beyond threat prevention alone, security strategies should focus on metrics that directly reflect operational performance, such as productivity, continuity, and customer satisfaction.  

 

Metrics like these resonate with decision-makers and demonstrate the real impact of cyber-security investments on business outcomes, making security’s role within OT operations more visible and valued at the board level. 

 

The long-term value of proactive OT security becomes especially evident when viewed through business-focused metrics. Rather than evaluating security based on the number of vulnerabilities blocked, consider its effect on uptime, resource efficiency, and maintaining productivity under challenging conditions. By integrating security with these broader operational goals, organisations establish a predictable environment that supports planning and resource allocation, adding stability as the organisation grows. 

 

The metrics that matter most often vary by sector. For instance, cost efficiency and production speed are paramount in manufacturing, meaning security should support high uptime and streamlined processes to avoid disruptions.  

 

Meanwhile, critical infrastructure sectors prioritise resilience and continuous operation to maintain essential services. Distinctions like these will have a powerful influence over the shape of the strategy and where organisations should prioritise their investment and efforts.  

 

With an adaptable approach centred on meaningful, measurable outcomes, cyber-security transitions from being framed as a cost centre to a fully-fledged strategic asset, contributing to productivity, operational integrity, and growth. Proactive security aligns OT stability with organisational agility, enhancing scalability and resilience across the entire business. 

 

OT security: the foundation for trust  

Cyber-security also has strong potential as a direct contributor to an organisation’s competitiveness. For sectors like manufacturing and logistics, system downtime and security breaches don’t just disrupt production; they threaten customer trust, which can often be more challenging to rebuild than financial losses. Security, therefore, becomes an investment in a company’s reputation and reliability, factors that directly impact customer satisfaction and market position. 

 

When OT security strategies are effectively implemented, they maintain uptime and operational integrity, creating a dependable environment that minimises disruptions. Customers in these sectors depend on service consistency and responsiveness, and proactive security reinforces this trust by making operations more resilient to both external threats and internal challenges. In doing so, security safeguards not just assets but the trust that keeps clients loyal. 

 

As cyber-security threats continue to evolve, companies that prioritise reliable OT security can maintain the standards of reliability that their customers expect. In highly competitive sectors, this emphasis on dependable service can be a key differentiator, with security protecting the bottom line and strengthening long-term customer relationships.  

 

This approach is also a powerful advantage in meeting the increasing regulatory demands many organisations face. Regulations like NIS2 are pushing for greater transparency in how cyber-threats are addressed and managed. Companies that can already demonstrate significant progress here will have a competitive edge, meeting compliance demands and reassuring investors and stakeholders. 

 

Here, cyber-security shifts from being viewed as an operational expense to a strategic asset that enhances both brand reputation and competitive positioning. 

 

An integrated OT security approach

As OT and IT systems continue to converge, organisations need an integrated security approach capable of adapting to the demands of both environments. With AI, remote monitoring, and other advanced technologies creating new points of connectivity, OT systems are more exposed than ever to cyber-risks. Embedding security from the outset is essential to prevent weak links across increasingly complex, interconnected systems. 

 

This approach must also be flexible to address differing priorities across OT sectors. Manufacturing operations, for example, tend to focus on efficiency, where security needs to support high productivity and cost control. On the other hand, critical infrastructure values resilience and uninterrupted service above all else, meaning that security must be structured to maintain continuous operation.

 

Tailoring security to these sector-specific needs ensures it aligns with the organisation’s overall risk tolerance while supporting its unique operational goals. 

 

An integrated OT-IT security framework meets these diverse priorities and strengthens resilience across departments, allowing OT and IT to work in sync without creating additional complexity. Addressing the fast-paced change of IT alongside OT’s need for stable, careful adaptation and integrated security provides cohesive protection across all functions.

 

In this way, organisations can confidently adopt new technologies and expand their digital capabilities, knowing their security posture supports growth and stability. 

 

Successful OT-IT integration positions companies to securely embrace transformative technologies, building a resilient operational foundation that safeguards innovation and continuity. Security becomes a cohesive, organisation-wide asset that evolves with the company, supporting its long-term digital transformation. 

 

Cyber-security in driving sustainable growth  

Cyber-security in OT is no longer just about protecting against threats, it must be seen as a foundational enabler of sustainable growth and resilience. By integrating security into core operations and aligning it with business outcomes, organisations can transform cyber-security into a strategic asset that fuels innovation and operational stability.

 

Security should be considered part of a company’s growth toolkit, not merely protective gear to reduce risk. As digital and operational demands evolve, proactive OT security will strengthen an organisation’s resilience, allowing it to adapt and lead in an increasingly interconnected world. 

 

Investing in strong OT security today positions companies to meet tomorrow’s challenges, supporting current objectives and future transformations. In this way, OT security is more than a safeguard - it’s an essential partner in achieving business success.  

 

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Andrew Lintell is a global sales leader with 24+ years’ experience in software, specialising in driving growth and building partnerships whilst supporting cyber-security, compliance, and business analytics goals worldwide. He is General Manager, EMEA, at Claroty

 

Main image courtesy of iStockPhoto.com and sankai