When Hackers Shut Down the Factory Floor: Are Your OT Systems Protected?

Imagine this: A major manufacturing plant grinds to a halt. Not because of a mechanical failure, but because of a sophisticated cyberattack targeting its Operational Technology (OT) systems. Production lines stop, critical infrastructure is compromised, and the financial and reputational damage is immense. This isn't a hypothetical scenario; it's a growing reality.

As Skills and Training Product Managers at Cisco, we see firsthand the increasing vulnerability of OT environments and the urgent need for professionals who understand both OT and IT. The convergence of these two worlds is no longer a future trend, it's happening now, driving innovation, optimizing processes, and enhancing safety in critical infrastructure and industrial environments. But this convergence also introduces new security risks.

Why OT Skills Matter More Than Ever

Traditionally, OT focused on controlling physical devices and processes, while IT handled data and communication. But in today's digital age, these two worlds are colliding. This means professionals need a new set of skills to:

• Analyze Data: Extract valuable insights from the massive amounts of data generated by OT systems.
• Enhance Cybersecurity: Secure critical infrastructure and legacy devices from evolving cyber threats.
• Integrate Systems: Seamlessly connect OT and IT systems for improved efficiency and visibility.

Cisco: Your Partner in OT Skill Development

At Cisco, we're committed to helping you and your organization navigate the OT-IT digitization wave. We offer a range of resources and training programs designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities you need to succeed in an OT environment.

Join us at Cisco Live!

We're excited to announce our Cisco Live presentation: "Bridging the Gap -Unlocking the Power of OT Skills in the Digital Age." In this session, you'll learn:

• The significance of OT-IT convergence in today's digital landscape.
• The core OT skills that are essential for success.
• How to future-proof your career by leveraging OT skills.

Don't get left behind. Invest in your OT skills today and unlock the power of the digital age.

We encourage you to explore Cisco's resources for further learning and skill development. We look forward to seeing you at Cisco Live!

Cisco Live 2025 -San Diego

Cisco U.

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