Introduction: Navigating the Competitive Landscape of Operational Technology Security
Competition in the Operational Technology (OT) security market is becoming increasingly influenced by rapid technological changes, the stricter regulations, and the increasing demand for security and reliability. IT service and system suppliers, as well as new, highly promising artificial intelligence (AI) companies, are fighting for leadership by introducing technology-driven differentiators such as AI-based analytics, automation, and IoT integration. These features not only increase the security level but also optimize the operation, which in turn creates a compelling value proposition for the end customer. Biometrics and green solutions are also redefining the competition as companies seek to meet their sustainable goals and at the same time increase their security level. North America and Asia-Pacific are the regions with the greatest growth opportunities. Strategic trends in these areas are mainly to strengthen resilience against cyber attacks and ensure compliance with the new regulations. In the future, C-level managers and strategic planners will need to understand these developments to navigate the complex OT security landscape.
Competitive Positioning
Full-Suite Integrators
IT security products are offered by a few companies. They integrate all the different security layers and provide complete end-to-end protection and management.
| Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
|---|
| HCL TECHNOLOGIES LTD |
Strong IT-OT convergence capabilities |
Integrated security solutions |
Global |
| HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC. |
Deep industry expertise in automation |
Industrial cybersecurity |
North America, Europe |
| SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC SE |
Focus on energy management and automation |
OT security solutions |
Global |
| GENERAL ELECTRIC |
Strong presence in industrial IoT |
Industrial cybersecurity |
Global |
| ROCKWELL AUTOMATION, INC. |
Expertise in manufacturing automation |
OT security and automation |
North America, Europe |
Specialized Technology Vendors
The OT security landscape is made up of a number of vendors that each focus on a particular technology or solution.
| Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
|---|
| VMWARE, INC |
Virtualization and cloud security expertise |
Cloud security for OT |
Global |
| FORTINET INC |
Integrated security fabric approach |
Network security solutions |
Global |
| PALO ALTO NETWORKS INC |
Advanced threat detection capabilities |
Next-gen firewall solutions |
Global |
| KASPERSKY LAB |
Strong malware protection and threat intelligence |
Endpoint security |
Global |
| DARKTRACE |
AI-driven threat detection |
Autonomous response solutions |
Global |
| NOZOMI NETWORKS INC. |
Focus on OT and IoT security |
Network visibility and security |
Global |
| FORESCOUT TECHNOLOGIES INC |
Device visibility and control |
Network access control |
Global |
| SCADAFENCE |
Specialization in SCADA security |
SCADA and ICS security |
Global |
Infrastructure & Equipment Providers
These vendors provide the hardware and the required network for implementing OT security solutions.
| Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
|---|
| BROADCOM |
Comprehensive semiconductor solutions |
Network infrastructure security |
Global |
| CISCO SYSTEMS, INC. |
Leader in networking and security |
Network security solutions |
Global |
| PAS GLOBAL LLC (HEXAGON AB) |
Focus on asset integrity and management |
Industrial cybersecurity solutions |
Global |
Emerging Players & Regional Champions
- CyberX (USA) specializes in IoT and OT security solutions. It recently won a contract with a major oil company to enhance its cyber security. The company’s real-time detection of threats complements the solutions of established vendors like Siemens and Honeywell by offering more agile and flexible protection.
- Claroty (Israel): Provides a comprehensive platform for OT security, including asset discovery and threat detection. Challenges traditional players by integrating with existing IT security frameworks. Recently deployed in several European manufacturing sites.
- Nozomi Networks (USA): Known for its visibility and security solutions for industrial networks, Nozomi has teamed up with a leading utility company to enhance the security of its power grid. Their unique approach to monitoring and detecting anomalies makes them a strong competitor to legacy systems.
- Tenable (USA): Traditionally focused on IT security, they are now expanding into OT security with a new product line adapted to the needs of the industrial world. The recent collaboration with a major car manufacturer illustrates their desire to close the gap between IT and OT security.
- Indgy (Israel): A company specializing in the security of industrial control systems (ICS), with a strong focus on visibility and compliance. Its recent deployment in critical sectors of the economy positions it as a competitor to Schneider Electric.
Regional Trends: In 2025, there will be a notable increase in the regional uptake of OT security solutions, especially in North America and Europe, as a result of regulatory pressure and the growing threat landscape. IT and OT security solutions will continue to converge, with companies increasingly looking for specialist solutions that can be integrated into existing IT security architectures. In addition, there is a growing focus on real-time monitoring and incident response, as companies seek to increase their resilience to cyber threats.
Collaborations & M&A Movements
- Honeywell and Siemens have teamed up to develop integrated cyber security solutions for industrial automation systems. Their goal is to strengthen their positions in the industrial control security market in the face of increasing regulatory pressures.
- Early in 2025, Cisco acquired the security company Kenna to strengthen its threat intelligence capabilities and its position in the OT security sector, where customers are looking for a comprehensive solution.
- Rockwell and Fortinet announced their partnership to offer a range of advanced security solutions for manufacturing environments. This is in response to the growing need for operational technology (OT) security, in the face of rising cyber-threats.
Competitive Summary Table
| Capability | Leading Players | Remarks |
|---|
| Biometric Self-Boarding |
Gemalto, NEC Corporation |
Biometric self-boarding solutions from Gemalto have been successfully implemented at major airports, facilitating both security and passenger flow. NEC's technology is renowned for its accuracy and speed, and is successfully used at Haneda airport in Tokyo. |
| AI-Powered Ops Mgmt |
Siemens, Honeywell |
In the field of maintenance, for example, artificial intelligence is used by Siemens to reduce downtime in the field of operation. The security systems of Honeywell also use artificial intelligence for real-time threat detection and analysis. |
| Border Control |
Thales Group, SITA |
Thales Group’s facial recognition system speeds up border control at the gates. IT solutions from SITA enhance security at borders. |
| Sustainability |
Schneider Electric, ABB |
Schneider Electric concentrates on energy-saving O.T. solutions which help to promote industrial conservation. ABB is also committed to the environment with its smart grid technology, which optimizes energy consumption. |
| Passenger Experience |
Cisco, Amadeus |
The Cisco-connected airport improves the passenger experience through improved communication and service. Amadeus offers a comprehensive set of solutions that make the journey from booking to boarding as smooth as possible. |
Conclusion: Navigating the OT Security Landscape
The OT security market will be highly competitive by 2025, with a high degree of fragmentation, with both established and new players competing for a share of the market. The trend towards greater emphasis on compliance and risk management is most notable in North America and Europe, where regulatory requirements are driving the adoption of advanced security solutions. These trends will continue to grow, with a greater emphasis on the automation of threat detection and incident response. To differentiate themselves, vendors will need to focus on capabilities such as artificial intelligence-driven threat detection and incident response automation, as well as sustainable practices that align with their CSR goals. To compete successfully in this evolving landscape, vendors must offer flexible and scalable solutions that can be integrated into broader security frameworks. And to stay ahead in this fast-changing environment, security decision-makers must focus on forming new strategic alliances and driving innovation.
