IT Security Protects Your Data. OT Security Protects Your Production

In manufacturing, “technology” doesn’t just mean computers anymore. Yes, you’ve got your office IT systems—email, files, ERP software—but you’ve also got the technology that keeps your production floor moving: machines, PLCs, SCADA, MES, and control systems.

Both worlds matter. Both need protection. But the way you secure your IT systems versus your OT systems is very different—and that difference is often where manufacturers find themselves vulnerable.

Let’s break it down in plain language.

IT Security: Protecting the Office Side of the House

When people talk about cybersecurity, this is usually what they mean: IT security.

IT security is all about protecting the tools you use to run the business side of your manufacturing operation:

• Email & communication tools (think Outlook, Teams, Zoom)

• Laptops, desktops, and mobile devices your employees use

• ERP and accounting systems that manage orders, inventory, and payroll

• Customer and financial data that keeps your company moving

Common IT Risks for Manufacturers

• Phishing scams: Fake emails trick employees into clicking dangerous links.

• Ransomware: Hackers lock your files until you pay up.

• Data theft: Customer or vendor records are stolen.

When IT goes down, you might lose access to email or your ERP platform. Painful, yes—but it doesn’t usually stop the machines on the floor.

OT Security: Protecting the Plant Floor

OT (Operational Technology) security is a different animal. OT systems include:

• Robotics and automation equipment

• Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) that keep machines running

• SCADA systems that oversee plant operations

• Manufacturing execution systems (MES) that track production, scheduling, and quality

These systems weren’t built for today’s internet-connected world. Many were designed decades ago to run in isolation. Now they’re tied into IT networks, cloud systems, and remote monitoring tools—making them targets for cyberattacks.

Common OT Risks for Manufacturers

• Downtime on the floor: Machines grind to a halt, costing thousands per minute.

• Safety hazards: A tampered PLC or SCADA setting can put workers at risk.

• Production errors: Manipulated data leads to defects, recalls, or scrap.

• Supply chain disruption: One outage ripples through vendors and customers.

When OT systems go down, it’s not just inconvenient—it’s a full-on production crisis.

Why Manufacturers Need Both IT and OT Security

Here’s the reality: IT issues cost you data. OT issues cost you production.

• IT downtime means employees can’t email, process invoices, or check ERP data.

• OT downtime means you’re missing deadlines, breaking contracts, and losing money by the minute.

That’s why attackers love targeting manufacturers. They know downtime is so costly that many companies feel forced to pay ransoms just to get back online.

How to Protect Both Sides of Your Business

The good news? Manufacturers don’t have to choose between IT and OT security. You need both, working together.

Here are a few practical steps:

• Segment your networks: Keep IT and OT separate so a single intrusion doesn’t spread.

• Get visibility into OT systems: Know exactly what’s connected and where your blind spots are.

• Monitor 24/7: Catch intrusions early—before they shut down production.

• Train your team: From office staff to plant operators, everyone should know how to spot suspicious activity.

• Plan for response: Have a tested playbook for both IT and OT incidents.

How TotalCare IT Helps Manufacturers

At TotalCare IT, we know manufacturers don’t just need “regular IT support.” You need a partner that understands the unique risks of the plant floor.

We help manufacturers across Idaho:

• Protect ERP and office IT systems from phishing and ransomware

• Secure PLCs, SCADA, and MES platforms from downtime and tampering

• Monitor both IT and OT networks for threats around the clock

• Build incident response plans that keep production moving

• Stay compliant with ISO, NIST, and customer cybersecurity requirements

We’re here to keep both your office and your factory running strong.

Don’t Let a Cyberattack Shut Down Your Plant

Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT problem anymore. For manufacturers, it’s a production problem—and a bottom-line problem.

Schedule a quick 15-minute call with TotalCare IT today. Let’s talk about how to protect both your IT and OT systems so your business keeps moving, no matter what cyber threats come your way.