Cybersecurity has become a staple in daily business and operations discourse. Over the last few years, OT has slowly but surely earned a much-needed place in such conversations. With attention growing, we think 2025 will be one of the biggest years yet for OT. Here’s a quick summary of what will drive that push.
The Cost of OT Cybersecurity
Not only do we hear a greater emphasis being put on integrating OT cybersecurity earlier in the process of operations strategies, but there has also been a reckoning with the cost savings associated with implementing efficient OT cybersecurity solutions and measures. As such, enterprise spending on OT cybersecurity will grow to $21.6 billion globally by 2028, according to ABI Research.
On one hand, investing in OT cybersecurity tools cuts down on cost because it eliminates extra needs such as vendors, additional staff, etc. On the other hand, it proactively helps decrease the financial impacts of a potential attack. Forbes reports that “Cyberattacks against critical infrastructure surged in 2024, increasing by 30% from the prior year.” Fueling this risk are points of access such as engineering workstation vulnerabilities.
OT Cybersecurity Urgency
Acknowledging the impact of OT cybersecurity threats, there has been and will continue to be a more concerted effort to unite and guide cybersecurity standards. As Forbes also reports, “In October 2025, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is expected to issue the final rule of the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (CIRCIA).”
Katherine Rawls, director of sector cyber engagement at the Department of Transportation, also addressed the need for enhanced cybersecurity at a recent speaking engagement. Per Cyberscoop’s coverage on the engagement, Rawls stated, “We’re talking about preserving the safety and reliability of OT systems that millions rely on daily…So we’re focused on, how do we integrate cybersecurity into all hazards safety management systems? How do we bridge gaps … between the cybersecurity and safety community?”
By matching such calls for action with the willingness to fund OT cybersecurity, we are predicting a strong outlook for the OT market in the new year.
Sources:
“Industrial cyberattacks fuel surge in OT cybersecurity spending” – Matt Kapko, Cybersecurity Dive
https://www.cybersecuritydive.com/news/industrial-ot-cybersecurity-spending-growth/720172/
“Six Cybersecurity Trends Heating Up In 2025” – Mike Wilson, Forbes
“OT/ICS Engineering Workstations Face Barrage of Fresh Malware” – Becky Bracken, Dark Reading
https://www.darkreading.com/vulnerabilities-threats/ot-ics-engineering-workstations-malware
“Federal transportation officials aim to ‘bridge gaps’ in OT cybersecurity” – Matt Bracken, CyberScoop
