During peak operational demands, a production line comes to a standstill, deliveries are postponed, and customer trust in operational reliability falters. Countless organizations encounter this scenario following a cyberattack, despite fully operational IT systems. This challenge transcends technical concerns; it is a pressing matter of business continuity under the stewardship of senior management.

The Critical Role of Operational Systems
Operational systems oversee everything from production processes to supply chains and safety protocols. Disruptions go beyond mere interruptions; they can lead to delays, significant financial losses, and personnel risks. When OT security is neglected, organizations become vulnerable to cyberattacks that can damage critical infrastructure, halt production, and compromise safety measures. In many organizations, OT security has been overlooked because these systems are often viewed as separate from IT environments. There has been an overreliance on legacy or closed systems, and in numerous cases, leadership has not fully recognized their strategic significance, a mindset that can magnify risks and undermine business resilience.

The Strategic Impact of OT Risks
OT risks surpass operational disruptions and can significantly impact brand reputation and regulatory compliance. A single production shutdown may result in daily losses amounting to hundreds of thousands of euros, weaken customer and investor confidence, and attract increased regulatory scrutiny. For instance, in one Finnish industrial drill, a 48-hour delay in obtaining a critical spare part underscored the potential for substantial financial consequences. This vulnerability is amplified when executive leadership lacks clear visibility into priorities, which can lead to misguided investments and inadequate risk mitigation strategies.

Leadership's Role in Building Resilience 
The responsibility for building resilience rests with leadership. Conducting risk assessments from a business perspective enables organizations to identify their most critical processes and evaluate the true impact of potential disruptions. Well-defined continuity plans and regular crisis exercises ensure the capability to operate effectively under exceptional circumstances. Collaboration between IT, production, and security professionals provides a comprehensive understanding and helps prevent hidden risks from being overlooked. Clear accountability and transparent reporting strengthen executive decision-making, while investments in cybersecurity, employee training, and continuous monitoring establish the foundation for genuine business resilience.

The Greatest Risk Is Delaying Action 
Leadership must ask itself: Are we ready to handle an unplanned halt in production? If the answer is not a definitive yes, OT cybersecurity must be prioritized immediately, not next quarter. This is not a technical challenge but a strategic responsibility that directly impacts business continuity, reputation, and employee safety. The team at ESFABRIK has extensive experience in developing resilient OT cybersecurity solutions to protect Nordic industry and critical infrastructure.

Don’t let a cyberattack jeopardize your operations. Partner with us to assess your OT risks and safeguard your operations today.

Kimmo Ojala
CEO, ESFABRIK