What does convergence refer to in the context of IT and OT security?

In the context of IT and OT security, convergence refers specifically to the integration of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) security measures. This reflects the growing trend where IT systems, which generally handle data and applications, and OT systems, which control physical processes and devices, work together more closely within an organization.

The integration allows for more comprehensive security strategies that address vulnerabilities across both domains, enabling organizations to leverage IT security practices, such as incident response and data protection, to reinforce the security of OT environments that might be vulnerable to cyber threats.

This approach aims to streamline security protocols, ensure consistent policies across the organization, and enhance overall resilience to cyber threats. As IT and OT increasingly share networks and systems, their security measures must converge to protect the integrity and availability of critical operational systems.

The other choices reflect concepts that do not align with the idea of convergence. For instance, separating IT and OT into distinct units would work against the trend of integration. Shifting from physical to digital security models is a broad security evolution that does not specifically highlight the merging of IT and OT. Centralizing all security teams can be beneficial, but it does not capture the essence of how IT and OT security combine and collaborate.