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Spotit significantly expands Operational Technology (OT) activities with specialized OT team

Merelbeke-Melle, January 28, 2025

PRESS RELEASE

Spotit significantly expands its Operational Technology (OT) activities. With the formation of a dedicated OT team, led by Erik De Nert as Head of OT and Mathieu Millecam as Head of OT Architecture, spotit positions itself as the go-to partner for both IT and OT security and connectivity. “With this strategic expansion, we’re addressing the growing, specific challenges of critical infrastructures and industrial environments. Reliable and secure networks are essential in these areas. Spotit is ideally positioned to bridge the gap between IT and OT,” says Spotit CEO Steven Vynckier.

IT and OT increasingly go hand in hand

The convergence of IT and OT brings opportunities but also complex security risks. Industrial systems are increasingly connected to IT networks, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks. Consider, for example, a production line in a food factory, where machines and sensors collaborate via a network to automate and optimize production. If such a system were hacked, the entire production could halt or be manipulated, and sensitive business secrets could be stolen. The current geopolitical instability further increases threats to critical infrastructures such as power plants or water treatment facilities. An attack on these systems could lead to enormous economic and human damage and disrupt the delivery of essential services.

With the establishment of a specialized OT team and the recent appointment of Erik De Nert as Head of OT, spotit is ready to support its clients in the complex world of OT security and networking. Specifically, spotit focuses on both the connectivity and security of mission-critical environments and industrial processes in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, ports, energy, transport, and healthcare.

With increasing digitization and the rise of IoT, IT, OT, and cloud environments are becoming more intertwined, leading to more complex connectivity requirements and greater exposure to cyber risks,” says Erik De Nert, Head of OT. “Critical infrastructures such as energy supplies, water systems, and production facilities are increasingly targeted by cyberattacks. At the same time, there is a growing need for secure and reliable access to OT systems for both internal and external experts. Additionally, stricter regulations, such as NIS2, put additional pressure on organizations. At spotit, we provide solutions that not only protect OT environments but also ensure seamless connectivity and compliance.”

“Companies are increasingly aware of how crucial OT security is. A ransomware attack could completely shut down a production facility, causing massive financial losses. Spotit offers powerful solutions in cybersecurity and networking that bridge the gap between IT and OT. By integrating these worlds, we boost not only performance but also security to the highest level. This enables us to fully support our clients’ digitalization and growth,” adds Mathieu Millecam, Head of OT Architecture.

Broad range of OT services

Spotit’s services include industrial connectivity, remote access, network segmentation, compliance support (NIS2, IEC 62443), and rapid incident response. The team also provides consultancy and training to help clients enhance their OT security.  “Technology is, of course, a crucial factor, but it’s not enough,” emphasizes Mathieu Millecam. “Processes and people play an equally vital role in the success of OT projects.”

Finally, Erik De Nert highlights the critical importance of 24/7 support and worry-free OT management: “We often see organizations struggling to bring specific OT security and networking expertise in-house. Our OT Managed Services offer a solution to this, ensuring that digitalization is not slowed down. With our Network Operations Center and Security Operations Center, we provide the final link for a fully integrated approach.”

Want to know more about Operational Technology? Looking for an OT expert in Cybersecurity & Networking?

Simply ask Erik and Mathieu for a sparring session. They love to tell you more about the spotit OT vision and they love to hear your OT challenges.