Types and Comparisons of Common OT Security Jobs & Essential Competencies

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Let's find types and comparisons of common OT security jobs & essential competencies

OT security jobs focus on protecting ICS, SCADA systems, and critical infrastructure. Below is a detailed comparison of common OT security roles, along with essential competencies for each position.

1. Types of OT Security Jobs & Key Responsibilities

RolePrimary ResponsibilitiesCommon Work EnvironmentKey Focus Areas
OT Security Engineer- Implement and maintain security controls in OT environments
- Deploy firewalls, IDS/IPS, and endpoint protection
- Perform vulnerability assessments and patching		Industrial sites, security teams, or vendorsHands-on technical role focused on securing ICS and OT networks
OT Security Architect- Design OT security frameworks and network segmentation
- Develop security policies and standards
- Ensure secure integration of IT & OT environments		Large organizations, consulting firms, security vendorsFocuses on designing secure ICS/SCADA architectures
OT Security Analyst- Monitor security logs for threats in OT systems
- Analyze network traffic and detect anomalies
- Assist in threat hunting and forensic analysis		SOC (Security Operations Center), Industrial facilitiesIdentifies and mitigates threats to OT networks
OT Incident Responder- Investigate and respond to OT cyber incidents
- Conduct forensic analysis of ICS breaches
- Develop and test incident response plans		Security teams, critical infrastructure providersFocuses on detecting, responding, and recovering from attacks
OT Security Compliance Analyst- Ensure OT systems comply with regulatory standards (e.g., IEC 62443, NIST 800-82)
- Conduct security audits and risk assessments
- Develop policies for secure OT operations		Large enterprises, government agenciesEnsures adherence to legal and regulatory security requirements
OT Security Threat Intelligence Analyst- Track and analyze threats targeting OT environments
- Research attack techniques and vulnerabilities
- Provide intelligence reports to security teams		Threat intelligence teams, government agencies, critical infrastructureFocuses on understanding and preventing cyber threats targeting OT systems
OT Security Consultant- Advise organizations on OT security best practices
- Assess security risks in ICS/SCADA environments
- Provide solutions for securing critical infrastructure		Security consulting firms, industrial organizationsProvides strategic security guidance for OT networks
OT Security Vendor Solution Engineer- Assist clients with OT security tool implementation
- Troubleshoot and optimize security solutions
- Train customers on security technologies		Security vendors, managed service providersWorks with clients to implement security solutions and respond to OT threats
OT Security Manager/Director- Oversee OT security programs and strategy
- Manage security teams and resources
- Ensure alignment with business objectives		Large enterprises, critical infrastructure, government agenciesManages and oversees the entire OT security strategy

2. Competencies Required for OT Security Jobs

Core Technical Skills

  • Industrial Protocol Knowledge (e.g., Modbus, DNP3, OPC UA, PROFINET)
  • ICS/SCADA Security Understanding (e.g., PLCs, RTUs, HMIs, DCS)
  • Network Security (e.g., Firewalls, IDS/IPS, VLANs, Air-gapping)
  • Threat Detection & Response (e.g., SIEM, SOC operations, anomaly detection)
  • Malware Analysis & Digital Forensics (for OT-specific attacks)

Security Frameworks & Compliance

  • IEC 62443, NIST 800-82, NERC CIP, ISO 27001
  • Regulatory & Compliance Enforcement
  • Risk Assessment & Security Audits

Soft Skills

  • Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking
  • Communication & Stakeholder Management (OT teams, engineers, management)
  • Incident Response & Crisis Management

3. Comparison of OT Security Jobs by Skill Level & Responsibilities

CategoryEntry-LevelMid-LevelSenior-Level
Example RolesOT Security Analyst, OT Security OperatorOT Security Engineer, OT Security Compliance AnalystOT Security Architect, OT Security Manager, OT Security Consultant
Technical DepthBasic understanding of OT networks, protocols, and security toolsAdvanced OT security knowledge, vulnerability management, network segmentationExpert-level ICS/SCADA security design, risk management, strategic security planning
Regulatory FocusAwareness of security regulations (e.g., NIST, IEC)Conducting security audits, ensuring regulatory complianceDeveloping security policies, ensuring enterprise-wide adherence to regulations
Threat ResponseMonitoring logs and alerts for threatsInvestigating incidents, performing threat analysisLeading security incident response and mitigation strategies


#CPS #OT #XIoT #IoT #IIoT #IoMT #CPSSecurity #OTSecurity #IoTSecurity #CPS보안 #OT보안 #IoT보안

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