
This report explores IT and OT collaboration in strengthening cybersecurity for Canada’s energy sector. It provides an overview of IT/OT cybersecurity and examines how integrating expertise enhances critical infrastructure protection. Key challenges—cultural divides, fragmented risk management—and business drivers like cost savings and resilience are analyzed. The report distinguishes IT/OT convergence from collaboration, underscoring why a cooperative approach is essential for secure energy operations. It reviews how standards and frameworks (ISO/IEC 27001, NIST CSF, IEC 62443, NERC CIP, etc.) and Canadian policy like the NCSS 2025 can help manage cyber risks in converged IT/OT environments. Actionable insights and best practices include cross-functional processes, unified risk management, stakeholder engagement, and aligning process safety with cybersecurity. Recent case studies from the energy sector (2023–2024) illustrate real-world lessons, and emerging technologies such as AI and machine learning in OT security are discussed. A glossary of key terms is included for clarity.
IEC 62443, Cybersecurity, AI and Machine Learning in OT Security, Critical Infrastructure Protection, Energy Sector Cybersecurity, IT/OT Collaboration, Industrial Control Systems (ICS), National Cyber Security Strategy (NCSS) 2025, Cyber Risk Management, OT Security
IEC 62443, Cybersecurity, AI and Machine Learning in OT Security, Critical Infrastructure Protection, Energy Sector Cybersecurity, IT/OT Collaboration, Industrial Control Systems (ICS), National Cyber Security Strategy (NCSS) 2025, Cyber Risk Management, OT Security
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