IT/OT Convergence

IT versus OT

Information Technology (IT) provides support for the administration, provisioning, operations, and maintenance of user accounts, user endpoints (e.g., workstations, laptops, mobile devices) web browsers, client (desktop) applications, data center servers, services, and web applications. These IT systems are hosted in Enterprise and/or cloud environments and communicate over a secured and monitored network fabric comprising of heterogeneous and multi-vendor network elements (e.g., switches, routers, firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, load balancers, gateways). Further, these IT assets are managed by network and security operations center (NOC/SOC) operators, and network, device, and application management systems (NMS/DMS/AMS).

Operations Technology (OT) deals with autonomous devices, equipment, and open or embedded systems that constitute a connected ecosystem for operations ranging from manufacturing to industrial controls, process automation, transportation, aviation, and beyond. These OT assets (e.g., robots, cameras, plant equipment, controllers, actuators, motors, sensors, electronic, transmission, or telematic control units, remote terminals, point of sale terminals, scales) are deployed in end-user environments, and typically managed by the respective original equipment manufacturer (OEM) without strict oversight by NOC/SOC/NMS/DMS operators.

IT-OT Convergence

IT-OT convergence is, simply stated, the optimization and transformation of IT and OT processes and workflows to increase operational efficiencies and reduce costs using data driven insights and automation. With an estimated volume of 29 billion connected devices by year 2030, the race is on, across industry sectors, to modernize multi-vendor and heterogenous equipment. Emerging technologies and platforms in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are transforming operations by enhancing efficiency through data harvesting and advanced analytics. These innovations drive data-driven insights, reduce operational costs with policy-based automation, and ensure secure management of device lifecycles from the manufacturer’s factory to the end-user’s field environments.

IT versus OT: Dichotomy at a Glance

IT-OT Dichotomy (IT ≠ OT, the inconvenient truth)
Complexity (PKI buildout, cross-domain, post quantum risks, high velocity key rotation)
Operational Cost (certificates, PKI management, truck roll for field services, operator training)
Resource Constraints (memory, storage, battery life, network bandwidth)
Low Latency (real-time)

Enterprise Digitalization and AI/ML Challenges

Simplified Process for IT NOC/SOC Operators

1. User Authentication and Authorization

Single Sign On (SSO) based user authentication to the DIN tenant portal and granular role-based permissions for administrators, operators, auditors, vendors, and field technicians.

2. Device Preprovisioning

Using a Mobile App to scan the manufacturer issued device label; or
Manually pre-provision the device on the DIN tenant portal with the initial device identifier and local device identifier (as per IEEE 802.1 AR specification for trusted identities); or
Import from an inventory managed by a device/asset management system using the DIN REST APIs (Swagger Interface).

3. Device Onboarding

Installable aftermarket endpoint agent for GPOS platforms (Linux and Windows).
Command line utilities for Linux and Windows platforms (e.g., device registration, key/certificate/update management, sign/verify content, export metadata).
Plugin endpoint agent module for RTOS platforms (e.g., FreeRTOS) for factory install.
Over wired, wireless, or cellular networks.

4. Device Authentication

Revolutionary device two-factor authentication method delivers advanced protection using DHCP address pools, DNS/DNSSEC or SIM based root of trust, and a rotatable device-unique authentication key.

Configure the authorized DHCP address pools on the DIN tenant portal.
Configure PTR and optional CNAME records for the device.
The device is pre-configured with a one-time factory default authentication key. During registration after DHCP and DNS validation the device is assigned a unique authentication key which may be rotated at a configurable interval.

5. Automate Key and Certificate Lifecycle Management

Configure the DIN endpoint agent configuration file to automatically:

Manage trusted CA certificate chains.
Manage leaf certificates (device, Sub CA, application, join, OEM) to enforce the principle of least privilege.
Manage symmetric keys (pre-shared, Bluetooth).
Notify line of business applications on change of keys/certificates.

6. Automate Secure Over-the-Air/Wire Device Updates

Import and manage content for heterogeneous device types from multiple vendors.
Enforce gated multi-person workflow for content risk introspection before publishing content to field devices in production environments.
Revolutionary signature manifest for proof of verification in staging environment.
Automate query, retrieval, and installation of updates with content distribution history.
Notify line of business applications of installed device updates.
No modifications required to OEM update methods.

7. Trusted Data to AI/ML

Device data harvesting and forwarding to cloud or edge AI/ML with simplified APIs (eliminate protocol complexity).
Boost data driven insights with metrics, events, logs, traces, time series data, images, audio, and video.
Build a data lake for explainable AI using digital twins.

Global Compliance Standards

Symmera’s technology helps device manufacturers and end-users meet the most rigorous security standards and architectural frameworks.

Benefits

1. Standards You Can Trust

Built on proven open standards (e.g., NIST 800 Series, RFCs: DNS, DHCP, TLS, IPsec/IKEv2, EAP, X.509, Pre-Shared Keys, PQC) and global security frameworks, ensuring interoperability, compliance alignment, and long-term future readiness.

2. Stronger Device Identity, Out of the Box

Revolutionary device two-factor authentication method delivers advanced protection using DHCP address pools, DNS/DNSSEC or SIM based root of trust, and a rotatable device-unique authentication key.

3. Complete Key & Certificate Management

Support for symmetric keys, PSKs, PKI, Bluetooth key management, and post-quantum readiness – all within a single framework.

4. Certificate Authority (CA) Agnostic by Design

Integrate seamlessly with private, public, enterprise, or zero-PKI environments (for legacy devices requiring use of enterprise managed self-signed certificates) – without vendor lock-in.