Cybersecurity for Industry 4.0 Technologies in Operational Technology

2026-07-22

"Operational Technology (OT) refers to the hardware and software systems that monitor and control physical devices and events in industries such as manufacturing, energy, and utilities. OT systems were traditionally isolated from Information Technology (IT) networks and the Internet, which limited their exposure to cyber threats. However, with the advent of Industry 4.0, the convergence of IT and OT has become necessary, making OT systems more vulnerable to cyberattacks. There is a notable skills gap in cybersecurity, particularly regarding the specialized knowledge required to secure OT environments. The project aims to increase the resilience of companies in manufacturing against cyber-attacks during the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies into the production system to address the shortage of cyber security experts by providing training on OT cybersecurity for individuals with technical and non-technical backgrounds. The project consists of developing training programs, providing theoretical and hands-on training such as Fundamentals of Computing and Operational Technologies, Network Security and Cryptography, Penetration Testing for OT systems, Malware Analysis and Incident Response, Secure Coding and Software Security for OT, and increasing the understanding of cyber security challenges in OT at all levels in the company. At the end of the project, 300 individuals will be educated through a combination of online and in-person training sessions, and 70 people will earn international certificates. A practical workshop emphasizing ""on-the-job training"" will engage 150 participants.The project will contribute to reducing the shortage of cybersecurity experts, of which there are around 200,000 in Europe, as mentioned in this call. The project is strategically aligned to support the broader Cybersecurity Skills Academy initiative adopted by the European Commission by contributing to decreasing the gap."

Turkey

2025-10-15