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CompTIA has introduced a groundbreaking new certification—SecOT+—focused on Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity. This certification is designed to bridge the gap between IT and OT security, providing professionals with the skills needed to secure critical infrastructure such as:
- Power plants
- Water treatment facilities
- Manufacturing plants
- Transportation systems (trains, planes, automobiles)
- Oil refineries
- Agricultural systems
Unlike traditional IT security, OT cybersecurity deals with industrial control systems (ICS), SCADA systems, and other critical infrastructure components. The SecOT+ certification is expected to launch in 2026 and will serve as an entry point for IT professionals transitioning into OT security.
You Should Know: Key Commands and Tools for OT Cybersecurity
Since OT environments often rely on Linux-based ICS systems and Windows-based SCADA, here are some essential commands and tools to get started:
1. Network Scanning & Asset Discovery
- Nmap (Identify OT devices):
nmap -sS -Pn -T4 -p- 192.168.1.1/24
- Shodan (Search for exposed OT devices):
shodan search "SCADA" OR "Modbus" country:US
2. Modbus & ICS Protocol Testing
- Modbus CLI (mbpoll) – Test Modbus devices:
mbpoll -a 1 -r 1 -c 10 -t 4 -1 192.168.1.100
- PLCScan (Identify PLC devices):
python plcscan.py -i 192.168.1.1
3. Windows SCADA Security Checks
- Check for open RDP ports (common in OT networks):
Test-NetConnection -ComputerName 192.168.1.50 -Port 3389
- Detect abnormal processes (malware targeting ICS):
Get-Process | Where-Object { $_.CPU -gt 90 }
4. Linux-Based OT Device Hardening
- Disable unnecessary services:
sudo systemctl stop modbus-server && sudo systemctl disable modbus-server
- Check for default credentials in ICS devices:
hydra -l admin -P passwords.txt 192.168.1.100 -t 4 ssh
5. Log Analysis for OT Security
- Extract failed login attempts (OT brute-force attacks):
grep "Failed password" /var/log/auth.log
- Monitor ICS protocol traffic (using tcpdump):
sudo tcpdump -i eth0 port 502 -w modbus_traffic.pcap
What Undercode Say
The SecOT+ certification is a game-changer for cybersecurity professionals looking to specialize in critical infrastructure protection. With increasing cyberattacks on power grids, water systems, and manufacturing plants, OT security skills are in high demand.
Key Takeaways:
- OT security differs from IT security (air-gapped networks, legacy systems).
- Modbus, DNP3, and PROFINET are common ICS protocols vulnerable to attacks.
- Defense-in-depth (network segmentation, zero-trust) is crucial for OT environments.
Prediction
By 2027, OT cybersecurity certifications like SecOT+ will become mandatory for professionals working in energy, utilities, and manufacturing sectors due to rising state-sponsored attacks.
Expected Output:
- Certification: CompTIA SecOT+ (2026)
- Key Skills: ICS security, SCADA hardening, OT threat detection
- Tools: Nmap, Shodan, Modbus CLI, PLCScan, Wireshark (ICS protocols)
- Career Impact: High demand for OT security experts in critical infrastructure.
Relevant URLs:
IT/Security Reporter URL:
Reported By: Https: – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
