Global OT Incident Roundup: Quarterly Threat Brief – 2025

Navigating the Evolving Landscape of OT Cybersecurity

In the world of Operational Technology (OT), cybersecurity has become an urgent priority as industrial systems and networks are increasingly targeted by sophisticated cyberattacks. The convergence of IT and OT systems, driven by digital transformation and the rise of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), has introduced new vulnerabilities that malicious actors are eager to exploit.

In 2025, the OT threat landscape continues to evolve, with cybercriminals, state-sponsored actors, and insiders becoming more adept at targeting critical industrial infrastructure. From ransomware attacks on manufacturing plants to exploitation of vulnerabilities in legacy SCADA systems, the risks are diverse and growing.

This quarterly OT incident roundup aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the most significant OT cybersecurity incidents, attack techniques, and emerging risks faced by industries worldwide. By analyzing recent threats, we can glean valuable insights into how adversaries are adapting and what measures organizations can take to strengthen their cybersecurity posture.

The State of OT Cybersecurity in 2025: A Complex and Growing Threat Landscape

As industries continue to embrace digitalization and automation, the complexity of OT systems has increased exponentially. OT environments control vital infrastructure such as power grids, water treatment plants, transportation systems, and manufacturing facilities. These systems are often interconnected with IT networks, making them vulnerable to a wide range of cyber threats.

The challenges facing OT cybersecurity in 2025 include:

1. Legacy Systems and Inadequate Patching: Many OT systems still rely on outdated software and hardware that were not designed with cybersecurity in mind. These systems are often difficult or expensive to update, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.
2. Rising Number of Connected Devices: The proliferation of IIoT devices has significantly expanded the attack surface. These devices, often deployed without proper security measures, are increasingly being targeted by cybercriminals seeking to exploit weaknesses.
3. Lack of Proper Segmentation Between IT and OT: Many organizations still lack adequate network segmentation between IT and OT systems. This makes it easier for attackers to move laterally across networks once they compromise an IT system.
4. Sophisticated Attack Techniques: The rise of advanced persistent threats (APTs), ransomware, and state-sponsored cyber actors has led to a more aggressive and organized threat landscape in OT environments.

Global OT Incident Roundup: Q1 and Q2 2025 – Key Threats and Attack Techniques

1. Ransomware Attacks: A Persistent Threat to OT Networks

Ransomware attacks have continued to dominate the cybersecurity landscape in 2025, with several high-profile incidents affecting OT networks across industries. Attackers have evolved their tactics to target both IT and OT systems, with devastating effects on industrial operations.

Key Incident: Colonial Pipeline Ransomware Attack (2025)
In early 2025, the notorious DarkSide ransomware group targeted the U.S.-based Colonial Pipeline, again compromising the critical energy infrastructure. This attack, while not as impactful as the 2021 breach, demonstrated the continuing risk posed by ransomware actors to OT systems. The attackers encrypted critical control systems and demanded a multi-million dollar ransom to restore access.

• Attack Technique: The attackers gained initial access through a vulnerable VPN system that allowed remote access to OT systems. Once inside, they deployed ransomware across the IT network and attempted to move laterally into the OT network. The disruption caused temporary shutdowns in pipeline operations and resulted in a significant loss of revenue and customer trust.
• Lesson Learned: Effective patch management, VPN security, and network segmentation between IT and OT systems are essential to prevent ransomware from spreading across critical infrastructure. The attack also highlighted the need for continuous backup systems and disaster recovery plans in OT environments.

2. Supply Chain Attacks: The Expanding Risk to OT Environments

Supply chain attacks have been on the rise in 2025, with threat actors targeting third-party vendors and contractors to gain access to OT networks. These attacks are particularly concerning because they exploit the trust organizations place in their suppliers, which often have access to sensitive OT systems.

Key Incident: Schneider Electric Compromise (Q2 2025)
A cyberattack on a key Schneider Electric supplier resulted in the exfiltration of sensitive data and manipulation of software used in industrial control systems. The attackers used the supplier’s compromised software updates to insert malicious code into OT systems deployed at manufacturing plants around the world.

• Attack Technique: The attackers used a supply chain vulnerability to insert malware into a routine software update. Once the update was deployed across client systems, the malware was able to gain control of SCADA systems, leading to data exfiltration and the potential manipulation of industrial processes.
• Lesson Learned: Organizations must strengthen their supply chain cybersecurity practices by ensuring that third-party vendors comply with stringent cybersecurity standards. Additionally, verifying the integrity of software updates and implementing strict access controls can help mitigate the risks associated with supply chain attacks.

3. APTs Targeting Critical Infrastructure: Evolving Tactics

Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) have become a more significant threat to OT systems in 2025. These highly skilled, often state-sponsored groups, are targeting industrial sectors with the aim of stealing sensitive information, disrupting operations, or even causing physical damage.

Key Incident: Attack on a Power Grid (2025)
A coordinated cyberattack on a South American power grid in Q1 2025 disrupted electricity distribution across several cities, causing widespread outages. The attackers, believed to be affiliated with a nation-state actor, used a combination of phishing emails, social engineering, and malware to gain access to SCADA systems and manipulate power grid operations.

• Attack Technique: The attack involved a multi-stage campaign that began with spear-phishing emails targeting employees within the IT department of the power grid operator. Once the attackers gained access to the IT network, they used lateral movement techniques to infiltrate the OT network. They deployed a custom-designed malware payload to disrupt power distribution and cause physical damage to equipment.
• Lesson Learned: The attack emphasized the need for strong employee training to recognize phishing attempts, as well as the importance of multi-factor authentication (MFA) and strict segmentation between IT and OT systems to prevent lateral movement.

4. IoT Vulnerabilities: Increasing Attack Surface for OT Networks

The rapid adoption of IoT devices in OT environments has introduced new vulnerabilities that are being exploited by cybercriminals. Many of these devices lack adequate security measures, making them an easy entry point for attackers.

Key Incident: Smart Manufacturing Plant Compromise (Q1 2025)
In Q1 2025, a global manufacturing plant suffered a cyberattack that involved the compromise of IoT-enabled devices. The attackers used a known vulnerability in the plant’s IoT sensors to gain unauthorized access to the OT network, where they exfiltrated sensitive production data and manipulated manufacturing processes.

• Attack Technique: The attack exploited unpatched IoT devices that were not properly segmented from the OT network. Once the IoT sensors were compromised, the attackers were able to move laterally into the OT network, accessing sensitive production data and sending commands to control industrial machinery.
• Lesson Learned: As IoT devices become increasingly prevalent in OT environments, organizations must prioritize securing these devices by implementing proper network segmentation, regular patching, and strong access controls. Additionally, real-time monitoring of IoT devices is essential to detect suspicious behavior.

5. Insider Threats: A Persistent Risk in OT Networks

While external attackers are often the focus of cybersecurity efforts, insider threats remain a serious risk to OT environments. Employees, contractors, and trusted third-party vendors can intentionally or unintentionally cause significant damage by exploiting their access to critical systems.

Key Incident: Insider Data Exfiltration at a Water Treatment Facility (Q2 2025)
In Q2 2025, a former employee of a water treatment facility was discovered to have stolen sensitive data, including plant configurations and chemical treatment formulas, before leaving the company. The individual used their authorized access to copy and exfiltrate critical data, which was later found to be sold to a competitor.

• Attack Technique: The insider leveraged their access to OT systems and copied sensitive files to an external USB device. The data was then transferred to an external server, which had been set up to receive the stolen information. Despite attempts to cover their tracks, the exfiltrated data was traced back to the insider’s device.
• Lesson Learned: Organizations must implement strict access controls and monitor user activity to detect unusual behavior. Insider threat detection tools, coupled with regular audits and security training, are crucial in preventing and identifying these threats.

Emerging OT Threat Trends to Watch in 2025

As we progress through 2025, several key trends are expected to shape the OT cybersecurity landscape:

1. Increased Use of AI and Machine Learning in Attacks

Adversaries are increasingly using AI and machine learning to automate attacks on OT systems, enabling faster and more sophisticated exploits. This trend will likely continue, making it essential for organizations to adopt AI-driven cybersecurity tools to detect and mitigate such threats.

2. Rise of Multi-Stage, Hybrid Attacks

Attackers are combining multiple techniques, such as ransomware, data exfiltration, and sabotage, in a single attack. These hybrid attacks are designed to cause maximum disruption and financial loss, requiring organizations to develop multi-layered defense strategies.

3. Threats to Critical Infrastructure in Developing Nations

As industrial systems in developing nations become more interconnected, they will become increasingly attractive targets for state-sponsored cyber actors and criminal groups. This presents an opportunity for global collaboration to strengthen cybersecurity measures in critical infrastructure worldwide.

Conclusion: Strengthening OT Defenses for 2025 and Beyond

The evolving OT threat landscape in 2025 demands a proactive approach to cybersecurity. Organizations must not only focus on protecting their OT systems from external attackers but also from internal threats, such as insider threats and compromised third parties. By learning from past incidents and implementing robust detection, prevention, and response strategies, industries can better defend against the growing number of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure.

Key measures to strengthen OT defenses include:

• Regularly updating and patching OT and IT systems
• Implementing strict access controls and network segmentation
• Using advanced threat detection tools powered by AI and machine learning
• Educating employees and contractors on cybersecurity best practices

As the digital transformation of industries continues, securing OT networks will remain a critical priority for organizations to ensure the safety, reliability, and resilience of global infrastructure.