Did you miss our recent webinar where we explored OT to cloud convergence? Perhaps you’d like to watch the recording (available here) but you don’t have time? No need to worry, I have you covered! The following is a written summary of our webinar and steps on how can start exploring OT to cloud convergence.

Summary

Operational Technology (OT) data is incredibly valuable, but moving it safely into the cloud demands rigorous control. In this session, we show how to converge OT and cloud securely by validating data at the content level, enforcing policy between networks of different trust levels, and removing the need to “poke holes” in the perimeter. The result is trustworthy telemetry in the cloud, faster decision-making, and no compromise to safety or uptime.

Why convergence matters

• Real-time insights: Maintenance, optimisation and forecasting all improve when plant data reaches analytics platforms quickly and safely.

• Lower risk: Proper controls at domain boundaries reduce ransomware exposure and prevent unsafe commands from travelling the wrong way.

• Compliance by design: Clear policy enforcement and audit trails make assurance easier across regulated environments.

The challenge

Traditional air gaps protect critical systems but block value. Simple “connectivity fixes” (ad-hoc ports, flat VPNs) increase risk, create blind spots, and are difficult to accredit. The session explains why convergence must be security-led, with controls that understand both direction of flow and content.

The approach we demonstrate

• Sensor/asset layer: OT systems produce files, messages, or telemetry.

• Policy-enforced transfer: Data crosses between security domains using a controlled gateway.

• Content-level assurance (TrustedFilter®):

  • Normalises and validates protocols/files

  • Strips active content and rejects malformed payloads

  • Enforces allow-lists and business rules before release

• Directionality as required: Unidirectional for monitoring; bidirectional only where justified and tightly constrained.

• Cloud landing zone: Clean, verified data lands in object stores, time-series databases or event buses for analytics/AI.

What we show in the video

• Live architecture walkthrough: From sensor to cloud, showing exactly where policy is enforced and how content is verified before transfer.

• Real customer patterns: Examples of secure file transfer, telemetry streaming, and controlled command paths – with outcomes such as improved OEE, faster patching cycles for isolated systems, and simpler audits.

• Accreditation-friendly design: How to demonstrate control effectiveness and keep sovereignty and supply-chain clarity front and centre.

Key takeaways

• Convergence is safe when security leads. Put inspection and policy at the boundary, not just the network.

• Validate before you share. Content-level checks stop both known and unknown threats crossing domains.

• Use the right directionality. Default to one-way for monitoring; make two-way the exception, with strict controls.

• Design for operations. Keep latency low, automate transfers, and produce the evidence auditors need.

Where this fits

• Defence & Government: Multi-domain information sharing with controlled release.

• Critical National Infrastructure: OT monitoring to cloud without exposing plant networks.

• Manufacturing: Secure file/recipe movement and telemetry for predictive maintenance.

What to do next

If you’re exploring OT–cloud convergence, start with a short architecture review. Map current data flows, define policy at each boundary, and recommend a path to a pilot that delivers measurable value fast. If you need any assistance, I am more than happy to help.

By Alex Ball, 4Secure