In the world of operational technology (OT) cybersecurity, where critical infrastructure meets relentless digital threats, progress isn’t optional, it’s a mandate. This came through loud and clear in a recent conversation with Robert M. Lee, founder and CEO of Dragos and the first advisory board member of Frenos. Lee’s decades-long journey in OT cybersecurity offers a rare vantage point on how this niche is evolving—and where it’s heading.
OT cybersecurity isn’t new, but its mainstream relevance is. As Lee pointed out, early industry pioneers were simply trying to map out what existed in the OT environments they were tasked to protect. "Initially, it was all about visibility—understanding what you have. But today, we’re far beyond just identifying assets; now, it’s about operationalizing that data for strategic decision-making."
This evolution reflects broader shifts in technology and executive awareness. Modern OT networks are no longer isolated systems. They’re deeply integrated with IT systems, cloud platforms, and third-party vendors. Innovations in AI-driven analytics and risk prioritization platforms like Frenos are transforming how organizations approach the intersection of security and business operations.
One of the most compelling themes from the discussion was Frenos’ role in the next chapter of OT cybersecurity. Unlike first-generation solutions that focused on monitoring and detection, Frenos leverages data to provide actionable insights. Frenos’ continuous security assessment platform is designed to empower OT teams to prioritize risks and align security strategies with business objectives without disrupting operations.
“Frenos is about more than security assessments,” said Lee. “It’s about using data to drive smarter decisions across your entire OT ecosystem.”
Lee emphasized that this innovation isn’t just about technology; it’s about timing. OT environments today are flooded with data, from endpoint logs to network telemetry. The challenge lies in transforming that data into actionable intelligence—a challenge Frenos is well-positioned to address.
Beyond technology, the conversation highlighted a critical element often overlooked in cybersecurity: executive buy-in. Lee underscored the growing awareness among CEOs and boards of directors about OT-specific risks. No longer can cybersecurity be treated as an IT-only issue. Today’s executives are waking up to the reality that OT systems are the lifeblood of critical operations and revenue generation.
“Executives aren’t confused about where they make money—it’s in the operations,” Lee noted. “The challenge is that they’ve historically delegated cybersecurity to IT teams who aren’t equipped for OT’s unique challenges.”
Lee’s advice to executives: invest in OT cybersecurity as a strategic priority, not a compliance checkbox. This means empowering security teams with resources and clear mandates, fostering collaboration between IT and OT, and understanding that risk management in OT isn’t about ‘good enough’—it’s about resilience.
One of the most significant barriers to OT cybersecurity maturity isn’t technological—it’s cultural. Many organizations still silo IT and OT, creating friction and misaligned priorities. According to Lee, the solution lies in fostering collaboration and respect between these teams.
“If you’re an OT security leader, spend time in the field. Understand the operational realities,” he urged. “Likewise, IT teams must acknowledge that OT security isn’t just an extension of IT. It requires unique approaches tailored to safety, reliability, and uptime.”
This cultural shift also extends to how organizations frame their cybersecurity investments. Lee pointed out that many companies mistakenly view security spending as a cost rather than an enabler of business continuity and competitive advantage.
While innovation and strategy are critical, Lee acknowledged that regulatory pressures are a powerful catalyst for change. Frameworks like NERC CIP, TSA regulations, and Europe’s NIS2 directive are forcing organizations to prioritize OT cybersecurity. But Lee cautioned against treating compliance as the end goal.
“Compliance sets the floor, not the ceiling,” he explained. “Organizations that focus solely on meeting regulatory requirements risk falling behind in an environment where threats evolve faster than standards.”
As the conversation wound down, Lee offered a glimpse into the future. The next decade, he predicted, will see OT cybersecurity move from reactive to proactive. AI and machine learning will play a pivotal role in automating threat detection, prioritization, and mitigation. Platforms like Frenos will lead the charge, enabling organizations to make better security decisions faster.
But perhaps the most profound shift will be in how organizations view cybersecurity itself. No longer a back-office function, cybersecurity will become a boardroom priority—a strategic enabler of growth, resilience, and innovation.
“In OT, we’re not just protecting data—we’re protecting lives and livelihoods,” Lee concluded. “That’s a responsibility we can’t afford to take lightly.”
The evolution of OT cybersecurity is a journey—one that requires not just cutting-edge technology, but also visionary leadership and strategic alignment. As pioneers like Dragos and disruptors like Frenos chart the course, one thing is clear: the future of OT security is as much about smart decisions as it is about secure networks.
For practitioners, the takeaway is clear. Whether you’re on the front lines of a power grid or overseeing compliance for a manufacturing plant, the time to act is now. The tools are here, the strategies are clear, and the stakes have never been higher.
Get a demo today to understand how you can make more sense of your data and shift from reactive to proactive security.