With cyber threats, extreme weather, and aging infrastructure on the rise, utility companies face growing disruption risks. Yet, a surprising number are still managing IT and OT continuity planning in silos. A new blueprint from Info-Tech Research Group offers a unified strategy to boost operational resilience and speed up recovery after disruptions.
Why Utilities Need Integrated IT/OT Business Continuity Plans
Utilities now operate in an environment of frequent and complex disruptions. Cyberattacks and natural disasters often affect both IT and operational technology (OT) systems simultaneously. When continuity planning is split between IT and OT, failures can quickly cascade, leaving organizations vulnerable. Info-Tech Research Group stresses that outdated, siloed strategies limit organizations’ ability to bounce back and protect public safety.
Key Challenges Facing Utilities in IT/OT Disaster Recovery
According to Info-Tech’s latest research, utilities encounter significant obstacles when separating IT and OT plans, such as:
- Lack of collaboration between IT and OT teams, which leads to duplicated work and unclear ownership during incidents.
- Unmapped dependencies that remain hidden until disruptions occur, delaying the response and increasing costs.
- Inconsistent rigor in continuity practices, with OT often lacking the structure and testing found in IT recovery plans.
- Organizational silos with differing priorities and reporting structures that hinder communication.
- Unclear responsibilities during crises, leaving teams confused about decision-making and recovery tasks.
These persistent challenges highlight the urgent need for integrated planning across both domains.
Info-Tech’s Blueprint for Strengthening IT/OT Continuity
To address these challenges, Info-Tech has released a new blueprint that guides utilities toward a more unified approach. The framework includes a phased roadmap that enables organizations to:
- Define and map IT and OT boundaries for shared visibility.
- Identify critical applications and processes needing joint recovery strategies.
- Conduct business impact assessments to set realistic recovery goals across IT and OT.
- Establish clear governance and maintenance practices for ongoing alignment.
Strategic tools—like application heatmaps and stakeholder templates—further help utilities build a comprehensive, integrated continuity plan tailored to their environment.
In summary, as disruptions grow more complex, integrated IT/OT business continuity planning is essential for today’s utilities. Info-Tech Research Group’s blueprint empowers organizations to bridge gaps and create a more resilient, coordinated response. By acting now, utilities can reduce recovery times, safeguard operations, and better protect the communities they serve.
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