What is the role of intrusion detection systems in OT security?

Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) play a crucial role in enhancing the security of Operational Technology (OT) environments by actively monitoring network traffic, identifying potential threats or malicious activities, and providing real-time alerts or responses to help prevent security breaches. IDS help in detecting unauthorized access, suspicious behaviors, and unusual patterns in network communication, hence enabling quicker responses to potential cyber threats in OT systems. They contribute to protecting critical infrastructure, ensuring the integrity and availability of OT systems, and enhancing overall cybersecurity in industrial environments.