{"id":1874,"date":"2025-11-10T04:07:42","date_gmt":"2025-11-10T10:07:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/boise-id-1183\/?p=1874"},"modified":"2025-11-12T04:35:33","modified_gmt":"2025-11-12T10:35:33","slug":"bridging-the-gap-between-it-and-ot-securing-industrial-systems-against-modern-threats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/boise-id-1183\/blog\/bridging-the-gap-between-it-and-ot-securing-industrial-systems-against-modern-threats\/","title":{"rendered":"Bridging the Gap Between IT and OT: Securing Industrial Systems Against Modern Threats"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Industrial operations are entering a new era where <\/span><b>Information Technology (IT)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and <\/span><b>Operational Technology (OT)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> are no longer separate worlds. Manufacturers, utilities, and critical infrastructure providers are integrating data-driven IT systems with physical control systems to gain efficiency, real-time insights, and competitive advantage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">But as these two domains converge, a new challenge emerges: <\/span><b>cybersecurity threats now extend from the digital office to the factory floor.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Bridging the gap between IT and OT is no longer optional\u2014it is a business necessity. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This blog explores why IT\/OT convergence is happening, the security risks it creates, and how organizations can protect their operations with a layered, modern defense.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Do IT and OT Really Mean?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Before understanding the risks, it\u2019s important to define the two sides of the equation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Information Technology (IT)<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Covers the systems that manage data, such as servers, cloud platforms, and enterprise applications.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Focuses on confidentiality, data integrity, and business continuity.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Common examples include email servers, ERP systems, and cloud collaboration tools.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Operational Technology (OT)<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Encompasses hardware and software that directly monitor or control industrial processes.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Includes Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and industrial sensors.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Prioritizes uptime, physical safety, and real-time performance.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Historically, OT systems were isolated\u2014\u201cair-gapped\u201d from the internet or corporate networks. IT teams managed business data, while engineers kept machinery running.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> However, the rise of <\/span><b>Industry 4.0<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, smart manufacturing, and remote monitoring has connected these once-separate systems, creating a powerful but vulnerable ecosystem.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1876\" src=\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/boise-id-1183\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/26\/2025\/11\/Copy-of-cmit-boise-featured-image-2025-11-12T044318.716-1024x535.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"796\" height=\"416\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/boise-id-1183\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/26\/2025\/11\/Copy-of-cmit-boise-featured-image-2025-11-12T044318.716-1024x535.png 1024w, https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/boise-id-1183\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/26\/2025\/11\/Copy-of-cmit-boise-featured-image-2025-11-12T044318.716-300x157.png 300w, https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/boise-id-1183\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/26\/2025\/11\/Copy-of-cmit-boise-featured-image-2025-11-12T044318.716-768x401.png 768w, https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/boise-id-1183\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/26\/2025\/11\/Copy-of-cmit-boise-featured-image-2025-11-12T044318.716.png 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 796px) 100vw, 796px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b>Why IT\/OT Convergence Is Accelerating<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Businesses are connecting IT and OT for good reason. The benefits are hard to ignore:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Operational Efficiency:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Real-time analytics help predict maintenance needs and optimize production.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Remote Access:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Cloud platforms enable engineers to monitor systems from anywhere.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Data-Driven Decisions:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Combining IT and OT data provides insight into performance, supply chain trends, and energy use.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Competitive Advantage:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Faster decisions and automated processes create cost savings and scalability.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">While these innovations drive growth, they also <\/span><b>expand the attack surface<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, opening doors for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities that once remained isolated.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>The Rising Threat Landscape<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Modern cyber threats don\u2019t stop at the office network. Attackers increasingly target industrial systems for financial gain, espionage, or disruption.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Ransomware<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ransomware encrypts critical files and halts operations until a ransom is paid.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The <\/span><b>Colonial Pipeline<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> attack of 2021 demonstrated the potential for catastrophic economic impact, causing fuel shortages across the United States.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. Supply Chain Exploits<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Attackers compromise third-party vendors or software updates to bypass security controls.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Industrial organizations with complex supply chains face unique exposure to these backdoor attacks.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Legacy System Weaknesses<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Many OT environments run on decades-old hardware with minimal built-in security.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Unpatched firmware and outdated protocols make them easy targets.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. Insider Threats<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Employees or contractors with privileged access can unintentionally\u2014or deliberately\u2014cause breaches.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> In an interconnected environment, even a small mistake can have large consequences.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Key Challenges of Securing IT and OT Together<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Securing converged systems is far more complex than securing IT or OT alone:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>24\/7 Operations:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Industrial systems often cannot afford downtime for security patching.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Protocol Diversity:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> OT devices use proprietary protocols unfamiliar to traditional IT security teams.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Limited Visibility:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Many OT networks lack centralized monitoring, creating blind spots.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Regulatory Compliance:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Industries such as energy, manufacturing, and healthcare face strict regulations, adding pressure to maintain security without disrupting operations.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>A Framework for Bridging IT and OT Security<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Protecting converged networks requires a <\/span><b>layered, proactive approach<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> that addresses people, processes, and technology.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Conduct a Comprehensive Risk Assessment<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Identify all assets\u2014both IT and OT\u2014along with their vulnerabilities and interconnections.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Mapping how data flows between networks helps prioritize which systems require the most immediate protection.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. Network Segmentation<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Separate IT and OT environments into distinct zones using firewalls and secure gateways.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> This prevents a single breach from spreading across the organization.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Adopt Zero Trust Security<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The <\/span><b>Zero Trust<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> model operates on the principle of \u201cnever trust, always verify.\u201d<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Every user, device, and request is continuously authenticated and monitored, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Learn more about how a<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/boise-id-1183\/blog\/zero-trust-architecture-the-future-of-cybersecurity-for-smbs\/\"> <b>Zero Trust Architecture<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> can strengthen your industrial cybersecurity posture.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. Implement Strict Access Controls<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) and role-based permissions to ensure only authorized personnel can access critical systems.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>5. Regular Patch Management<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">While downtime is challenging, patching known vulnerabilities is essential.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Develop a patching schedule that balances operational needs with security priorities.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Advanced Technologies to Strengthen Defenses<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Several tools and technologies can provide additional layers of protection:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Monitor network traffic and block suspicious activity in real time.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Provide continuous monitoring of endpoints such as PLCs, servers, and operator stations.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>AI-Driven Analytics:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Use machine learning to detect anomalies and predict potential threats before they escalate.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Secure Remote Access Solutions:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Combine encrypted VPNs with MFA to protect connections for remote engineers and vendors.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>The Human Factor: Training and Awareness<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Technology alone cannot stop every threat. Human error remains a leading cause of breaches.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Provide <\/span><b>continuous cybersecurity training<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> for employees at every level.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Conduct <\/span><b>tabletop exercises<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> that simulate ransomware attacks or insider incidents.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Offer <\/span><b>role-specific education<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> so engineers understand IT security basics and IT staff learn OT operational protocols.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Real-World Lessons from High-Profile Incidents<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The risks of IT\/OT convergence are not theoretical. Several well-known attacks highlight the urgency of strong defenses:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Stuxnet (2010):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> This sophisticated worm targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, altering PLCs to cause physical equipment damage.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Norsk Hydro (2019):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> A ransomware attack disrupted global aluminum production and cost the company tens of millions of dollars.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Colonial Pipeline (2021):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> A single compromised password led to a ransomware attack that shut down a critical U.S. fuel supply chain.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These cases demonstrate how cyberattacks on industrial systems can have national and global consequences.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/BMZta-f0GC8\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1878\" src=\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/boise-id-1183\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/26\/2025\/11\/Copy-of-video-template-67-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"772\" height=\"434\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/boise-id-1183\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/26\/2025\/11\/Copy-of-video-template-67-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/boise-id-1183\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/26\/2025\/11\/Copy-of-video-template-67-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/boise-id-1183\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/26\/2025\/11\/Copy-of-video-template-67-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/boise-id-1183\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/26\/2025\/11\/Copy-of-video-template-67.png 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 772px) 100vw, 772px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b>Regulatory Standards and Best Practices<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Adhering to recognized security frameworks helps organizations strengthen defenses and maintain compliance:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>NIST Cybersecurity Framework:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Provides risk-based guidelines for critical infrastructure protection.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>IEC 62443:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Addresses security requirements for industrial automation and control systems.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>ISO\/IEC 27001:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Offers a global standard for managing information security risks.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Meeting these standards not only reduces risk but also shows customers and partners that cybersecurity is a business priority.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>The Role of Managed IT Services<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Securing IT and OT networks often requires expertise beyond what internal teams can provide.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> A <\/span><b>Managed IT Services provider<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> can help industrial organizations build and maintain a proactive cybersecurity strategy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Key advantages include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">24\/7 monitoring to detect and contain threats before they spread.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Disaster recovery planning to protect data and minimize downtime.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Guidance on regulatory compliance and security audits.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Strategic technology planning for cost-effective upgrades.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For example,<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/boise-id-1183\/blog\/why-every-business-needs-managed-it-services-a-look-at-cmit-boises-solutions\/\"> <b>Managed IT Services<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> from CMIT Solutions of Boise deliver proactive monitoring, advanced cybersecurity, and expert support designed to meet the unique needs of industrial environments.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Preparing for the Future of Industrial Cybersecurity<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As industrial systems continue to evolve, new technologies will introduce both opportunities and risks:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Connected sensors and devices must be secured at the network edge.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>5G Networks:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Faster connectivity demands stronger encryption and segmentation.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Cloud-Edge Integration:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Data flowing between local equipment and cloud services requires advanced encryption and access controls.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>AI-Powered Threat Detection:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Predictive analytics will play a key role in identifying and stopping attacks before they cause damage.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Future-proofing your cybersecurity strategy requires continuous investment in technology, employee training, and expert guidance.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Key Takeaways<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>IT\/OT convergence is inevitable.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Businesses need the efficiency and insights it provides\u2014but must plan for new risks.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Layered defenses are critical.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Combining Zero Trust policies, network segmentation, and advanced monitoring provides the best protection.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Expert partnerships make a difference.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Working with a trusted managed IT provider ensures round-the-clock defense and compliance.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For a deeper understanding of modern cybersecurity strategies, explore<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/boise-id-1183\/blog\/the-ultimate-guide-to-cybersecurity-for-boise-businesses-protect-your-digital-assets\/\"> <b>The Ultimate Guide to Cybersecurity for Boise Businesses<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> for practical steps to protect your organization from evolving threats.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Conclusion<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Bridging the gap between IT and OT is not just a technical challenge it\u2019s a strategic imperative for every industrial organization.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> With the right mix of technology, processes, and people, businesses can enjoy the benefits of real-time analytics, remote access, and operational efficiency <\/span><b>without sacrificing security<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">By adopting Zero Trust principles, leveraging advanced monitoring tools, and partnering with experienced managed IT providers, your company can confidently embrace the future of industrial innovation while keeping critical operations safe.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/boise-id-1183\/contact-us\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-1181\" src=\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/boise-id-1183\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/26\/2025\/04\/Blue-and-White-Bold-Call-To-Action-LinkedIn-Banner-1200-x-300-px-8-1024x256.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"256\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/boise-id-1183\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/26\/2025\/04\/Blue-and-White-Bold-Call-To-Action-LinkedIn-Banner-1200-x-300-px-8-1024x256.png 1024w, https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/boise-id-1183\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/26\/2025\/04\/Blue-and-White-Bold-Call-To-Action-LinkedIn-Banner-1200-x-300-px-8-300x75.png 300w, https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/boise-id-1183\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/26\/2025\/04\/Blue-and-White-Bold-Call-To-Action-LinkedIn-Banner-1200-x-300-px-8-768x192.png 768w, https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/boise-id-1183\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/26\/2025\/04\/Blue-and-White-Bold-Call-To-Action-LinkedIn-Banner-1200-x-300-px-8.png 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Industrial operations are entering a new era where Information Technology (IT) and&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":59,"featured_media":1875,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[16,17,23,19,26,20],"class_list":["post-1874","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-local-it","tag-cmit","tag-cmit-boise","tag-cmit-solutions","tag-managed-it-services","tag-managed-services","tag-network-security"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/boise-id-1183\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1874","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/boise-id-1183\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/boise-id-1183\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/boise-id-1183\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/59"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/boise-id-1183\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1874"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/boise-id-1183\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1874\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/boise-id-1183\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1875"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/boise-id-1183\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1874"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/boise-id-1183\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1874"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cmitsolutions.com\/boise-id-1183\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1874"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}