CompTIA SecOT+ Certification: Securing the Industrial Revolution

The Critical Need for Operational Technology Security Expertise

Launch Date: November 2026 | Exam Code: SOT-001 V1

The convergence of information technology and operational technology has created one of the most critical security challenges of our time. From power grids to manufacturing plants, water treatment facilities to oil refineries, the systems that power our modern infrastructure are increasingly connected—and increasingly vulnerable.

Enter CompTIA SecOT+ (SOT-001), a groundbreaking certification specifically designed to validate expertise in securing operational technology environments. Launching in November 2026, SecOT+ represents CompTIA’s commitment to addressing the unique security challenges facing industrial control systems, SCADA networks, and critical infrastructure.

This certification isn’t just another addition to the cybersecurity landscape—it’s a response to an urgent industry need. When a cyber attack can shut down a pipeline, disable a power plant, or compromise a water treatment facility, the stakes couldn’t be higher. SecOT+ ensures professionals have the specialized knowledge to protect these vital systems.

Understanding Operational Technology: Beyond Traditional IT Security

What Makes OT Different?

Traditional IT security focuses on protecting data confidentiality, integrity, and availability—in that order. Operational technology flips this paradigm completely:

OT Security Priorities:

1. Safety First: Loss of life, environmental damage, or physical harm
2. Availability: Systems must run continuously; downtime isn’t just inconvenient—it’s catastrophic
3. Integrity: Process control must be accurate and reliable
4. Confidentiality: Often the lowest priority in OT environments

This fundamental difference means IT security professionals can’t simply apply traditional cybersecurity principles to OT environments. You need specialized knowledge—exactly what SecOT+ provides.

The OT/IT Convergence Challenge

Modern industrial facilities face a paradox: they need digital connectivity for efficiency and monitoring, but this connectivity exposes previously air-gapped systems to cyber threats. The convergence creates unique challenges:

• Legacy Systems: Equipment designed decades ago, never intended to be networked
• 24/7 Operations: Patching and maintenance windows are rare or non-existent
• Physical Consequences: A successful attack doesn’t just steal data—it can cause explosions, spills, or blackouts
• Multi-Vendor Environments: Proprietary protocols, incompatible systems, and vendor lock-in
• Safety vs. Security Tensions: Security controls that don’t account for safety requirements can create new hazards

SecOT+ addresses these challenges head-on, preparing professionals to navigate the complex landscape where IT meets OT.

SecOT+ Certification Details

Exam Overview

Attribute	Details
Exam Code	SOT-001 V1
Launch Date	November 2026
Question Format	Multiple-choice and performance-based
Languages	English (at launch)
Certification Duration	3 years (estimated)
Prerequisites	None (but extensive experience expected)
Recommended Experience	3+ years hands-on OT experience, 2+ years implementing OT cybersecurity
Target Audience	Control engineers, OT cybersecurity engineers, industrial security specialists

Who Should Pursue SecOT+?

SecOT+ is designed for experienced professionals working at the intersection of operations and security:

Ideal Candidates:

• Control Engineers transitioning into cybersecurity roles
• OT Cybersecurity Engineers who need validated credentials
• Industrial Security Specialists protecting SCADA and ICS environments
• Critical Infrastructure Security Professionals in energy, utilities, manufacturing
• IT Security Professionals expanding into OT domains
• Compliance Officers managing OT security requirements
• Industrial Automation Specialists adding security expertise

NOT Ideal For:

• Entry-level cybersecurity professionals (start with Security+ first)
• IT professionals with no OT exposure or understanding
• Anyone without hands-on industrial environment experience

The Six Domains: Comprehensive OT Security Coverage

SecOT+ consists of six domains covering every aspect of operational technology security. While CompTIA hasn’t released final domain weightings (marked as “TBD” in draft objectives), the scope is comprehensive.

Domain 1: OT Systems and Safety Foundations

This foundational domain ensures candidates understand the industrial environments they’re protecting—because you can’t secure what you don’t understand.

1.1 Safety Techniques

Safety isn’t just important in OT—it’s paramount. This section covers:

• Environmental Hazards: Electrical, pressure, heights, temperature, fire, chemical, water
• Safety Procedures: Lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures critical for maintenance
• Job Safety Analysis (JSA): Systematic examination of work tasks
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Appropriate gear for industrial environments
• Safety Meetings: Pre-job briefings and post-job debriefs

Real-World Context: Imagine needing to patch a PLC that controls a high-pressure steam system. Without proper LOTO procedures, you could cause an explosion. SecOT+ ensures you understand these life-or-death safety protocols.

1.2 Unique Elements in OT Environments

Understanding the specialized components of OT:

• Device Types: PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, RTUs, historians, VFDs, IEDs
• Industrial Control Systems: DCS, localized control networks, SIS, MES
• IT/OT Convergence: Where enterprise IT meets shop floor operations
• Critical Infrastructure Sectors: Energy, water, transportation, manufacturing, chemical

1.3 Control Theory Concepts

The logic that runs industrial processes:

• Control Logic Types: Ladder logic, functional block diagrams, structured text, sequential function blocks
• Process Variables: Set points, inputs/outputs, watchdogs, timers, tags
• Control Mechanisms: Understanding how industrial automation actually works

1.4 OT Communication Protocols

The specialized protocols that traditional IT professionals rarely encounter:

Serial Protocols:

• Modbus RTU: The workhorse of industrial communications
• Profibus: Process field bus used in automation
• DNP3: Distributed Network Protocol for utilities
• Data Highway Plus: Rockwell/Allen-Bradley protocol

Ethernet Protocols:

• EtherCAT: High-performance automation
• Modbus TCP: Ethernet-based Modbus
• EtherNet/IP: Common Industrial Protocol
• OPC UA: Modern, secure OT communications standard
• BACnet: Building automation and control
• Profinet: Real-time Industrial Ethernet

Wireless:

• VHF, VSAT: Remote site communications
• 802.15.4, 802.11: Industrial wireless standards
• M-Bus: Meter-Bus for utility metering

Why This Matters: These aren’t academic exercises. Understanding Modbus means you can identify when attackers are manipulating process control commands. Knowing DNP3 helps you secure utility SCADA systems. This domain provides the technical foundation for everything that follows.

1.5 Infrastructure Considerations

Contrasting legacy and modern OT infrastructure:

Legacy/Unsupported:

• Embedded operating systems and RTOSs
• Unsupported hardware and protocols
• Legacy physical ports and applications
• Systems designed before cybersecurity was a concern

Modern:

• Virtualization: Virtual PLCs, hypervisors, containers
• Software-Defined Networking (SDN) in industrial environments
• AI/ML capabilities for predictive maintenance and anomaly detection
• Cloud infrastructure: Public, private, hybrid, and edge computing
• Autonomous systems and robotics

Domain 2: OT Risk Management

Risk management in OT requires balancing security with operational requirements—a delicate equilibrium.

2.1 Governance, Risk, and Compliance

Understanding the drivers and requirements:

• Business Objectives: Balancing security vs. operations, risk appetite
• Compliance Drivers: National security, regulatory requirements, legal obligations
• Business Impact: Financial, reputational, quality, and operational consequences
• Safety Considerations: Loss of life, environmental damage
• Reliability Requirements: Uptime expectations for critical processes

2.2 Cybersecurity Program Management

Building and maintaining OT security programs:

• Risk Registries: Tracking identified risks and mitigation strategies
• Maturity Assessments: Benchmarking security program development
• Roadmap Development: Phased security improvement plans
• RACI Model: Defining roles and responsibilities
• Service-Level Agreements: Internal and external SLAs for OT security
• Training and Awareness: Specialized OT security education
• Documentation: Policies, processes, standards, and SOPs

2.3 Risk Assessment Concepts

Methodologies and frameworks specific to OT:

• NIST Frameworks: Cybersecurity Framework applied to OT
• ISA/IEC Standards: ISA-62443 series for industrial automation security
• Risk Variables: Likelihood and impact/consequence in OT contexts
• Assessment Methods: Scenario-based, supply chain, third-party, failure mode analysis
• Controls Management: Catalogs, acceptance criteria, maturity indicators

2.4 Risk Monitoring and Disposition

Ongoing risk management:

• Residual Risk: Understanding what remains after controls
• Auditing: Internal and external assessments
• Risk Disposition: Accept, transfer, avoid, or mitigate strategies
• Escalation: When and how to raise risk concerns

2.5 Change Management

Critical in 24/7 operational environments:

• Change Identification: Recognizing when changes are needed
• Change Testing: Validation in test environments before production
• Stakeholder Communication: Coordinating with operations, engineering, and asset owners
• Approval Processes: Formal change control boards
• Rollback Planning: How to revert if changes cause issues

Domain 3: OT Threat Intelligence

Understanding the threat landscape is essential for effective defense.

3.1 Foundations of Threat Intelligence

Types and frameworks:

• Intelligence Types: Human, signals, measurement/signature, OSINT, imagery
• OT-Specific Frameworks:
  • Diamond Model of Intrusion Analysis
  • MITRE ATT&CK Matrix for ICS
  • Industrial Control Systems Cyber Kill Chain
  • Intelligence Life Cycle adapted for OT

3.2 Historical Cyber Events

Learning from past attacks on OT environments:

Direct Impact Events:

• Stuxnet (2010): Iranian nuclear facility centrifuge destruction via PLC manipulation
• TRISIS/TRITON (2017): Safety Instrumented System attack at Saudi petrochemical plant
• BlackEnergy 2 & 3 (2015-2016): Ukrainian power grid attacks
• Industroyer/CrashOverride (2016): Sophisticated ICS malware targeting substations
• FrostyGoop (2024): Recent OT-targeted malware

Indirect Impact Events:

• Colonial Pipeline (2021): Ransomware forcing pipeline shutdown
• SolarWinds (2020): Supply chain compromise affecting critical infrastructure
• Maersk/NotPetya (2017): Shipping operations paralyzed
• CrowdStrike Incident (2024): Global IT outages affecting OT operations
• AcidRain: Satellite network disruption

Why Study These: Each incident teaches critical lessons about OT vulnerabilities, attack vectors, and defense strategies. SecOT+ ensures you understand these lessons so history doesn’t repeat.

3.3 OT Threat Landscapes

Threat Actors:

• Insider Threats: Unintentional errors vs. malicious actions
• Nation-States/APTs: State-sponsored attacks on critical infrastructure
• Hacktivists: Ideologically motivated attackers
• Cybercriminals: Ransomware and extortion targeting OT
• Espionage: Industrial and state-sponsored intelligence gathering

Threat Vectors:

• Remote Access: Third-party vendor connections, internal remote access
• Removable Media: USB drives carrying malware
• Social Engineering: Phishing and vishing targeting OT personnel
• Supply Chain: Compromised firmware and hardware
• Lateral Movement: Pivoting from IT to OT networks
• Misconfigurations: Insecure default settings
• Unauthorized Devices: Rogue equipment on OT networks

3.4 Analyzing OT Threat Intelligence

Practical application of intelligence:

• Threat Intelligence Sources: ISACs, government agencies, OEM vendors, third-party services
• Platforms and Tools: Threat intelligence management systems
• Indicators of Compromise: Hashes, IP addresses, domains, abnormal processes
• Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures: Understanding attacker methodologies
• File Formats: YARA rules, STIX feeds for automated threat sharing

Domain 4: OT Cybersecurity Architecture, Design, and Engineering

Building secure OT environments from the ground up.

4.1 Secure OT Architectural Principles

Foundational design principles:

• Least Privilege and Functionality: Minimal necessary access and capabilities
• Operational Resilience: Endurance, redundancy, high availability, recoverability
• Compartmentalization: Segmentation to contain threats
• Defense in Depth: Multiple layers of security controls
• Deterministic Behavior: Predictable, reliable system responses
• Observability and Auditability: Monitoring and logging capabilities

4.2 Physical Security

In OT, physical security is cybersecurity:

• Access Control Systems: Badges, biometrics, turnstiles, access control vestibules
• Facility Security: Room and cabinet security, cable protection
• Surveillance: Video monitoring, motion detection, spectrum analyzers
• Physical Barriers: Fences, bollards, perimeter protection
• Physical Inspections: Regular walkdowns and audits

4.3 Hardware Security Controls

Protecting physical devices:

• Port Security: Port lockers and blockers for USB and serial ports
• PLC Operating Modes: Run, program, and remote modes with proper restrictions
• Firmware Management: Secure updates and version control
• Tamper Protection: Detecting physical manipulation
• Secure Boot: Trusted boot processes
• TPM/Root of Trust: Hardware-based security foundations
• Drive Encryption: Protecting data at rest

4.4 Host and Application Security

Software-level protections:

• Endpoint Protection: EPP, EDR, HIDS designed for OT
• Access Controls: Role-based, attribute-based, mandatory access control
• Patching Strategies: Managing updates in 24/7 environments
• OS Benchmarks: Hardening operating systems for OT use
• Code Signing: Verifying software authenticity
• Integrity Verification: Ensuring systems haven’t been tampered with

4.5 Network Security Controls

Securing OT networks:

• Segmentation: Physical and logical network separation (VLANs, subnetting)
• Industrial DMZ (IDMZ): Buffer zones between IT and OT
• Firewall Rules and ACLs: Whitelisting and explicit deny policies
• Data Diodes/Unidirectional Gateways: One-way data flow for critical isolation
• OT-Aware IDS/IPS: Security monitoring that understands industrial protocols
• Network Access Control: MAC-based, certificate-based, token-based authentication
• Encryption: Proper placement for VPNs and encrypted channels
• DNS Security: Securing name resolution in OT networks
• Out-of-Band Management: Separate management networks

4.6 Identity and Access Management

Controlling who and what can access OT systems:

• Account Types: Service, shared, individual, privileged, local accounts
• Default Password Management: Changing factory defaults
• PKI Implementation: Device and user certificates for authentication
• Access Protocols: RADIUS and TACACS+ for centralized authentication
• Multi-Factor Authentication: Adding security layers where possible
• Privileged Access Management (PAM): Controlling admin access
• Jump Boxes/Bastions: Secure access gateways for OT networks

Domain 5: OT Security Operations

Day-to-day security activities in operational environments.

5.1 Asset Management

You can’t protect what you don’t know you have:

• Asset Discovery: Passive, active, and manual methods
• Inventory Creation and Maintenance: Continuous asset tracking
• Key Attributes: IP addresses, system IDs, model/version numbers, physical locations, owners, functions
• Software Inventory: Mapping applications to assets
• CMDB Integration: Configuration management databases

5.2 Data Analysis for Security Operations

Understanding what’s normal to detect anomalies:

• Control System Logs: Process logs, change logs, function codes
• Network Data: IDS alerts, packet captures, syslog, firewall logs, flow data
• Host Security: EDR/EPP data, OS and application logs, access logs
• Threat Hunting: Proactive search for threats
• SIEM/SOAR Integration: Aggregating and correlating security data

5.3 Vulnerability Remediation

Managing vulnerabilities in OT:

• Remediation Options: Patching (when possible), mitigating controls, compensating controls
• Stakeholder Coordination: Working with operations to schedule maintenance
• Testing Requirements: Validation before production deployment
• Downtime Scheduling: Finding or creating maintenance windows
• Rollback Planning: Ensuring ability to recover from failed updates

5.4 Vulnerability Management

Identifying and prioritizing vulnerabilities:

• Detection Methods: Passive, active, and derived vulnerability identification
• Data Sources: SBOMs, vendor advisories, National Vulnerability Database
• Triage Process: Assessing applicability, exposure, exploitability, severity, and impact
• Prioritization: CVSS scoring adapted for OT contexts
• Verification: Confirming remediation effectiveness

5.5 Portable Device Security

Managing the risks of removable and mobile devices:

• Removable Media: USB drives, scanning kiosks, anti-malware, write blockers
• Mobile Devices: Laptops, tablets, phones, calibration equipment, wearables
• Authorization and Tracking: Knowing what devices are approved and where they are
• Sanitization: Securely wiping media before reuse
• Security Validation: Posture checks before network connection

Domain 6: OT Incident Management

Responding to security incidents in operational environments.

6.1 Incident Management Frameworks

OT-specific response models:

• PICERL Model: Prepare, Identify, Contain, Eradicate, Recover, Lessons Learned
• Incident Command System for ICS (ICS4ICS): Adapting emergency response structures for cyber incidents

6.2 Overarching Considerations

Unique aspects of OT incident response:

• Cybersecurity AND Physical Response: Coordinating with emergency services, facilities teams
• Emergency Shutdown Decisions: When to halt operations for safety
• Crisis Management: Managing business continuity during incidents
• IT/OT Coordination: Bridging the gap between IT and operations teams
• Mutual Aid: Leveraging peer networks, ISACs, incident response retainers
• Escalation and Notification: Internal and external reporting requirements

6.3 Incident Preparation

Readiness activities:

• Incident Response Plans: OT-specific playbooks and procedures
• Exercises: Purple team, tabletop exercises (TTXs), simulations
• Runbooks: Step-by-step response procedures
• Understanding Assets: Knowing high-value assets and attack surfaces

6.4 Incident Response and Handling

Practical response activities:

• Flyaway Kits: Pre-positioned tools and PPE for rapid response
• Decision Matrices: When to declare incidents, shutdown systems, pay ransoms
• Triage and Scoping: Understanding incident extent
• Chain of Custody: Preserving evidence for investigation
• Data Collection: Historian data, sequence of events, operator logs, memory captures
• Root Cause Analysis: Understanding how incidents occurred

6.5 Data Analysis During IR

Examining evidence:

• System Documentation: Baseline deviations, anomalous behavior
• Network Data: Flow data, firewall logs, ICS protocol captures, IDS alerts
• Host Data: OS events, application logs, security logs, system logs
• Process Data: Understanding manipulations to industrial processes

6.6 Containment, Eradication, and Recovery

Resolving incidents:

• Containment: Isolation, quarantine, disconnecting IT and OT
• Eradication: Removing malware, resetting credentials
• Recovery: System restoration, bare metal rebuilds, process validation
• Lessons Learned: Hot washes, debriefs, postmortems
• Mandatory Reporting: Regulatory, insurance, and contractual obligations

Historical Context: Why OT Security Matters

The attacks documented in Domain 3 aren’t theoretical. They’ve caused real-world damage:

Stuxnet (2010): Destroyed approximately 1,000 uranium enrichment centrifuges in Iran by manipulating PLCs to spin them at destructive speeds while reporting normal operations to operators. This was the first known cyber weapon causing physical destruction.

Ukrainian Power Grid Attacks (2015-2016): BlackEnergy malware disrupted power to 230,000 people. The 2016 attack using Industroyer demonstrated sophisticated understanding of ICS protocols and substation operations.

TRISIS (2017): Targeted a Safety Instrumented System—the last line of defense against catastrophic industrial accidents. If successful, this attack could have caused explosions, fires, or toxic releases.

Colonial Pipeline (2021): While technically an IT ransomware attack, it forced the shutdown of the largest fuel pipeline in the U.S., causing widespread fuel shortages and panic buying.

These incidents share common themes: sophisticated attackers, devastating consequences, and exploited gaps in OT security expertise. SecOT+ directly addresses these gaps.

Career Impact and Opportunities

Emerging Job Roles

SecOT+ aligns with rapidly growing positions:

OT Security Engineer

• Salary Range: $110,000 – $155,000
• Responsibilities: Implementing security controls, monitoring OT networks, vulnerability management

Industrial Control Systems Security Analyst

• Salary Range: $95,000 – $140,000
• Responsibilities: Threat detection, incident response, security assessments

OT Security Architect

• Salary Range: $130,000 – $180,000
• Responsibilities: Designing secure OT architectures, segmentation strategies, technology selection

Critical Infrastructure Protection Specialist

• Salary Range: $100,000 – $150,000
• Responsibilities: Regulatory compliance, risk assessments, security program management

SCADA Security Administrator

• Salary Range: $85,000 – $125,000
• Responsibilities: Day-to-day SCADA security, user access management, security monitoring

Industry Demand

The market for OT security professionals is exploding:

• Job Growth: OT security positions increased 340% from 2020-2024
• Skills Gap: 78% of organizations report difficulty finding qualified OT security professionals
• Regulatory Pressure: TSA pipeline regulations, NERC CIP requirements, FDA medical device security
• Board-Level Concern: 64% of boards now request OT security briefings (up from 12% in 2019)

Industries Hiring

SecOT+ opens doors across critical infrastructure sectors:

• Energy & Utilities: Power generation, transmission, distribution
• Oil & Gas: Refineries, pipelines, offshore platforms
• Manufacturing: Automotive, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage
• Water & Wastewater: Treatment plants, distribution systems
• Chemical: Processing plants, refineries
• Transportation: Rail systems, traffic control, airports
• Building Automation: Data centers, hospitals, smart buildings

Preparing for SecOT+: Strategic Approach

Prerequisites and Background

Recommended Experience:

• 3+ years working hands-on with OT systems (PLCs, SCADA, DCS, etc.)
• 2+ years implementing cybersecurity in OT environments
• Understanding of industrial processes and control theory
• Familiarity with OT protocols (Modbus, DNP3, etc.)

Complementary Certifications:

• CompTIA Security+: Foundation in cybersecurity
• CompTIA CySA+: SOC analysis and threat detection skills
• GIAC GICSP: ICS security specialization
• ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Certificates: Industrial automation security standards

Study Strategy

Phase 1: Foundation Building (Months 1-2)

• Review draft exam objectives thoroughly
• Study OT protocols and communications
• Understand control theory and industrial processes
• Learn safety procedures and regulations
• Familiarize yourself with ISA-62443 standards

Phase 2: Deep Domain Knowledge (Months 3-4)

• Master risk management frameworks for OT
• Study historical OT cyber incidents in detail
• Learn OT-specific threat intelligence sources
• Practice network segmentation and architecture design
• Understand incident response for cyber-physical events

Phase 3: Hands-On Practice (Months 5-6)

• Set up virtual OT lab environments
• Practice with OT security tools
• Simulate incident scenarios
• Work with industrial protocols in lab settings
• Practice vulnerability assessment in OT contexts

Lab Environment Setup

Hardware:

• Inexpensive PLCs (e.g., OpenPLC, Velocio)
• Raspberry Pi or similar for HMI simulation
• Network equipment for segmentation practice
• Serial cables for legacy protocol work

Software:

• OpenPLC: Open-source PLC programming
• ControlThings.io: OT security tool platform
• SCADA simulation platforms
• Packet analyzers (Wireshark with OT protocol dissectors)
• Virtual machines with industrial control software
• OT-aware IDS/IPS systems

Study Resources

Official Documentation:

• CompTIA SecOT+ Official Study Guide (available closer to launch)
• Draft exam objectives (currently available)
• CompTIA CertMaster materials

Industry Standards:

• ISA/IEC 62443 Series: Industrial automation security standards
• NIST Cybersecurity Framework
• NIST Special Publication 800-82: Guide to ICS Security

Threat Intelligence:

• MITRE ATT&CK for ICS: Free online resource
• CISA ICS Advisories: Current vulnerability information
• DHS/CISA: Critical infrastructure security guidance

Hands-On Resources:

• ControlThings.io Platform: OT security testing tools
• ICS-CERT Virtual Learning Portal
• INL (Idaho National Laboratory) resources
• SANS ICS training materials

Vision Training Systems: Your SecOT+ Partner

As the launch date approaches, Vision Training Systems is developing comprehensive SecOT+ training to prepare you for this critical certification.

Our Training Approach

1. Real-World Focus Our courses emphasize practical applications, not just theory. We bring real-world OT experience into every lesson, drawing from actual industrial environments and security implementations.

2. Hands-On Labs We’re developing virtual lab environments that simulate real OT systems:

• PLC programming and security
• SCADA system configurations
• Network segmentation practice
• Incident response scenarios
• Protocol analysis and security

3. Industry-Expert Instruction Our instructors combine:

• Years of OT operational experience
• Cybersecurity expertise
• Real incident response background
• Industrial automation knowledge

4. Comprehensive Materials

• Detailed study guides covering all six domains
• Practice exams with performance-based questions
• Reference materials for protocols and standards
• Lab guides and configuration examples
• Real-world case studies and attack analysis

5. Flexible Learning Paths

• Self-Paced Online: Study at your own schedule with 24/7 access
• Instructor-Led Virtual: Live online classes with expert instructors
• On-Site Corporate Training: Custom programs for your team
• Intensive Bootcamp: Accelerated preparation for experienced professionals

Why Choose Vision Training Systems?

Proven Track Record: We’ve successfully trained thousands of IT professionals across multiple CompTIA certifications, with consistently high pass rates and positive student feedback.

OT Industry Partnerships: We work directly with industrial organizations to ensure our training reflects real-world OT security challenges.

Continuous Updates: As CompTIA releases updates to the exam objectives, we immediately incorporate them into our training materials.

Career Support: Beyond exam preparation, we provide resume guidance, interview coaching, and career planning for OT security roles.

Post-Certification Resources: Even after you pass, you’ll have access to our alumni network, continued education opportunities, and industry connections.

The Future of OT Security

Emerging Trends

AI and Machine Learning in OT: Both for attacks and defense, AI is changing the OT security landscape. SecOT+ incorporates AI capabilities as part of modern infrastructure considerations.

Cloud-Connected OT: Edge computing, hybrid clouds, and vendor-provided cloud services are bringing new connectivity—and new risks—to industrial environments.

Autonomous Systems: From robotic manufacturing to self-driving vehicles, autonomous systems require new security approaches.

5G and Industrial IoT: Next-generation connectivity enables new OT applications but expands the attack surface significantly.

Zero Trust in OT: Adapting Zero Trust principles for operational technology environments where “never trust, always verify” must coexist with real-time operational requirements.

Regulatory Landscape

Expect increasing regulatory pressure:

• TSA Pipeline Security Directives: Already in effect, requiring security measures for pipeline operators
• NERC CIP Updates: Ongoing evolution of critical infrastructure protection standards
• EU Network and Information Systems Directive (NIS2): Expanding OT security requirements in Europe
• SEC Disclosure Rules: Cybersecurity incident reporting affecting publicly traded companies
• State-Level Regulations: Individual states implementing critical infrastructure protections

SecOT+ ensures you’re prepared for current and emerging compliance requirements.

The Business Case for SecOT+

For Employers:

• Validated OT security expertise in candidates
• Reduced risk of costly security incidents
• Compliance with regulatory requirements
• Improved security posture for industrial operations

For Professionals:

• Competitive advantage in a high-demand field
• Salary premium for specialized skills
• Career advancement opportunities
• Credibility with both IT and OT teams

For Organizations:

• Standardized training for OT security teams
• Common language across IT and OT domains
• Measurable security program maturity
• Reduced insurance premiums and liability

The Bottom Line: Why SecOT+ Matters

The digital transformation of industrial environments is irreversible. Factories, power plants, water systems, and critical infrastructure will only become more connected, more automated, and more dependent on cyber systems.

This transformation brings enormous benefits: efficiency, predictive maintenance, remote monitoring, data-driven optimization. But it also brings enormous risks: cyber attacks that cause physical damage, safety compromises, environmental disasters, and loss of life.

SecOT+ ensures professionals can navigate this new reality safely and securely.

It’s not just another certification—it’s a commitment to protecting the physical systems that modern society depends on. When you earn SecOT+, you’re joining a community of professionals dedicated to securing critical infrastructure, protecting industrial operations, and ensuring that the cyber-physical convergence happens safely.

The exam launches in November 2026, but preparation should begin now. The knowledge is complex, the domain is specialized, and the stakes are high. But for professionals willing to invest the effort, SecOT+ opens doors to some of the most critical, high-demand, and rewarding roles in cybersecurity.

---

---

About CompTIA SecOT+ Certification

Exam Code: SOT-001 V1
Launch Date: November 2026
Domains: OT Systems and Safety Foundations, OT Risk Management, OT Threat Intelligence, OT Cybersecurity Architecture/Design/Engineering, OT Security Operations, OT Incident Management
Recommended Experience: 3+ years OT hands-on experience, 2+ years implementing OT cybersecurity
Target Audience: Control engineers, OT cybersecurity engineers, industrial security specialists
Official Information: CompTIA SecOT+ Page

---