Cybersecurity and AI Across IT-OT Automation Stack - Monthly Digest # 2

Hey there,

Hope you are doing well.

This is Cybersecurity & AI across IT-OT Automation Stack - Monthly Digest # 2. 

✍️ In Digest # 0, we covered basics around the IT-OT automation stack and its importance and relevance to building a competence framework for the next generation of IT & OT cyber professionals, whether they are Solution Architects and or Security Architects. Also shared some initial thoughts on the coverage across the project lifecycle stages.

✍️ In Digest #1, we covered brief introduction to each layer of IT-OT automation stack, related Purdue levels, industry 3.0 vs. 4.0 differences, insights, risks and threats, and few interesting resources on Cybersecurity and AI.

↪️ In this Digest # 2, we’ll expand a bit on the importance of building a competence framework from an asset owner perspective on capabilities across the industry 4.0, cybersecurity and AI for their workforce.

📘CDO / CIO and CISO’s role in helping craft such a framework.

‼️ And some references.

But before we begin, do me a favour and make sure you “Subscribe” to let me know that you care and keep me motivated to publish more. Thanks!

Ready? let’s dig in.

Yours truly.

— Yousuf.

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IT & OT Cybersecurity Competence Framework

Recap:

Industry 4.0 solution architects and or security architects need to build both technical and professional competence and skills across the entire IT-OT automation stack and may encompass the overall project lifecycle.

This is crucially important for various tasks throughout a project's lifecycle (from initiating a business use case to decommissioning), (but not limited to):

• Building a business case

• Evaluation Solutions or products

• Running Proof of Concept (PoC)

• Selection (vendor/product and price negotiation)

• Architecture and Design

• Factory acceptance testing (FAT)

• Deploy and Implement (& UAT)

• Site Acceptance testing (SAT)

• Configure and Fine Tune

• Operationalize (& Automate processes)

• Maintain and Troubleshoot (Routine)

• Backups

• Disaster Recovery

• Monitor and Manage

• Incident Response (IR)

• Migrate and or upgrade

• Obsolescence Management, Disposal and or Decommissioning

• Review and Assess – Cybersecurity (and Privacy) Compliance

• Measure - KPIs, KRIs etc. and more.

This may make it easier for everyone perhaps to follow same sequence, as they progress in their current or future roles.

There are some government efforts, which I have covered in my Getting Started in IT & OT Cybersecurity - Step 4, a 12 Step Blueprint and there are more; but feel there’s a need for simplification and new ideas.

Why Build a Competence Framework for Industry 4.0, Cybersecurity & AI?

Industry 4.0 integrates cyber-physical systems, IoT, cloud computing, and AI into manufacturing processes. This integration increases operational efficiency but also broadens the attack surface, making cybersecurity a critical pillar. Meanwhile, AI introduces new capabilities and risks that require specialized skills to manage responsibly.

A well-structured competence framework helps you:

• Identify and develop the right skills across your workforce

• Align training with evolving technology and security needs

• Support cross-functional collaboration between IT, OT, and AI teams

• Future-proof your operations against cyber and operational risks

A Holistic Competence Framework Covering the Automation Stack

To address the complexity of Industry 4.0, cybersecurity, and AI, your competence framework should cover all layers of the automation stack—from cloud and enterprise systems down to physical devices and processes. It must also differentiate roles such as Cybersecurity Architects and Solutions Architects, each with distinct but complementary skill sets.

Incorporating AI Competencies

AI’s role in Industry 4.0 is growing rapidly—from predictive maintenance to autonomous control. Competence frameworks must include:

• AI Foundations: Understanding AI capabilities, risks, and ethical considerations (for all employees).

• AI Professionals: Skills in data science, machine learning engineering, model validation, and AI governance.

• AI Cybersecurity: Securing AI lifecycle components—data, models, training, deployment, and monitoring—as outlined in ENISA’s multilayer AI cybersecurity framework.

• AI Leadership: Strategic foresight on AI adoption, risk management, and regulatory compliance.

Building Your Competence Framework: Practical Steps

1. Map Roles to Competencies: Define clear role profiles (e.g., Cybersecurity Architect, Solutions Architect, AI Engineer) aligned with your technology stack and business goals. This would require to build existing (and potential future) business inventory of technology and processes across all layers of automation stack.

2. Leverage Established Models: Use research-backed frameworks such as the Industry 4.0 competency model from Technical University Munich1, the AI Skills for Business Framework2, and ENISA’s AI cybersecurity guidelines

3. Layered Approach: Address foundational cybersecurity skills, AI-specific security, and sector-specific requirements in a scalable manner.

4. Continuous Learning: Incorporate upskilling and reskilling programs, hands-on labs, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

5. Governance and Metrics: Establish competency assessments, certifications, and performance metrics to track progress.

Why This Matters

A robust competence framework empowers your workforce to design, implement, and maintain secure, efficient Industry 4.0 systems. It reduces risks from cyber threats, improves operational resilience, and accelerates innovation adoption. Ultimately, it transforms your human capital into a strategic asset that drives sustainable competitive advantage.

Ready to build your future-ready workforce?

Let’s connect to explore tailored competence frameworks that align with your unique operational and security needs.

Stay ahead in the Industry 4.0 era—secure, smart, and skilled.

4.0 Solution Architects

Earlier this month I got some query around 4.0 from a new engineer focused on solution architecture, inquiring about what should he be aware of and whether is he on the right path for his career.

Below was my response.

While my focus is not IIOT/MES, so someone from the automation world would be a better guide. However, a little that I know, here's a list of items that are frequently seen if you want to become a solution architect for the field of automation (in no particular order):

• IIOT protocols like MQTT, OPC UA, etc.

• Code: python, java, C sharp, SQL and C++, Node Red etc.

• PLC: programming (basics) (advance if you want to build expertise in PLCs).

• SCADA: Ignition and choose one other famous one that you see being used all around in your local country/region.

• API: Rest and SOAP.

• WinCC OA

• Industrial DataOps platforms

• ML/Big data

• Virtualization, Containers etc.

• Cloud Platforms - AWS, Google and Azure.

If you are an expert Solution architect in Industry 4.0, what would you recommend to help this young engineer? comment below.

References:

• Competency Model for Industry 4.0 Employees, Technical University Munich

• AI Skills for Business Competency Framework, The Alan Turing Institute

• ENISA Multilayer Framework for Good Cybersecurity Practices for AI.

Chief Digital officer (CDO) / CIO’s and CISO’s Roles

Leadership roles for digital transformation strategy (e.g. CDOs / CIOs) and Cybersecurity Strategy (e.g. CISO’s) - need to ensure that both the solution architects team and security architects team are knowledgeable enough and have at-least base level understanding across the automation stack.

Conclusion

It’s essential for SMB to enterprise level asset owners to build competence frameworks for their regional and or global teams such that the skills sets are complementary.

If both digital transformation and cybersecurity organizations going to work together to build these supporting capabilities around solution architecture and security architecture - this will end up in a cohesive team who is conversant and knowledgeable in both domains - giving organization the greatest possible coverage.

I’d love to know what have you seen works in:

• your Industrial environment → if working as an asset owner.

• your Industrial customers → If you are consultant / vendor / solutions provider.

My Recent Most Viewed Social Posts

In case you’ve missed - here are some of my recent most viewed social posts.

• 📰[ST#64] IT & OT Cybersecurity Requirements Specifications - Do’s & Don’ts ✅ Deadly Sins (Common Mistakes) & Quick Wins (recommended fixes) for Cybersecurity requirements specification for Industrial environments 🚨- You Can’t Afford to Ignore! Plus🚨Announcement on OT Cybersecurity Procurement Process & Practices Series - an ultimate guide for IT-OT Tech, Cybersecurity & Procurement Professionals. [Securing Things by M. Yousuf Faisal]

• 📰[ST # 63] IT & OT Network Security - Example Do's & Don'ts ✅ Deadly Sins (Common Mistakes) & Quick Wins (recommended fixes) for Industrial / Manufacturing environments. Plus CISO's query and my response on Managed vs. Unmanaged switches for production environment🚀 [Securing Things by M. Yousuf Faisal]

• 📰 [ST # 62] ✅Cybersecurity Insights from Q1 2025 - ✅ IT, OT, AI Cybersecurity Market Insights, M&As, Incidents, breaches, ransomware, threats and changing regulatory landscape🚀 [Securing Things by M. Yousuf Faisal]

• 📰 [ST # 61] ✅My list of IT-OT & Cybersecurity, Leadership, Productivity, Personal Development, and Money/Business books - must read for Cyber Leaders and Practitioners. Few updates on OT Security conference, & more.🚀 [Securing Things by M. Yousuf Faisal] 📰

• 📢 [ST #60] All Series Index - Securing Things 📢✅IT, OT & AI Cybersecurity – Program, Digital Factory, Guides, Standards, Crash Courses, Quarterly Insights & more.🚀 [Securing Things by M. Yousuf Faisal] 🗞️🗞️🗞️

• ISA/IEC 62443 Standards - Part 5 - Security Program Elements (SPEs) for 62443-2-1:2024, Upcoming Asset Owner ACS Security Assurance (ACSSA) Certification Scheme to ISA/IEC 62443-2-1, 2-4, 3-2, 3-3 by ISCI, CISO's role, other interesting reads.

Ways in which I can help?

Whenever you are ready - I can help you with:

A - IT & OT Cybersecurity Advisory / Consulting services - for securing your business and or its digital transformation journey.

B - Security Awareness Training & Phishing Awareness Portal - Train your staff and build a Security awareness program through our subscription based service.

C - Securing Things Academy (STA) - Security trainings for IT & OT practitioners.

Visit the newsletter website for Links to above services and or reach out at info[at]securingthings[dot]com or DM me via LinkedIn.

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Reach out at newsletter[at]securingthings[dot]com or DM me via LinkedIn.