---
title: "OT and IT/OT Convergence Security"
description: "Apply UserLock to secure user access to Windows-based OT systems and at key points of IT/OT convergence."
locale: "en"
updated_at: "2025-06-18T14:52:04.438Z"
canonical: "https://www.isdecisions.com/en/userlock/solutions/it-ot-convergence-security"
---

# OT and IT/OT convergence security

_Use Case_

Boost resilience with identity-centric access security at the point of IT and OT convergence in layer 3.5 and in OT networks in zone 2. With UserLock, there’s a simple, secure way to keep attackers out and business operations running.

## The challenge of IT/OT convergence security

Informational technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) systems often share identity infrastructure and systems in isolated or legacy Windows systems. 

These may be AD-based or on a standalone Windows server, but native identity management is limited or nonexistent.

As IT and OT networks converge, OT teams often struggle to fight identity-based threats:

- Shared or weak credentials on OT workstations
- No MFA or login audit on ICS, SCADA, or HMI systems
- Inconsistent policy enforcement between environments
- Centralized auditing and reporting on access

## How UserLock supports secure IT/OT integration

Put identity controls exactly where you need them, on level 3.5 and Windows-based level 2 assets, without touching fragile PLCs or HMIs. 

- Enforce granular MFA
- Apply contextual access controls
- Set limits on sessions
- Block suspicious behavior without disrupting users

UserLock helps critical infrastructure and industrial control systems (ICS) apply modern access controls to Windows-based OT devices using the existing AD identity.

**It’s easy to use, easy to scale, and keeps IT in control.**

## Comprehensive access control for IT and OT

### Enforce MFA on Windows-based systems and apps

Enforce MFA with or without smartphones across IT and OT endpoints. MFA on UAC prompts helps block lateral movement at the IT and OT convergence layer. Maintain access policies in offline or airgapped OT environments.

### Extend strong authentication to SaaS access

Enable single sign-on (SSO) for AD identities to extend on-prem authentication from local systems to SaaS resources. Users enter their password once at login, complete strong authentication, and gain access to SaaS apps.

### Limit access with contextual restrictions

Restrict access based on location, time, device, and block concurrent logins. Apply policies by AD user, group, or OU.

### Monitor and manage logon sessions

See all AD identity access IT into sensitive OT environments. Set up alerts so IT can quickly spot and react to threats across all Windows-based systems and apps.

### Audit and report on access

Produce clear reports of who accessed what, when, and from where, no manual logs required.

## Why IT and OT teams choose UserLock

#### Phone-less MFA

Use YubiKeys or Token2 hardware tokens for easy, secure MFA. at the Windows credential provider level.

#### Days to value

Set up UserLock in minutes or hours, not days. The agent-based software is easy to install and manage, and allows for granular session-based access controls.

#### Air-gap compatible

Bring modern access controls to air-gapped Windows-based systems, terminal servers, and legacy apps.

#### Remote access security

Apply MFA policies and and session limits to Remote Desktop, RDP, VPN, and RemoteApp connections.

#### Instant visibility and response

See who logs on, where, and how in real time. Block, log off, or disable an account with one click.

#### Audit ready

Take the manual work out of auditing and reporting. UserLock records every successful or failed Windows login in tamper-proof, searchable logs.