IT training and certification provider CompTIA has announced the development of a new certification aimed at enhancing cybersecurity skills specific to operational technology (OT). This initiative responds to the growing demand for cybersecurity expertise, particularly in connected manufacturing facilities.
According to CompTIA, there are currently about 470,000 job openings in the U.S. that require cybersecurity skills, reflecting the critical need across various roles. A recent report from Fortinet highlighted that 93% of OT organizations experienced intrusions in 2024, with 73% indicating that these intrusions affected their OT systems, an increase from 49% in 2023.
James Stanger, CompTIA’s chief technology evangelist, emphasized the urgency of addressing threats to critical infrastructure, stating that a streamlined, effective program is necessary to combat the increasing risk of AI-powered cyberattacks on global systems.
The upcoming SecOT+ certification will equip OT professionals, such as floor technicians and industrial engineers, with essential skills to manage and mitigate security risks in manufacturing and critical infrastructure environments. This certification will also benefit cybersecurity engineers and network architects by providing a standardized skill set.
Katie Hoenicke, CompTIA’s senior vice president of product development, affirmed the importance of their leadership in building cybersecurity skills, stating that as technology continues to evolve in physical environments, both opportunities and challenges arise.
The SecOT+ certification program will focus on areas including risk assessment, compliance with regulatory frameworks for OT, hardening techniques, managing third-party risks, and securing legacy systems. CompTIA anticipates launching this certification in the second half of 2026.
For more information on certifications, explore:
