Extended Operational Technology (xOT)
xOT defines the full operational technology environment - every system that influences a physical process, regardless of how it is classified.
xOTdefines the full scope of the operational environment-every system that influences a physical process, regardless of whether it is classified as OT, IT, or a connected device. If it affects operations, it is part of thexOTenvironment.
IoT is a device category - it describes connected things. xOT is defined by operational impact - it describes any system whose failure or compromise would affect a physical process. A device is xOT not because of what it is, but because of what it does.
High-impact systems are assets that, if compromised or degraded, would have the greatest operational, safety, or business consequences. They span traditional OT, connected devices, building automation, analytics platforms, and supporting infrastructure. Identifying them is the starting point for an effective xOT security program.
Most OT security programs were built around a narrower definition of the environment: traditional control systems and field devices. The systems that now influence physical outcomes extend well beyond that boundary. Programs built on the old definition leave high-impact systems unmonitored and unprotected.
Dragos delivers visibility and threat detection across the full xOT environment. Asset discovery surfaces every system influencing physical operations. Threat detection identifies adversary activity before physical processes are affected.
Dragos prioritizes based on operational impact, not on device category or vulnerability score alone. Organizations identify high-impact systems driving their operations, then apply visibility, protection, and detection in proportion to what matters most. Intelligence from tracking real adversaries informs which systems are actively being targeted.
Organizations with complete xOT visibility reduce unplanned downtime, strengthen operational resilience, and protect revenue by reducing operational risk. When high-impact systems are continuously monitored and defended, critical operations remain safe, reliable, and available.
Complete visibility across the xOT environment gives organizations the evidence base needed for regulatory alignment and audit readiness. When you can demonstrate what systems influence your operations, how they are monitored, and how risks are prioritized, compliance becomes a byproduct of good security practice rather than a separate exercise.
