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Abstract

Zero trust (ZT) offers a modern, adaptive approach to cybersecurity by eliminating implicit trust and continuously validating access based on identity, context, and risk. However, applying ZT to operational technology (OT) requires careful consideration because OT systems interact with the physical environment and are constrained by availability, safety requirements, and legacy technology with long lifespans. Successful implementation requires continuous collaboration between OT engineers, IT architects, and cybersecurity professionals to adapt ZT to the unique operational realities of OT environments.