Strengthening Cybersecurity in Operational Technology Systems for Petrochemical Industries through Predictive Threat Modeling and Zero Trust Controls

Operational Technology systems used in petrochemical industries manage chemical processes, monitor safety parameters, and maintain stable operations. As these environments become increasingly connected to corporate networks, they face a higher risk of cyber attacks. This paper examines the major vulnerabilities present in OT systems and proposes a security improvement model built on predictive threat modeling and Zero Trust controls. The goal is to create a proactive and resilient cybersecurity strategy that protects industrial assets, reduces downtime, and enhances the safety of operations within petrochemical plants. Keywords – Operational Technology, Petrochemical Cybersecurity, SCADA Security, Predictive Threat Modeling, Zero Trust, Critical Infrastructure