Once a peripheral concern, OT security has become a mandatory priority for organizations worldwide, according to the Cisco report.
The report provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities that companies face in building a secure and effective industrial network foundation. It reflects the global need for robust security solutions specifically designed for the unique needs of industrial environments and the opportunities available to those who can overcome the challenges inherent in these solutions.
“Operational technology, and specifically the network that supports industrial operations, has become a key differentiator for organizations around the world,” said Vikas ButaneySenior Vice President and General Manager, Cisco Networking – SD-WAN, Multicloud and Industrial IoT.
“This research highlights how IT and OT leaders recognize that strengthening their OT security posture is critical to driving business resilience, improving efficiency and preparing for the next wave of AI innovation,” Butaney continued.
Prioritizing Cybersecurity in OT Plans
Industrial networks are becoming increasingly connected, and OT networks are converging with their enterprise IT counterparts, creating a complex and dynamic environment vulnerable to cyberattacks. A backlog of legacy systems and assets, an expanding attack surface, and an overburdened workforce are compounding the problem. Looking ahead, it’s clear that AI will drive business growth for those who can successfully use it to manage better industrial networks.
Organizations that fail to prioritize cybersecurity considerations in their industrial network strategy will find energy, time and money absorbed by combating attacks—resources that could be invested in designing OT as a platform for innovation and growth.
OT and IT teams can no longer work in isolation as their skills and domains increasingly overlap. A combination of human and organizational factors, as well as unified technology solutions, will be required to optimize and protect data and assets. 41% of companies say OT and IT teams work independently, highlighting the need for better collaboration. A unified approach can lead to simplified operations, enhanced cybersecurity, and faster, more informed decision-making.
Innovative OT leaders use AI to differentiate their businesses and deliver higher quality products faster. Organizations that do not update their industrial network infrastructure for AI to optimize efficiency, leverage data, support employees and defend against cyberattacks will struggle to compete.
48% of respondents see AI as the most significant technological impact on industrial networks over the next five years. AI will be a spending priority to automate tasks, improve network performance and provide predictive insights.
What the researchers also discovered:
- 89% of respondents cited cybersecurity compliance as very or extremely important
- 92% of executives see the value of a unified cybersecurity solution
- 49% of respondents expect AI to improve IT and OT network management
- 63% of respondents increased their spending on industrial infrastructure over the past year
