1 in 4 Industrial Operations Disrupted by Cyberattacks

A recent study by Palo Alto Networks and ABI Research revealed that one in four industrial enterprises in the past year have had to halt their operations temporarily due to cyberattacks. The survey, which encompassed nearly 2,000 executives and practitioners across 16 countries, sheds light on the pressing challenges of operational technology (OT) security in today's increasingly digital industrial landscape.

The complexity of OT security solutions emerged as a primary concern for over 60% of those surveyed, highlighting a significant issue. The report discussed the struggles organizations face in architecting and implementing streamlined, user-friendly responses to cyber threats.

The report also revealed a concerning statistic: almost 70% of industrial organizations have fallen victim to cyberattacks within the last year, with about 26% experiencing attacks on a weekly basis or more. IT systems were identified as the main attack vector, yet 28% of the attacks were traced back to the OT environment itself, highlighting the intertwined nature of IT and OT security challenges.

Despite the alarming rate of cyber incidents, the survey indicates a strong resolve among industrial organizations to bolster their OT cybersecurity, with more than half planning to increase their cybersecurity budgets in the next two years. However, the collaboration between IT and OT teams within companies presents its own set of challenges, with only 43% of respondents describing their relationship as coordinated or constructive.

The report also noted that the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and the integration of 5G technologies into industrial operations are viewed with a mix of optimism and concern. While these technologies promise to enhance efficiency and connectivity, they also introduce new security vulnerabilities. A significant portion of respondents, 74%, view AI-enabled attacks as a critical threat to their OT infrastructure.

In light of these challenges, Palo Alto Networks advocates for a Zero Trust approach to OT security. They also emphasized the need for solutions that not only address current threats but are also adaptable to the rapid pace of technological advancement. The survey's insights into the daily challenges faced by industrial asset owners and operators highlight the urgent need for streamlined, robust security solutions.