March 20, 2024 at 01:39PM
A survey by Palo Alto Networks reveals widespread cyberattacks on industrial organizations, with 24% reporting shut down of operations due to attacks. Malicious activity is detected by three-quarters of respondents, and IT systems are the primary entry point. Despite the importance of OT cybersecurity, many organizations struggle with coordination between IT and OT. The full report is available on Palo Alto Networks’ website.
Key Takeaways from Meeting Notes:
1. A survey by Palo Alto Networks indicates that a significant number of industrial organizations experience cyberattacks on their operational technology (OT), with 24% reporting that they had to shut down OT operations due to successful attacks in the past year.
2. The survey, which targeted nearly 2,000 respondents from 16 countries, highlighted the financial and reputational impact of such shutdowns, including lost revenue, damage control costs, and potential regulatory penalties.
3. While most attacks originate from IT systems, a notable 28% reported attacks originating in their OT environment.
4. The majority of respondents recognize the importance of protecting their OT environments, with over 60% considering it important and more than half planning to increase their OT cybersecurity budgets within the next two years.
5. The responsibility for OT cybersecurity purchasing decisions is often shared or influenced by both IT and OT, but the relationship between IT and OT is not always coordinated, with 39% experiencing friction and 18% having rare connections over cybersecurity issues.
6. Respondents believe that AI-enabled attacks on OT infrastructure are a critical issue, but are also optimistic about the potential of AI-enabled security solutions for detecting and blocking attacks.
7. There is notable concern about the potential for AI to benefit hackers more than security teams, and a belief by 47% of respondents that AI will reduce the need for security professionals in their companies.
8. The full survey report is available in PDF format on Palo Alto Networks’ website.
Source: Meeting notes from discussion on Cybersecurity Challenges in Industrial Organizations, based on survey commissioned by Palo Alto Networks.
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