Disclosed Findings Highlight Gap in Cybersecurity Coordination between OT and IT Units
The tech company Palo Alto Networks has released a report titled "State of OT Security: A Comprehensive Guide to Trends, Risks, and Cyber Resilience," which offers insights into the challenges faced by organisations worldwide in operational technology (OT) environments. The report was based on a global survey of 1,979 OT and IT business leaders, including 103 in Australia.
The findings for Australian businesses paint a concerning landscape in OT security. 82% of industrial operators in the country experienced a cyberattack in the past year, making them the fourth most targeted globally. In fact, 28.6% of Australian organisations had to shut down industrial operations due to a successful attack in the last year.
The research found a disconnect between OT and IT teams to be a security concern for Australian businesses. 40% of respondents describe the relationship between the two as frictional, with only 14% answering that their teams are aligned. This disconnect is further highlighted by the fact that 42% of respondents report shared responsibility for OT cybersecurity purchase decisions between the two teams.
Despite these challenges, 61.2% of Australian OT and IT leaders consider OT security a high priority, with 52% expecting increased spending on OT cybersecurity in the next two years. Interestingly, 80% of Australian respondents believe the move to cloud will reinforce OT security, but 54% also anticipate increased cybersecurity challenges in the next two years.
Palo Alto Networks recommends prioritising OT security and embracing zero-trust principles to safeguard operations effectively. The report reveals that 84% of industrial respondents endorse zero-trust as the right strategy for OT security, but deployment rates remain relatively low.
One of the most promising findings is the widespread agreement on the role of AI in OT security. 8 out of 10 Australian respondents agree that AI will be key to stopping OT attacks. The report provides information on trends, risks, and cyber resilience strategies within OT environments, including the use of AI and zero-trust principles.
The survey included business leaders from 23 countries, offering a global perspective on OT security challenges. The report was published this week and is available for download on the Palo Alto Networks website. The findings underscore the need for organisations to prioritise OT security and adopt effective strategies to protect their operations from cyber threats.
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