The advancement of the information technology (IT) sector and operational technology (OT) with digital transformation leads to the widened possibilities of cyber threat, so improving and extending security for it is even more necessary. Palo Alto Networks, a cybersecurity firm, introduced new capabilities in its OT Security solution to withstand intense industrial settings where traditional firewalls often cannot operate.
The new OT Security solution includes a fully integrated, risk-based guided virtual patching solution powered by Precision AI, the Prisma Access Browser with Privileged Remote Access, and a suite of ruggedized, ML-powered Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs).
Palo Alto Networks OT Security solution safeguards all OT environments, including networks, assets, remote operations, and 5G networks. It also provides specific visibility and capabilities to help customers simplify operations and increase efficiency.
According to the 2024 State of OT Security report from Palo Alto Networks and ABI Research, 70% of industrial organizations experienced a cyberattack on their OT environment in the last year. Almost 25% of these organizations suffered attacks that led to operational shutdowns and disrupted business continuity.
Anand Oswal, SVP and GM, Network Security of Palo Alto Networks, said, “The rise in the frequency and sophistication of OT attacks, often driven by AI, highlights the urgent need for robust, OT-specific security measures. Organizations must implement comprehensive solutions that ensure real-time visibility, end-to-end protection, and simplified security management. Palo Alto Networks OT Security solution, powered by Precision AI, secures both OT and converged IT/OT in a consistent way to combat these challenges and protect critical infrastructure.”
The new OT Security solution is capable of enhancing remote operations with secure and easy-to-deploy access for OT, quickly addressing critical OT vulnerabilities without interrupting operations, and also protects remote industrial assets in harsh environments.
Sid Snitkin, Vice President, Cybersecurity Services, ARC Industrial Cybersecurity, said, “Operational technology environments are becoming increasingly complex and interconnected, making them more susceptible to cyber threats. The ability to deploy AI-powered tools like guided virtual patching is a game-changer for industrial cybersecurity. It enables organizations to address vulnerabilities in real time without the costly and often disruptive downtime that traditional patching methods would require. This approach not only reduces risks but also enhances the overall resilience of OT infrastructures.”
In addition, Qiang Huang, head of product management, IoT Security at Palo Alto Networks, delivered a keynote today on “Navigating the OT Security Nexus: AI, Digital Transformation, and Emerging Threats”.
Also Read: Tata Communications Joins Forces with Palo Alto for Enterprise Cyber Resilience
