Cisco has released its inaugural State of Industrial Networking report to spotlight the critical priorities of the evolving industrial networking landscape.
Once a peripheral concern, operational technology (OT) security has become a mandatory focus for organisations worldwide.
The report provides a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as organisations strive to build a secure and efficient industrial networking foundation. It reflects the global need for robust security solutions specifically designed for the unique needs of industrial environments, and the opportunities that lie ahead for those who can overcome its inherent challenges.
“Operational technology, and specifically the network supporting industrial operations, has become a key differentiator for organisations globally,” said Vikas Butaney, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Cisco Networking – SD-WAN, Multicloud and Industrial IoT.
“This research spotlights how IT and OT leaders recognise that strengthening their OT security posture is critical to drive business resiliency, improve efficiencies and prepare for the next wave of innovation with AI.” Industrial networks are 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 overstretched workforce are exacerbating the problem. Looking ahead, there is a clear sense that AI will boost business growth for those who can successfully use it to run better industrial networks.
