Cisco released its first State of Industrial Networking Report to highlight the key priorities in the evolving industrial networking landscape, with cybersecurity being the top challenge for organizations that are trying to run and maintain industrial infrastructure.
“Operational technology, and specifically the network supporting industrial operations, has become a key differentiator for organizations 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 recognize that strengthening their OT security posture is critical to drive business resiliency, improve efficiencies and prepare for the next wave of innovation with AI.”
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OT Investments
Globally, organizations are increasingly investing in operational technology (OT) to seize the opportunities presented by Industry 4.0. Sixty percent of surveyed respondents in the EMEA region have boosted their spending on industrial infrastructure over the past year.
The expansion of industrial networking, particularly through Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) connected assets, has created a significant attack surface for cyber threats. Cisco’s findings highlight a growing focus on mitigating these vulnerabilities, with cybersecurity emerging as the second-highest OT investment priority, following AI-enabled devices.
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A Resilient Industrial Network
As OT systems converge with enterprise IT, industrial networks are becoming more interconnected and vulnerable to cyberattacks, mainly due to outdated systems, a larger attack surface, and a strained workforce. However, leveraging AI effectively can enhance these networks and drive business growth.
Key highlights of the Cisco report include:
- Prioritizing Cybersecurity in OT Plans: With 89% of respondents prioritizing cybersecurity compliance, organizations that overlook this risk wasting resources on attack mitigation instead of focusing on OT innovation and growth. Key challenges include vulnerabilities in legacy systems and outdated software (41%) and malware or ransomware attacks specifically targeting OT (40%).
- Encouraging IT/OT Collaboration: Optimizing data and asset protection requires both human factors and integrated tech solutions. While 36% of respondents are boosting IT and OT collaboration, 41% still operate independently on cybersecurity. Bridging these silos is crucial to overcoming tech deployment inefficiencies and cybersecurity risks.
- Leveraging AI for a Competitive Advantage: Nearly half (48%) of respondents see AI as the key technological advancement for industrial networking over the next five years, with forward-thinking OT leaders leveraging it for a competitive edge. Organizations that don't adopt AI for efficiency, data analysis, and cybersecurity risk falling behind, as 49% expect AI to enhance network management and 46% anticipate improved IT/OT collaboration.
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