OT security is crucial: 89% of respondents consider cybersecurity compliance very important. IT/OT collaboration is essential, with 41% of companies still working independently. 48% see AI as the biggest technological impact over the next five years, prioritizing investment in it to automate tasks and improve network performance.
Cisco has announced the publication of its inaugural State of Industrial Networking report, highlighting the critical priorities of a changing industrial networking landscape. Operational technology (OT) security, once a peripheral concern, has become a mandatory focus for organizations worldwide.
The report offers a complete view of the challenges and opportunities ahead as organizations work to build a secure and efficient industrial networking foundation. It reflects the global need for robust security solutions designed specifically for the unique requirements of industrial environments, and the opportunities available to those who can overcome their inherent challenges.
"Operational technology, and specifically the network that supports industrial operations, has become a key differentiator for organizations globally," said Vikas Butaney, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Cisco Networking — SD-WAN, Multicloud and Industrial IoT. "This research highlights how IT and OT leaders recognize that strengthening their OT security posture is fundamental to driving business resilience, improving efficiency, and preparing for the next wave of innovation with AI."
Main findings of the 2024 report
Industrial networks are increasingly connected and OT networks are converging with their enterprise IT counterparts, creating a complex, dynamic environment vulnerable to cyberattacks. An accumulation of legacy systems and assets, an expanding attack surface, and an overstretched workforce compound the problem. Looking ahead, there is a clear sense that AI will drive business growth for those who can use it successfully. Among the highlights:
- Prioritize cybersecurity in OT plans: organizations that fail to do so will see energy, time, and money absorbed in mitigating attacks — resources that could be invested in designing OT as a platform for innovation and growth.
- Foster collaboration between IT and OT: they can no longer work in isolation, as their skills and domains increasingly overlap. Human and organizational factors will be needed alongside unified technology solutions.
- Leverage AI for competitive advantage: innovative OT leaders use AI to differentiate themselves and deliver higher-quality products faster. Those who do not modernize their infrastructure will struggle to compete.
Key statistics
- 89% cited cybersecurity compliance as very or extremely important.
- 92% of executive leaders see value in a unified cybersecurity solution.
- 41% say OT and IT teams work independently.
- 48% consider AI the most significant technological advance for industrial networks over the next five years.
- 49% expect AI to improve network management across IT and OT.
- 63% increased spending on industrial infrastructure in the past year.
Background
The report is based on a global survey of more than 1,000 industry professionals conducted by Cisco in partnership with Sapio Research. Respondents came from 17 countries and 20 industrial sectors — manufacturing, transportation/logistics, energy/utilities, and more — and the findings include input from directors and senior executives at companies with annual revenue above 100 million dollars.
Source: Cisco Systems.