OT Security: A priority for the Industry

In early September 2024, Cisco released the findings of a survey on how major industrial organizations perceive cyber risks, based on responses from over 1,000 decision-makers. The key takeaway is that 89% of these organizations consider OT cybersecurity to be “very” or “extremely” important.

When asked about cyber risk factors, 41% of decision-makers identified vulnerabilities in existing systems and outdated software as the primary concern. Additionally, 40% highlighted malware and ransomware attacks targeting industrial control systems (ICS) as the most significant threats to operational continuity.

Aware of these risks, 87% of respondents believe that having an integrated IT and OT cybersecurity system provides a competitive advantage. Furthermore, 63% of industrial organizations are considering modernizing their OT infrastructures to improve resilience. This year alone, 16% have already undertaken such modernization efforts, a figure that rises to 24% for companies with annual revenues exceeding $30 billion (€27 billion).

However, the scope of modernization and the need to enhance cyber skills remain significant challenges for decision-makers. For 40%, the lack of qualified personnel is a major barrier to improving OT security. Moreover, 37% of respondents see the associated costs as a hindrance to their company’s growth, underscoring the financial strain posed by investments in cybersecurity