Palo Alto Networks’ new report highlights the severe cyber threats facing Malaysia’s industrial sector, with 78.4% of organizations experiencing cyberattacks. The report advocates for stronger OT and IT collaboration, increased cybersecurity investment, and the adoption of AI and Zero Trust strategies.
24 July 2024 – Palo Alto Networks, a global leader in cybersecurity, has unveiled its “State of OT Security: A Comprehensive Guide to Trends, Risks, and Cyber Resilience” report. This extensive study surveyed 1,979 operational technology (OT) and IT business leaders from 23 countries, including 51 leaders in Malaysia, to shed light on current trends, risks, and resilience strategies within OT environments. The report provides critical insights into the challenges faced by organizations worldwide.
In Malaysia, industrial operations are increasingly targeted by frequent and severe cyberattacks, leading to operational shutdowns, lost revenue, and substantial remediation costs. Operators also face heightened compliance requirements and new risks associated with adopting technologies such as AI, remote access, cloud computing, 5G, and robotics. Consequently, there is a growing awareness among industrial operators of the need to enhance cybersecurity measures.
Key Findings for Malaysia:
- High Risk of Cyberattacks: Once considered immune to cyber threats due to their air-gapped systems and proprietary technologies, industrial operations are now highly vulnerable. The report reveals that 78.4% of Malaysian respondents experienced at least one cyberattack in the past year, with over 55% facing these attacks monthly or weekly.
- Operational Shutdowns: The impact of cyberattacks is profound, with 25% of Malaysian organizations having to shut down industrial operations in the past year. As a result, 52.9% of respondents prioritize OT security, and 41.2% plan to increase spending on OT cybersecurity within the next two years.
- OT and IT Disconnect: A significant challenge remains the lack of coordination between OT and IT teams. Over 68.6% of respondents described the relationship as either siloed or frictional, with only 13.7% reporting aligned teams. Additionally, only 36.3% indicated shared responsibility for OT cybersecurity decisions.
- AI’s Dual Role: While AI is seen as a critical tool for enhancing security, it also poses significant risks. About 80.4% of respondents identified AI-enabled attacks as a major concern, but 74.5% believe AI is essential for defending against OT attacks.
- Cloud Adoption: The move to cloud solutions is anticipated to bolster OT security, with 79% of Malaysian organizations supporting this transition. However, 49% foresee increased cybersecurity challenges in the coming two years.
- Zero Trust Approach: Embracing a Zero Trust strategy is deemed crucial, with 76% of industrial respondents endorsing it. Yet, deployment remains limited, with just over 28% having fully implemented Zero Trust solutions.
Sarene Lee, Country Manager for Malaysia at Palo Alto Networks, emphasized the importance of strengthening the security relationship between OT and IT and securing cloud infrastructure to mitigate emerging risks. She advocates for a Zero Trust policy to ensure robust access security, helping the industrial sector protect its assets and maintain operational continuity amid rising cyber threats.
In today’s interconnected world, traditional security measures are inadequate against sophisticated cyber threats. An AI-led defense offers exceptional capabilities in analyzing large data volumes and identifying potential threats before they occur. Collaboration between IT and OT teams is vital for a unified cybersecurity approach.
For more information, please visit: Palo Alto Networks Zero Trust OT Security.
