Rising adoption of 5G, edge computing, and IoT in operational technology (OT) environments is forcing a reevaluation of how interconnected machinery and critical processes are secured. A single software flaw—like those seen in the CrowdStrike update or the SolarWinds breach of June 2024—can trigger cascading failures across systems, affecting product quality, operational integrity, and supply chains. The challenge is compounded by slow-moving regulations and outdated legacy systems never designed for today’s cyber threat landscape; organizations must quickly assess these risks to inform their security priorities and investment strategies.

Moreover, OT environments often require continuous, real-time operations and inherently trusted machine-to-machine communications, making traditional zero trust models difficult to apply. Instead, customized approaches that balance safety with security are needed. Innovations such as AI-driven and autonomous security systems are showing promise, delivering real-time detection and response capabilities. The central task remains reconciling the urgent need for operational safety with the slow timelines required to secure legacy cyber-physical systems, creating a pressing demand for adaptive, resilient defenses.

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Source: https://industrialcyber.co/features/mounting-ot-cyber-risks-demand-stronger-cyber-physical-security-to-protect-legacy-systems-and-operational-continuity/