Protecting Computer Systems in the Raw Material Sector
In the rapidly evolving landscape of cybersecurity, Australia's resource sector is taking a proactive approach to safeguard its Operational Technology (OT) systems. According to a recent study, 75% of OT and IT leaders perceive AI-driven attacks on OT as a significant threat, positioning them among the top four global targets for cyberattacks.
The study, though not explicitly named in the search results, highlights the challenges faced in securing industrial systems. The inherent differences between OT and Information Technology make it a complex task. However, securing industrial systems is a journey that involves embracing proven security strategies from the adjacent IT space, fostering cooperation between IT and OT professionals, and implementing AI-powered tools.
Modern IT security practices have shifted from "securing after you build" to "securing while you build" as a standard. This approach is crucial in the resource sector, where predictive AI can identify patterns of behaviour at the network and endpoint levels, matching Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) utilised by malicious actors at various stages of their campaigns.
AI models in AIOps (AI Operations) can analyse large datasets containing performance and device telemetry to recognise when network and security assets are nearing capacity or experiencing malfunctions. These tools can help prevent potential cyber threats or operational disruptions before they occur, making them invaluable in the resource industry.
The next evolution of predictive AI in cybersecurity and operational technology lies in automation, where fine-tuning and remediation are also delegated to AI models. This advancement is expected to play a significant role in defending against AI-driven attacks, with 80% of respondents recognising that using AI for defensive purposes can play a crucial role in this defence.
The challenges are especially apparent in the resources industry, where modernisation is a big step in securing critical infrastructure. This modernisation leads to future-proofing of the ever-growing critical infrastructure of tomorrow. Adopting "secure by design" principles can align well with the inherent agility of modern cloud and network infrastructure.
A Regional Chief Security Officer at Palo Alto Networks discusses the challenges of integrating new technologies into existing industrial systems. The organisation's recent study revealed that 82% of OT and IT business leaders in Australia reported facing a cyberattack in the past year. For now, the most effective approach involves "guided recommendations" with the assistance of an AI Co-Pilot.
Fostering collaboration between IT and OT teams is crucial to bridge the knowledge gap between operational needs of industrial systems and the dynamic landscape of IT security. It is now possible to embed controls that have provided excellent value in the IT space into OT systems, such as network segmentation, traffic anomaly detection, and virtual patching.
With the current pace of progress in AI, Palo Alto Networks expects the precision of automated decisions to become reliable enough for autonomous actions within the next five years. This development could revolutionise the way cybersecurity is approached in the resource sector, making it more proactive and efficient in the face of increasing AI-driven threats.
Read also:
- AI-Enhanced Battery-Swapping Station in Southeast Asia Officially Opens Its Doors
- Honda unveils blueprint for design, advanced driver assistance systems, electric vehicles, fuel efficiency, and technology development
- Expanded Scout Lineup Unveiled: The Traveler and Terra – Electrified, Extended Range Vehicles with Integrated Front Trunks, Offered in Both SUV and Truck Variants
- G7 leaders convene prior to the upcoming Hiroshima Summit, under the guidance of JAMA heads.
