𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐆𝐚𝐩 𝐏𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐤

As industrial environments become increasingly connected, securing operational technology (OT) networks is emerging as a major challenge. According to Palo Alto Networks’ 2026 State of Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Report, 68% of surveyed organisations lack complete, real-time visibility into connected OT assets, while 74% have not fully integrated their IT and OT security operations. The research, based on feedback from more than 1,600 security leaders across 11 countries, also found that 42% identified unpatchable legacy OT assets as their biggest cybersecurity risk. Fragmented security tools, ageing industrial equipment and limited network monitoring make it harder to identify vulnerabilities and respond to threats without disrupting operations. For manufacturers, utilities and critical infrastructure operators, the priority is clear: strengthen OT asset visibility, maintain accurate network inventories, implement appropriate segmentation and access controls, and bring IT and OT security teams closer together. You cannot protect what you cannot see. Industrial cybersecurity must begin with complete visibility.