Industry 4.0 advances with a firm step. Manufacturing plants incorporate more and more sensors, robots and automated systems connected to the cloud, multiplying their efficiency and analysis capacity. However, this technological evolution is accompanied by increasing exposure to cyber threats.
The report “The Power of &: A Ciso’s Guide to Navigating Ot & It Convergence”prepared by Palo Alto Networks, reveals that in 2026 there will be more than 15,000 million industrial devices connected to 5G networks. And, facing 2030, the volume of operational technology assets (OT) will multiply by four. This deployment promises significant improvements in productivity and inactivity reduction, but also represents a first order challenge in terms of security.
Critical risks in industry 4.0
The first point of vulnerability is the convergence between the IT and OT worlds. The OT systems, originally designed as closed environments, are now connected with business networks and cloud services, which exposes them to threats for which they were not prepared.
In addition, the consequences can go beyond a loss of data. The lack of security measures can trigger real physical impacts. In South Korea, an industrial robot killed an operator after confusing it with a box, evidencing how a committed asset can become a vital risk.
The digital transformation of the industrial sector accelerates its march, but also extends the attack surface. Protecting connected systems is no longer just an operational need: it is a competitive advantage
Ransomware attacks have also left their mark: more than 850 manufacturing companies have been victims since 2018, with an estimated cost of 1.9 million dollars per day for interruption of operations, according to Comparitech. Cases such as Stoli Group in 2024, whose American subsidiary was severely affected by such an attack, illustrate to what extent business continuity can be compromised.
As if that were not enough, the regulatory environment has hardened. The EU NIS2 directive, in force since October 2024, forces to strengthen cybersecurity measures in critical sectors such as industrial and establishes direct legal responsibilities for executives.
“The manufacturers that integrate cybersecurity from the early stages of their industry plans 4.0 will be better positioned to capitalize on this transformation without compromising their operational continuity,” says Marc Sarrias, Country Manager of Palo Alto Networks in Spain.
Industrial Safety: Accelerator brake
Given this scenario, it is essential to leave behind the vision of security as a residual cost. In smart factories, cybersecurity must be conceived as a structural element that drives innovation and protects competitive advantage.
Three pillars stand out from Palo Alto Networks for an effective strategy:
- End -to -end protectionwith platforms capable of ensuring from the industrial nucleus to the remote access points.
- Automation based on AIto anticipate threats and respond in real time thanks to deep learning capabilities.
- Collaboration between IT and OTbreaking traditional silos and building a culture of shared security.
Organizations that embrace this new approach will not only be better prepared in front of cyber attacks, but can move towards a solid, safe and sustainable digital transformation.
