How NTT and Palo Alto are Protecting IT and OT Networks

As industrial sectors accelerate their digital transformation goals, private 5G networks are emerging as a critical infrastructure component.

These networks offer the speed, reliability and low latency needed to support advanced applications in manufacturing, logistics and utilities.

However, this evolution brings heightened security challenges as operational technology environments become increasingly connected to enterprise networks – particularly, the convergence of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) that has created new vulnerabilities at the intersection of these traditionally separate domains.

While IT networks have developed mature security protocols over decades, OT environments – which control physical processes and industrial equipment – often run on legacy systems not designed with cybersecurity as a priority.

This security gap has become a prime target for threat actors seeking to disrupt critical infrastructure.

Addressing this growing concern, NTT Data has announced a managed security service for private 5G networks in industrial and operational technology environments, powered by Palo Alto Networks.

The goals of NTT Data’s and Palo Alto Networks security service

The service combines Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) and OT/IOT subscriptions with NTT DATA's Private 5G architecture to provide enterprises with visibility and security capabilities for their operational technology environments.

The offering provides:

Real-time visibility
Clients can gain insights into encrypted data from connected devices, traffic patterns and communications.

Device profiling
Machine learning (ML) algorithms can identify and analyse IoT and OT devices based on behavior and risk.

Zero trust security
Strict access controls ensures only authorised devices and applications can communicate.

Automated threat detection
AI-driven tools can quickly detect and remediate threats.

Delivered as a turnkey managed service – one that is ready to use immediately – the offering aims to equip enterprises with the network visibility and security required in modern OT environments, where traditional IT systems interface with industrial equipment and machinery.

The visibility gap challenge of private 5G networks in industrial environments

Private 5G networks are dedicated cellular networks that provide organisations with their own mobile connectivity infrastructure – and these networks are transforming industries such as manufacturing, healthcare and transportation.

This transformation is allowed by private 5G networks’ bringing connectivity to the edge – the physical location where data is generated and processed – and enabling secure communication in industrial settings.

Yet while private 5G networks include security features such as end-to-end encryption, which protects data by making it unreadable to unauthorised parties, this encryption can create a visibility gap – such as security teams being unable to monitor network traffic and device activity, limiting their ability to detect threats.

According to the 2024 State of OT Security report from Palo Alto Networks and ABI Research:

• 70% of industrial organisations experienced a cyberattack on their OT environment in the last year
• Almost 25% of these organisations suffered attacks that led to operational shutdowns and disrupted business continuity

However, Palo Alto Networks service enables organisations to apply a Zero Trust security posture, a framework that eliminates implicit trust and requires continuous verification of every user and device.

This approach incorporates ML to enable only the relevant connections, applications and protocols needed for the network, reducing the attack surface – the total number of points where an unauthorised user can attempt to enter or extract data from a network.

"NTT DATA and Palo Alto Networks are creating a new standard for private 5G security and changing what's possible for industrial connectivity," says Shahid Ahmed, Group Executive Vice President of Edge Services at NTT DATA.

The security solution for OT networks across sectors

Companies across the world have highlighted that with the rapid expansion of Internet of Things (IoT) and OT devices, organisations face a growing attack surface that requires comprehensive security solutions.

Tackling this challenge, this service aims to integrate into existing enterprise IT/OT environments, allowing organisations to maintain security while pursuing innovation.

Anand Oswal, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Network Security at Palo Alto Networks, says: "Through our partnership with NTT Data, we are enabling enterprises to fast-track their digital transformation with confidence by securing their networks and protecting critical data."

This means that the service allows manufacturers to monitor devices and address risks in real-time, energy companies can protect critical systems and transport operators can safeguard against disruptions to maintain operational continuity.

Real-life application of NTT Data's private 5G network

Roularta Media Group has implemented NTT Data's Private 5G network already to modernise its printing facilities and enable use cases such as asset tracking and push-to-talk communications – a technology that allows devices to function like two-way radios.

"We recently deployed NTT DATA's Private 5G network to improve productivity across our facilities and unlock innovative use cases across our global printing operations,” says Luc Neysens, CIO of Roularta Media Group.

“The implications of this network security enhancement will be a game changer for our business.”

Alejandro Cadenas, Associate Vice President at IDC concludes: "Companies still see security as an add on when it needs to be built into the initial design of the network.

“This is where Private 5G with its inherent security features and advanced measures are making security an integral part of the network.”

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