Fortinet shows rise in CISO responsibility for OT security

Fortinet's recent report reveals a significant rise in the responsibility of Chief Information Security (infosec) Officers (CISOs) and Chief Security Officers (CSOs) for Operational technology (OT), with 52% of organizations now designating them for this role, up from 16% in 2022. This data underscores the increasing recognition of OT cybersecurity's significance among executive leadership.

Report Insights

The findings indicate a strong movement towards prioritizing OT cybersecurity, with many companies expected to delegate cybersecurity duties to CISOs in the upcoming year. Nirav Shah, Senior Vice President of Products and Solutions at Fortinet, noted that this shift recognizes the growing importance of OT within organizations, particularly as cyber threats continue to advance.

Maturity and Security Practices

Additional insights highlight that the maturity level of OT cybersecurity correlates with reduced cyber intrusion impacts. Organizations that have established basic visibility and segmentation—reported by 26% of participants—are better positioned to endure cyber attacks. Implementing best practices, including comprehensive training and utilizing threat intelligence, has also contributed to a decline in incidents, thereby improving overall security measures.

This report signifies a trend towards integrating OT cybersecurity into the executive agenda, reflecting its increasing relevance in today's threat landscape. This summary encapsulates a timely overview of the original report, offering insights for enterprise IT leaders.