Page 35 - SAMENA Trends - July-September 2024

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

resiliency, improve efficiencies and prepare for the next wave of
innovation with AI.”
Key Trends and Solutions for a Resilient Industrial Network
Industrial networks are becoming more interconnected, with
OT systems converging with enterprise IT, leading to a complex
environment vulnerable to cyberattacks. Challenges such as
outdated systems, a growing attack surface, and a strained
workforce are making the situation worse. However, AI holds
the potential to drive business growth for those who effectively
leverage it to enhance industrial networks. Key highlights of the
report include:
• Prioritize cybersecurity in OT plans: With 89% of respondents
citing cybersecurity compliance as very or extremely important,
organizations that neglect these strategies will waste energy,
time, and money on attack mitigation—resources that could be
better spent on innovation and growth in OT.
• Encourage IT/OT collaboration: A significant 41% of firms report
that OT and IT teams work independently, highlighting the need
for improved collaboration. To optimize and protect data and
assets, a combination of human and organizational factors,
along with integrated tech solutions, is essential.
• Leverage AI for competitive advantage: 48% of respondents view
AI as the most significant technological advancement impacting OT.
industrial networking in the next five years, and forward-thinking The Cisco 2024 State of Industrial Networking Report draws on
OT leaders are using it to differentiate their companies and data from a global survey of over 1,000 industry professionals
enhance product delivery. Organizations that fail to update their across 17 countries and 20 sectors, including manufacturing,
infrastructure to utilize AI for efficiency, data analysis, employee transportation, and energy. The findings represent insights from
support, and cybersecurity will struggle to stay competitive as management to C-suite executives at companies with annual
49% expect AI to improve network management across IT and revenues exceeding $100 million.

Cisco and HTX Sign MOU to Pilot 5G and AI Technologies to Enhance
Homeland Security

Cisco, the worldwide leader in networking the MOU at a ceremony at Cisco’s global and security in Singapore. Both parties
and security, and HTX (Home Team headquarters in San Jose, United States. will also jointly innovate on AI security
Science and Technology Agency) Cisco and HTX will collaborate on projects operations. Cisco will work with HTX to
announced the signing of a Memorandum to improve the HTX’s 5G and AI capabilities. build a customized Security and Network
of Understanding (MOU) to pilot 5G and These projects aim to empower the Home Operations (AISecOps) platform that will be
AI technologies to enhance Singapore’s Team to address evolving threats to public hosted on-premise alongside HTX’s domain
homeland security. HTX Chief Executive safety in Singapore. The collaboration will data. This will enable HTX to harness the
M Chan Tsan and Cisco Executive Vice leverage Cisco’s 5G-as-a-Service solution power of generative AI and identify and
President and General Manager, Cisco to develop and trial different 5G proofs- address advanced cyber threats with
Networking Mr. Jonathan Davidson signed of-concept to improve public safety greater effectiveness. HTX is the first
organization and agency from Singapore
to sign a MOU under Cisco’s Country
Digital Acceleration (CDA) program. Cisco’s
CDA program aims to stimulate global
digitization. Currently, Cisco is working with
national, state, and local governments in 50
countries around the world to accelerate
their national digitization agendas, co-
develop cutting-edge solutions, and deliver
beneficial services to their citizens more
effectively. Cisco’s CDA programs have
supported the creation of net new jobs,
promoted GDP growth, and helped nurture
innovation ecosystems.
35 JULY-SEPTEMBER 2024