NTT DATA teams with Palo Alto for 5G security service

NTT DATA has announced a collaboration with Palo Alto Networks to launch a new managed security service aimed at enhancing the security of private 5G networks in industrial and operational technology (OT) environments.

The collaboration will leverage the technologies of Palo Alto Networks to provide a service that offers enterprises improved network visibility, access control, and automated threat detection and response capabilities. This partnership aims to address the increasing cybersecurity challenges faced by industries such as manufacturing, energy, and transportation.

The new service combines Palo Alto Networks' Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) and OT/IOT subscriptions with NTT DATA's Private 5G architecture. The integration intends to facilitate a Zero Trust security posture, enabling organisations to establish secure connections, applications, and protocols within their networks, aided by machine learning (ML) technology.

Shahid Ahmed, Group EVP of Edge Services at NTT DATA, stated, "NTT DATA and Palo Alto Networks are creating a new standard for private 5G security and changing what's possible for industrial connectivity. By combining Palo Alto Networks advanced cybersecurity capabilities with NTT DATA's Private 5G, we're empowering enterprises to securely embrace the next wave of digital transformation and drive innovation with confidence."

Private 5G networks are increasingly seen as transformative for industries needing reliable connectivity at the edge, bringing secure and seamless communication in complex environments. However, the 2024 State of OT Security report from Palo Alto Networks and ABI Research highlights the risks, noting that 70% of industrial organisations experienced cyberattacks on their OT systems last year.

The report indicates that nearly 25% suffered from operational shutdowns as a result, underscoring the critical need for robust security measures in OT networks and private 5G deployments.

"As security threats continue to rise across industries, enterprises are facing increased challenges protecting their critical infrastructure and data," said Alejandro Cadenas, Associate Vice President at IDC. "The rapid expansion of IoT and OT devices is further compounding these risks creating a growing attack surface. Yet, 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."

The managed service from NTT DATA and Palo Alto Networks provides real-time visibility into encrypted data and network traffic patterns, device profiling with machine learning, Zero Trust security with strict access controls, and automated AI-driven threat detection and response. The service is fully managed, thereby enabling companies to focus on innovation while ensuring security.

According to Anand Oswal, SVP and GM of Network Security at Palo Alto Networks, "As enterprises embrace 5G to accelerate digital transformation, security must be the cornerstone of that evolution. 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."

Industries such as manufacturing, energy, and transportation are key targets for this service, which promises to secure operations, mitigate threats, and support real-time monitoring.

Roularta Media Group has already implemented the NTT DATA Private 5G network to modernise its global printing facilities with new use cases like asset tracking and push-to-talk communications. CIO Luc Neysens commented, "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. The implications of this network security enhancement will be a game changer for our business."