Asia Pacific manufacturers boost focus on cybersecurity threats
New findings from Rockwell Automation's 10th annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report reveal that cybersecurity has become a key concern for manufacturing businesses, second only to inflation and economic conditions.
Boardroom priority
Manufacturing businesses are recognising cybersecurity as a strategic issue, not just a technological challenge. The report, which collected feedback from over 1,500 manufacturing leaders in 17 countries, shows that one third of respondents hold direct IT and OT cybersecurity responsibilities.
As companies further integrate OT and IT in their operations, the risk of cyberattacks grows more complex. Many are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to address these risks in real time. "Cybersecurity is no longer just a technology issue - it's a boardroom issue," said Stephen Ford, Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer at Rockwell Automation. "As IT and OT become more connected, the attack surface is expanding. Our latest research confirms what we're seeing firsthand: Cyber risk is now one of the top threats to manufacturing growth. You can't protect tomorrow's enterprise with yesterday's tools. AI is a critical part of the modern security stack, enabling manufacturers to detect threats in real time, maintain productivity, and stay ahead in an increasingly aggressive threat landscape."
Key survey findings
According to the Rockwell Automation survey, cybersecurity (30%) is now seen as one of the two most significant external risks by respondents, just after inflation and economic growth (34%). More than half (61%) of cybersecurity and IT professionals plan to adopt AI or ML-based solutions for security within the next year, 12 percentage points above the broader manufacturing sector.
The report also indicates that 38% of manufacturers intend to leverage data collected from current sources to enhance protection. Additionally, 48% of cybersecurity professionals highlighted the need to secure converging IT and OT architecture within the next five years, compared to an average of 37% among all respondents.
Workforce and skills needs
Talent requirements are also changing as the digital environment evolves. More than half (53%) of respondents from companies with revenues of USD $30 billion or more view cybersecurity practices and standards as extremely important skills, compared with 47% of all respondents. This highlights a growing emphasis on cybersecurity capabilities in workforce development and hiring strategies.
The report acknowledges ongoing challenges in talent development, workplace training, and rising labour costs, all of which continue to affect the competitiveness of manufacturing organisations in the region. As manufacturers seek to hire new talent, cybersecurity and analytical skills are expected to be critical requirements. "Cybersecurity has become a business enabler," said Ford. "It's no longer just about preventing threats, it's about empowering transformation with confidence. The most forward-thinking manufacturers are proactively leveraging advanced technologies like AI to stay ahead of evolving risks."
Survey methodology
The State of Smart Manufacturing Report analysed responses from 1,560 participants from a range of sectors - including consumer packaged goods, food and beverage, automotive, semiconductor, energy and life sciences. Respondents ranged from management to C-suite roles and represented companies with annual revenues from USD $100 million up to more than USD $30 billion.
The findings reflect the increasing role cybersecurity plays in manufacturing and reflect industry trends towards integration of IT and OT, the growing use of AI, and prioritisation of skills development for future workforce needs.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Techday NZ
10 hours ago
- Techday NZ
Certes launch quantum-safe technology to nullify stolen data
Certes has announced the availability of a quantum-safe data protection approach that aims to render stolen data useless to attackers. With cybercrime costs predicted to exceed USD $10.5 trillion by the end of 2025, the cybersecurity sector faces growing challenges, especially as quantum computing rapidly evolves. Certes has stated that its solution is designed to address this escalating threat by making intercepted data indecipherable even to powerful quantum-enabled adversaries. The company's analysis compares modern cyberattacks to advanced bank heists, where criminals focus on stealing sensitive data, especially while it is in transit. Traditional security measures, according to Certes, typically aim to keep threat actors out via perimeter defences. However, the firm's new focus is on neutralising the value of any data that is intercepted, protecting it throughout its lifecycle. "You don't stop a heist by just locking the doors; you make sure the robbers leave with nothing they can use. That's exactly what we're doing. Even if attackers gain access, the data is quantum-protected, scrambled, and completely useless to them," said Simon Pamplin, CTO at Certes. Certes reports that more than 80% of data breaches occur during the transmission of data, and 82% take advantage of weaknesses in either perimeter or internal systems. This vulnerability, combined with the increasing sophistication of cybercriminal tactics, means that conventional security postures may become obsolete as quantum computing capabilities advance. The company's patented Data Protection and Risk Mitigation (DPRM) solution is built on quantum-safe algorithms and provides end-to-end data security. This includes data in use, at rest, and in transit. Certes distinguishes its solution from existing tools by focusing on making the data itself secure, rather than relying on the strength of the surrounding network perimeter. Simon Pamplin said, "We're preparing clients for the next era of cybersecurity; one where perimeter defences won't cut it. Quantum resilience is critical, but so is the shift in mindset: it's not just about keeping data safe, but making sure that if cybercriminals ever access it, it's useless to them." Certes extends the analogy of dye packs used by banks to thwart robbers. Just as dye packs make stolen banknotes unusable, Certes aims to ensure that attackers cannot benefit from intercepted data, as it remains encrypted and undecipherable. The firm describes its approach as providing a digital equivalent of a dye pack, neutralising the value of the data even if it is physically stolen. Organisations across several sectors, including finance, healthcare, defence, and government, are currently being advised by Certes on post-quantum data strategies. These measures are intended to protect against both current and future threats as quantum capabilities become more widely available. Certes' expertise is being leveraged to help these institutions safeguard essential assets and remain compliant with evolving security regulations. The company highlights that its technology is in use by over 1,000 clients in nearly 100 countries. Certification standards such as FIPS 140-2 and Common Criteria EAL4+ are in place for its security products, according to company background materials. Certes concludes that though data breaches are becoming more common, organisations now have the means to ensure that any information stolen is effectively rendered valueless, reducing the overall impact and risk associated with inevitable breaches.
Techday NZ
a day ago
- Techday NZ
Asia Pacific manufacturers boost focus on cybersecurity threats
Manufacturers across the Asia Pacific region are facing heightened cybersecurity risks as operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) systems become increasingly interconnected. New findings from Rockwell Automation's 10th annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report reveal that cybersecurity has become a key concern for manufacturing businesses, second only to inflation and economic conditions. Boardroom priority Manufacturing businesses are recognising cybersecurity as a strategic issue, not just a technological challenge. The report, which collected feedback from over 1,500 manufacturing leaders in 17 countries, shows that one third of respondents hold direct IT and OT cybersecurity responsibilities. As companies further integrate OT and IT in their operations, the risk of cyberattacks grows more complex. Many are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to address these risks in real time. "Cybersecurity is no longer just a technology issue - it's a boardroom issue," said Stephen Ford, Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer at Rockwell Automation. "As IT and OT become more connected, the attack surface is expanding. Our latest research confirms what we're seeing firsthand: Cyber risk is now one of the top threats to manufacturing growth. You can't protect tomorrow's enterprise with yesterday's tools. AI is a critical part of the modern security stack, enabling manufacturers to detect threats in real time, maintain productivity, and stay ahead in an increasingly aggressive threat landscape." Key survey findings According to the Rockwell Automation survey, cybersecurity (30%) is now seen as one of the two most significant external risks by respondents, just after inflation and economic growth (34%). More than half (61%) of cybersecurity and IT professionals plan to adopt AI or ML-based solutions for security within the next year, 12 percentage points above the broader manufacturing sector. The report also indicates that 38% of manufacturers intend to leverage data collected from current sources to enhance protection. Additionally, 48% of cybersecurity professionals highlighted the need to secure converging IT and OT architecture within the next five years, compared to an average of 37% among all respondents. Workforce and skills needs Talent requirements are also changing as the digital environment evolves. More than half (53%) of respondents from companies with revenues of USD $30 billion or more view cybersecurity practices and standards as extremely important skills, compared with 47% of all respondents. This highlights a growing emphasis on cybersecurity capabilities in workforce development and hiring strategies. The report acknowledges ongoing challenges in talent development, workplace training, and rising labour costs, all of which continue to affect the competitiveness of manufacturing organisations in the region. As manufacturers seek to hire new talent, cybersecurity and analytical skills are expected to be critical requirements. "Cybersecurity has become a business enabler," said Ford. "It's no longer just about preventing threats, it's about empowering transformation with confidence. The most forward-thinking manufacturers are proactively leveraging advanced technologies like AI to stay ahead of evolving risks." Survey methodology The State of Smart Manufacturing Report analysed responses from 1,560 participants from a range of sectors - including consumer packaged goods, food and beverage, automotive, semiconductor, energy and life sciences. Respondents ranged from management to C-suite roles and represented companies with annual revenues from USD $100 million up to more than USD $30 billion. The findings reflect the increasing role cybersecurity plays in manufacturing and reflect industry trends towards integration of IT and OT, the growing use of AI, and prioritisation of skills development for future workforce needs.
Techday NZ
a day ago
- Techday NZ
Lior Ron joins Waabi for driverless trucks expansion
Waabi has announced that Lior Ron will join the company as Chief Operating Officer. This appointment is regarded as a significant step as Waabi moves towards scaling its operations and preparing to launch fully driverless trucks later in the year. Lior Ron brings extensive experience in technology and logistics, having served as Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Uber Freight for the past decade. In that role, Ron led the company from its foundation to a logistics platform with annual revenue exceeding USD $5 billion, providing services to one in three Fortune 500 shippers. His background in the construction of a large-scale, multi-modal freight network is viewed as complementary to Waabi's approach to autonomous trucking. Ron's appointment is expected to support Waabi's commercial objectives as it transitions from technology development to market adoption in the trucking sector. In his new role, Ron will focus on shaping the company's commercial strategy and expanding strategic partnerships, drawing on his operational experience and industry knowledge. "After years of focused development, it is clear that the moment of autonomous trucks has decisively arrived and that this technology, which will drive profound societal change, is ready for commercial prime time. With an unparalleled development advantage and a product that is scalable, cost efficient and safe, Waabi is uniquely positioned to lead in this next era," said Lior Ron. "I'm thrilled to join Waabi's world-class team at this pivotal moment to help drive the future of autonomous logistics and deliver its immense value to the world." Waabi's Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Raquel Urtasun, commented on Ron's hire, emphasising his combined experience in technical and operational leadership. "Waabi is entering a pivotal new phase as we transition from pioneering our technology to driving commercial adoption in the trucking industry. Lior brings that rare combination of technical expertise, deep industry knowledge, and proven execution - he truly understands the nuances, challenges, and opportunities within trucking, and how breakthrough technology can unlock the industry's full potential," said Raquel Urtasun. "As a leader who has scaled an end-to-end logistics platform from founding to billions of dollars of annual revenue, he will be an invaluable addition to our executive team, enabling us to accelerate our commercialization at scale and bring our autonomous solutions to market in a way that creates real value for our customers and partners." Waabi has recently achieved several milestones, including a strategic partnership with Volvo Autonomous Solutions for the joint development and deployment of autonomous trucks. The company has also announced technical advancements, such as achieving a simulation realism score of 99.7% for Waabi World, its neural simulator, and the introduction of Mixed Reality Testing, an alternative to closed-course testing. These achievements are described as enabling quicker and more capital-efficient development, supporting feature-complete autonomous driving capabilities. Commercially, Waabi has expanded its presence in the logistics sector through a partnership with Uber Freight, launched in 2023. The two companies have been running regular commercial loads between Dallas and Houston, committing to ongoing expansion and operational integration to demonstrate the practicality and impact of autonomous trucking for shippers and carriers. The company is supported by a range of investors from the technology, automotive, and logistics sectors, and continues to focus on advancing the adoption of its autonomous trucking technology. Follow us on: Share on:
