Cybersecurity risks threaten critical infrastructure and hospitals

Critical infrastructure sectors, including hospitals, factories, and energy grids, face significant security challenges due to outdated operational technology (OT) and a lack of real-time visibility. A report by Palo Alto Networks, surveying over 1,600 IT and security professionals across eleven countries, reveals that 68% of organizations lack complete real-time oversight of devices within their operational networks.

While organizations use an average of seven different security tools, this proliferation often leads to higher costs for 56% of companies and fails to eliminate blind spots. Approximately 52% of organizations identify legacy OT equipment as a primary cause for this lack of visibility, and 42% of IT managers cite unpatchable systems as their greatest risk.

In healthcare settings, artificial intelligence is being explored to enhance security. AI-driven video analysis and deep-learning algorithms can assist in detecting unauthorized access, identifying fire risks, and monitoring sensitive areas. These technologies aim to move beyond traditional surveillance by automatically recognizing suspicious movements and reducing unnecessary alarms, thereby helping security personnel prioritize genuine threats.