Shieldworkz Featured by DataNet
Shieldworkz Featured by DataNet for analysis on AI-driven shift in OT security
Abu Dhabi - November 6, 2025
Shieldworkz was recently featured in a DataNet special report examining how artificial intelligence is transforming Operational Technology (OT) and why OT security must evolve alongside that change. The coverage highlights Shieldworkz research and field analysis on growing OT attack surfaces, the human-skill gap in industrial cybersecurity, and practical steps organisations must take to make “security internalized” as AI and connectivity expand across factories, utilities and critical infrastructure.
As manufacturers, utilities and critical infrastructure adopt AI to boost efficiency and competitiveness, the OT environment is becoming more connected - and, with that, more exposed. DataNet’s coverage draws on Shieldworkz analysis to show that while AI promises operational gains, it also multiplies blind spots, widens supply-chain risk, and elevates the consequences of unpatched or neglected assets. The piece underscores a simple truth: OT innovation must be inseparable from security. (Featured in DataNet, November 2025.)
Shieldworkz Featured by DataNet for analysis on AI-driven shift in OT security
Abu Dhabi - November 6, 2025
Shieldworkz was recently featured in a DataNet special report examining how artificial intelligence is transforming Operational Technology (OT) and why OT security must evolve alongside that change. The coverage highlights Shieldworkz research and field analysis on growing OT attack surfaces, the human-skill gap in industrial cybersecurity, and practical steps organisations must take to make “security internalized” as AI and connectivity expand across factories, utilities and critical infrastructure.
As manufacturers, utilities and critical infrastructure adopt AI to boost efficiency and competitiveness, the OT environment is becoming more connected - and, with that, more exposed. DataNet’s coverage draws on Shieldworkz analysis to show that while AI promises operational gains, it also multiplies blind spots, widens supply-chain risk, and elevates the consequences of unpatched or neglected assets. The piece underscores a simple truth: OT innovation must be inseparable from security. (Featured in DataNet, November 2025.)
Key takeaways from the coverage
AI accelerates OT change - and risk. Greater connectivity and AI-driven automation mean more devices, more firmware, and more integration points that attackers can target.
Operational blind spots persist. Long device lifecycles, irregular patching schedules, and limited asset visibility make industrial systems easy to discover and exploit.
Human expertise is the limiting factor. A severe shortage of OT security specialists - from security engineering to industrial security operations - leaves many organisations unable to convert guidance into action.
Neglected assets and third-party supply chains are frequent attack vectors. Publicly exposed devices, weak credentials and vulnerable third-party modules create straightforward paths for adversaries.
Actionable remediation is possible. Prioritising high-risk systems, embedding secure-by-design practices, and closing IT-OT gaps reduce exposure without disrupting operations.
Key takeaways from the coverage
AI accelerates OT change - and risk. Greater connectivity and AI-driven automation mean more devices, more firmware, and more integration points that attackers can target.
Operational blind spots persist. Long device lifecycles, irregular patching schedules, and limited asset visibility make industrial systems easy to discover and exploit.
Human expertise is the limiting factor. A severe shortage of OT security specialists - from security engineering to industrial security operations - leaves many organisations unable to convert guidance into action.
Neglected assets and third-party supply chains are frequent attack vectors. Publicly exposed devices, weak credentials and vulnerable third-party modules create straightforward paths for adversaries.
Actionable remediation is possible. Prioritising high-risk systems, embedding secure-by-design practices, and closing IT-OT gaps reduce exposure without disrupting operations.
Shieldworkz perspective
“AI offers enormous operational upside for industry, but it also increases the attack surface and the speed at which threats can cause real-world damage,” said Shieldworkz leadership. “Security needs to be built into AI and OT programs from day one - not bolted on afterwards. That means practical lifecycle controls, continuous monitoring tuned for OT telemetry, and a realistic program to close capability gaps where they exist.”
Shieldworkz’ contribution to the DataNet report included field data showing that many OT organisations have restructured IT-OT collaboration but still lack formal incident response programs and the specialist skills needed to operate them safely. These gaps create windows of opportunity that sophisticated actors and commodity malware both exploit.
Why this matters now
Industrial systems control processes that affect public safety, energy supply, water treatment, manufacturing yields and transport. A successful compromise is more than a data breach: it can cause operational outages, equipment damage and even risk to human life. The DataNet coverage - supported by Shieldworkz analysis - argues that national resilience, commercial continuity and public trust require OT security to be treated as an equal partner in digital transformation initiatives.
Practical steps for leaders
Map and prioritise assets. Build an accurate, inventory-driven view of assets and rank them by safety and business impact.
Adopt risk-based patching and compensating controls. When downtime for patches is infeasible, use network segmentation, virtual patching and stricter access controls.
Integrate IT-OT processes. Formalise collaboration, change management and incident response across teams to reduce blind spots.
Harden supply-chain governance. Vet third-party modules, insist on secure development practices, and monitor vendor telemetry.
Invest in people and playbooks. Close skills gaps with targeted training, tabletop exercises and managed OT security services where internal expertise is limited.
Use OT-aware detection and response. Implement monitoring that understands industrial protocols and telemetry anomalies, not just IT indicators.
Shieldworkz perspective
“AI offers enormous operational upside for industry, but it also increases the attack surface and the speed at which threats can cause real-world damage,” said Shieldworkz leadership. “Security needs to be built into AI and OT programs from day one - not bolted on afterwards. That means practical lifecycle controls, continuous monitoring tuned for OT telemetry, and a realistic program to close capability gaps where they exist.”
Shieldworkz’ contribution to the DataNet report included field data showing that many OT organisations have restructured IT-OT collaboration but still lack formal incident response programs and the specialist skills needed to operate them safely. These gaps create windows of opportunity that sophisticated actors and commodity malware both exploit.
Why this matters now
Industrial systems control processes that affect public safety, energy supply, water treatment, manufacturing yields and transport. A successful compromise is more than a data breach: it can cause operational outages, equipment damage and even risk to human life. The DataNet coverage - supported by Shieldworkz analysis - argues that national resilience, commercial continuity and public trust require OT security to be treated as an equal partner in digital transformation initiatives.
Practical steps for leaders
Map and prioritise assets. Build an accurate, inventory-driven view of assets and rank them by safety and business impact.
Adopt risk-based patching and compensating controls. When downtime for patches is infeasible, use network segmentation, virtual patching and stricter access controls.
Integrate IT-OT processes. Formalise collaboration, change management and incident response across teams to reduce blind spots.
Harden supply-chain governance. Vet third-party modules, insist on secure development practices, and monitor vendor telemetry.
Invest in people and playbooks. Close skills gaps with targeted training, tabletop exercises and managed OT security services where internal expertise is limited.
Use OT-aware detection and response. Implement monitoring that understands industrial protocols and telemetry anomalies, not just IT indicators.
About Shieldworkz
Shieldworkz specialises in OT, IoT and Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) security. We combine domain-aware detection, agentic-AI analytics and hands-on incident response to protect industrial operations, energy systems and critical infrastructure. Our work blends pragmatic engineering with deep operational experience so customers can modernise safely while reducing attack surface and operational risk.
About Shieldworkz
Shieldworkz specialises in OT, IoT and Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) security. We combine domain-aware detection, agentic-AI analytics and hands-on incident response to protect industrial operations, energy systems and critical infrastructure. Our work blends pragmatic engineering with deep operational experience so customers can modernise safely while reducing attack surface and operational risk.
Visit our website: https://shieldworkz.com
For press inquiries and expert interviews, contact: info@shieldworkz.com
Stay ahead of tomorrow’s threats with Shieldworkz, your partner in proactive OT cybersecurity.
Learn More & Resources
Visit our website: https://shieldworkz.com
For press inquiries and expert interviews, contact: info@shieldworkz.com
Stay ahead of tomorrow’s threats with Shieldworkz, your partner in proactive OT cybersecurity.
Learn More & Resources
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