Systems around the world are becoming more digital and connected, making operational technology (OT) - the hardware and software that controls physical processes in areas like energy and manufacturing - and industrial control systems (ICS) rely more on networks and cloud services. This connection improves their functions but also increases risks from cyber attacks. Unlike standard information technology (IT) that deals with data, OT handles real-world tasks where hacks can quickly harm safety or stop work. Many OT systems are old, built for lasting reliability rather than fighting today's smart, changing attacks. As these systems add better automation and links, they often lack strong defenses against software-based threats.
Nvidia is working with companies such as Akamai, Forescout, Palo Alto Networks, Xage Security, and Siemens to add fast computing and artificial intelligence (AI) to OT security. This approach builds security into the systems, spreads it out, and uses central AI for smart control, helping protect the physical world's key operations.
Bringing zero trust to industrial environments
Zero trust is a security method that checks every user, device, and task all the time, without assuming trust. It has worked well in it but is hard in OT due to old devices and critical safety needs. Forescout uses Nvidia tools for ongoing device checks without extra software, risk reviews, and rule enforcement that limits threat spread safely. Nvidia Bluefield DPUs (data processing units - special chips for handling network data) run security apart from main operations.
Siemens shows an AI-ready data center that combines automation knowledge with nvidia parts for secure, low-delay industrial setups. Palo Alto Networks adds traffic monitoring and behavior checks on nvidia hardware for better uptime. Akamai extends segmentation - splitting networks into secure areas - to OT without agents, enforcing rules fast at the edge. Xage focuses on energy systems that support AI, using zero trust on Nvidia tech to manage access and protect operations.
This setup runs edge security on Bluefield DPUs, analyzes data centrally with AI, and applies local actions. It spots threats quicker, boosts strength, and keeps performance steady, setting a new way to secure vital systems where AI and operations work together.