Technology

New OT Security Solutions from Palo Alto Networks Address Growing Cybersecurity Threats to Industrial Operations

Published

15 hours ago

October 21, 2024

Powered by Precision AI, new capabilities protect OT remote operations, mitigate risk for critical OT assets and extend security into harsh industrial environments

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The convergence of IT and operational technology (OT) and the digital transformation of OT have created new opportunities for innovation and efficiency in critical Industrial Automation and Control Systems. However, these advancements also broaden the potential attack surface, making it even more crucial to improve and extend security for OT environments. Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), the global cybersecurity leader, today introduced new capabilities in its OT Security solutio n, including the industry’s only fully integrated, risk-based guided virtual patching solution, powered by Precision AI™, the Prisma® Access Browser with Privileged Remote Access and a suite of ruggedized, ML-powered Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) built to withstand harsh industrial settings where traditional firewalls often cannot operate.

According to the 2024 State of OT Security report from Palo Alto Networks and ABI Research, 70% of industrial organizations experienced a cyberattack on their OT environment in the last year. Almost 25% of these organizations suffered attacks that led to operational shutdowns and disrupted business continuity.

Anand Oswal, SVP and GM, Network Security, Palo Alto Networks:
“The rise in the frequency and sophistication of OT attacks, often driven by AI, highlights the urgent need for robust, OT-specific security measures. Organizations must implement comprehensive solutions that ensure real-time visibility, end-to-end protection and simplified security management. Palo Alto Networks OT Security solution, powered by Precision AI, secures both OT and converged IT/OT in a consistent way to combat these challenges and protect critical infrastructure.”

Sid Snitkin, Vice President, Cybersecurity Services, ARC Industrial Cybersecurity:
“Operational technology environments are becoming increasingly complex and interconnected, making them more susceptible to cyber threats. The ability to deploy AI-powered tools like guided virtual patching is a game-changer for industrial cybersecurity. It enables organizations to address vulnerabilities in real-time without the costly and often disruptive downtime that traditional patching methods would require. This approach not only reduces risks but also enhances the overall resilience of OT infrastructures.”

Palo Alto Networks OT Security solution safeguards all OT environments, including networks, assets, remote operations and 5G networks. It also provides specific visibility and capabilities to help customers simplify operations and increase efficiency.

New features include the ability to:

Enhance remote operations with secure and easy-to-deploy access for OT: Privileged Remote Access delivered through the new Prisma Access Browser will empower OT security teams managing remote operations. This solution simplifies deployment and strengthens security by providing secure, immediate access to critical OT systems for all authorized users, including contractors and partners. It supports just-in-time access and session recording for essential workflows, ensuring that mission-critical environments are safeguarded while making remote access easier to manage.Quickly address critical OT vulnerabilities without interrupting operations: Keeping legacy OT assets secure can be challenging, especially when patches risk disrupting operations. Guided Virtual Patching with Industrial OT Security allows security teams to mitigate critical vulnerabilities swiftly without causing downtime. Powered by Precision AI, it automates asset inventory, assesses risks and prioritizes vulnerabilities to enable protection of hard-to-patch systems between regular patch cycles or maintenance windows. This prevents interruptions as well as extends the lifespan of these assets, ensuring that critical operations remain uninterrupted and secure.Protect remote industrial assets in harsh environments: Industrial operations sometimes need to happen in tough conditions, facing rain, wind and extreme temperatures. The ruggedized PA-400R Series firewalls offer reliable security tailored for harsh, space-constrained environments like utility substations and factory floors. Easy to install—even on DIN rails—they include models with 5G connectivity to keep remote sites connected. With features like fail-to-wire capabilities, these firewalls ensure continuous security and connectivity, helping reduce costs while protecting critical infrastructure.

During the Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Cybersecurity Conference this week, attendees can learn more about the power of Palo Alto Networks new capabilities, as well as experience an interactive tour of our OT CyberWall. In addition, Qiang Huang, head of product management, IoT Security at Palo Alto Networks, will be delivering a keynote about “Navigating the OT Security Nexus: AI, Digital Transformation, and Emerging Threats” at 9:55 a.m. ET on Tuesday, October 22.

To learn more, read our blog or visit the Palo Alto Networks OT Security.

Follow Palo Alto Networks on X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

About Palo Alto Networks
Palo Alto Networks is the global cybersecurity leader, committed to making each day safer than the one before with industry-leading, AI-powered solutions in network security, cloud security and security operations. Powered by Precision AI, our technologies deliver precise threat detection and swift response, minimizing false positives and enhancing security effectiveness. Our platformization approach integrates diverse security solutions into a unified, scalable platform, streamlining management and providing operational efficiencies with comprehensive protection. From defending network perimeters to safeguarding cloud environments and ensuring rapid incident response, Palo Alto Networks empowers businesses to achieve Zero Trust security and confidently embrace digital transformation in an ever-evolving threat landscape. This unwavering commitment to security and innovation makes us the cybersecurity partner of choice.

At Palo Alto Networks, we’re committed to bringing together the very best people in service of our mission, so we’re also proud to be the cybersecurity workplace of choice, recognized among Newsweek’s Most Loved Workplaces (2021-2024), with a score of 100 on the Disability Equality Index (2024, 2023, 2022), and HRC Best Places for LGBTQ+ Equality (2022). For more information, visit www.paloaltonetworks.com.

Palo Alto Networks, Precision AI, Prisma, and the Palo Alto Networks logo are trademarks of Palo Alto Networks, Inc. in the United States and in jurisdictions throughout the world. All other trademarks, trade names, or service marks used or mentioned herein belong to their respective owners.

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SOURCE Palo Alto Networks, Inc.

Technology

Chengnan Loong Lantern in the eye of American Teachers and Students

Published

55 mins ago

October 22, 2024

NANCHANG, China, Oct. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A report from Jiangxi International Communication Center(JXICC): A group of 31 teachers and students from Utah and Pennsylvania in the United States visited the Chengnan Loong Lantern production base in Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, to immerse themselves in experiencing traditional Chinese culture.

Originating from Chengnan Village in Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, with a history of over 700 years, Chengnan Dragon Lanterns involves more than a hundred intricate processes. In 2008, it was included in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage at the provincial level in Jiangxi. In recent years, as Chengnan Dragon Lanterns light up the world, many foreigners have been interested in the ancient intangible heritage. During the Lunar New Year of Dragon, the improved Chengnan Dragon Lanterns have become a hot sale abroad, with a surge in orders.

Shi Kebin, the representative inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage of Chengnan Dragon Lanterns said that the improved Chengnan Dragon Lanterns are better suited to the needs of foreignes. By integrating modern craftsmanship with traditional culture for modification and innovation, our traditional culture can be spread more effectively, making it popular among the youth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCDT6XfuTnA

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SOURCE Jiangxi International Communication Center(JXICC)

Technology

Lazada Partners With Alibaba’s Taobao to Launch Dedicated Fashion Channel in Singapore and Malaysia

Published

55 mins ago

October 22, 2024

The dedicated channel features over 6 million curated products to strengthen Lazada’s fashion and lifestyle offerings

SINGAPORE, Oct. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Lazada, a leading eCommerce platform in Southeast Asia, today announced its partnership with Alibaba’s eCommerce platform Taobao to launch a dedicated Taobao Fashion channel in Singapore and Malaysia. Prominently featured on the Lazada App homepage, this new fashion channel offers style-conscious shoppers a brand-new destination for trendy and affordable apparels. Going forward, Lazada has plans to incorporate more lifestyle products in this channel to further diversify its offerings.

The Taobao Fashion channel boasts an extensive selection of over 6 million products curated from top Taobao merchants. These products can be checked out with LazCoins to enjoy even greater savings and additional discounts.

To celebrate the launch, Lazada is introducing exclusive promotions such as “Buy 3, Get 20% Off” deals, and 7-day and 15-day hassle-free return with flexible pickup and drop-off options for customer’s convenience in Singapore and Malaysia respectively. In addition, TaoFashion Day campaign takes place every Saturday where shoppers can explore more than 35,000 new listings at 70 per cent discount, delivering unparalleled access to the latest fashion trends.

To enhance the experience, Lazada is offering free international air shipping, ensuring that purchases are delivered as fast as 5 working days. With orders processed and shipped in under 48 hours through international air freight, Lazada guarantees fast and reliable delivery for customers in Singapore and Malaysia.

“Shoppers today are increasingly savvy and globalised, constantly seeking more unique and diverse fashion offerings to refresh their wardrobes,” said Jason Chen, Chief Business Officer, Lazada Group. “This partnership with Taobao strengthens our ability to leverage Alibaba’s eCommerce synergies, delivering unmatched variety and value to our customers. Our goal is to make fashion accessible and inclusive, allowing shoppers to express their style confidently without compromising on price.”

For more information, visit Lazada or check out the Lazada app to explore Taobao Fashion’s exciting deals.

About Lazada Group

Lazada Group is Southeast Asia’s pioneer eCommerce platform. For the last 12 years, Lazada has been accelerating progress in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam through commerce and technology. Today, a thriving local ecosystem links about 160 million active users to more than one million actively-selling sellers every month, who are transacting safely and securely via trusted payments channels and Lazada Wallet, receiving parcels through a homegrown logistics network that has become the largest in the region.

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SOURCE Lazada Group

Technology

Arcadis supports “The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address” in Hong Kong

Published

55 mins ago

October 22, 2024

HONG KONG, Oct. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Arcadis, the leading global Design & Consultancy organization for natural and built assets, welcomes the initiatives recently outlined in “The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address”, which aim to sustain efforts in land creation and boosting housing supply by simplifying procedures and reducing construction costs. Arcadis will fully support the implementation of these initiatives.

Create Land for New Developments and Streamline Procedures

The Government will continue to expedite land production to solve the land supply conundrum, not only for housing but for other uses. Land development procedures will be streamlined.

The Government will expedite the implementation of economic and housing-related projects in the Northern Metropolis. This year, land will be reserved for developing the Northern Metropolis University Town, the third medical school, and an integrated teaching hospital.

The Government will release four quality logistics sites in the Hung Shui Kiu/ha Tsuen NDA to expand high value-added logistics services. The Hong Kong-Shenzhen I&T Park in the Loop will be developed in two phases, starting at the end of this year. The Government will seek funding for the first-stage of San Tin Technopoles’ infrastructure and begin construction works this year. The target is to deliver 20 hectares of new I&T sites in phases, beginning in 2026-27, for the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation’s development and operation.

Adopting a Multi-Pronged Approach to Lower Construction Costs

The Project Strategy and Governance Office under the Development Bureau has been entrusted with leading a strategic study to identify major factors contributing to high construction costs and to devise improvement measures by drawing on experiences from Mainland China and internationally. Arcadis appreciates the study as an important step toward optimizing the use of public resources for infrastructure development and enhancing long-term competitiveness.

In response, William Fong, Head of Cost and Commercial Management for Hong Kong & Macau at Arcadis, said:

“The Government has been examining the factors influencing project costs while also assessing the respective impact of each factor. The dedicated efforts invested in this study demonstrate the Government’s commitment to improving the efficiency of project delivery.

“In addition to streamlining land development procedures, we recognize the importance of promoting the adoption of innovative construction technologies and materials, implementing smart procurement strategies, and reassessing building design standards to enhance speed and efficiency. The effective execution of these measures will require collaboration from the Government, developers, consultants, contractors, and suppliers.”

Align Hong Kong Building Design Standards with Guobiao

As Hong Kong reviews and potentially updates its building standards, we should consider aligning them with best practices and industry standards in Mainland China (Guobiao) and other prominent international cities. Hong Kong can play a key role in establishing unified construction design standards for the Greater Bay Area and promoting the use of high-quality and cost-effective construction materials. Leveraging its robust business presence, Arcadis is prepared to engage in this initiative and support to Building Technology Research Institute.

Enhancing Transport Infrastructure in the Northern Metropolis

With construction of Hung Shui Kiu Station and the Northern Link Main Line commencing, Arcadis is eager to advance to the next phase of preparations for the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link (Hung Shui Kiu-Qianhai) and initiate the detailed planning and design of the Northern Link Spur Line.

William Fong added: “As we witness progress of the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy and the enhanced connectivity between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, the industry can seize opportunities in areas such as cost and project management, sustainability, and business advisory.”

Continue to Promote Waste Reduction and Recycling

In 2025, Hong Kong will inaugurate the commissioning of I•PARK1, the city’s first waste-to-energy facility with the capacity to process 3,000 tons of municipal solid waste daily.

The I•PARK1 project not only contributes to achieving the “Zero Landfill” goal but also spreadheads the adoption of innovative construction methods, including Modular Integrated Construction and the prefabrication of main electrical and mechanical equipment modules in Zhuhai.

William Fong concluded: “This construction approach has elevated both the quality and efficiency standards, setting a new benchmark in excellence and operational effectiveness.”

About Arcadis

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