www.industryemea.com
05
'26
Written on Modified on
Siemens Launches AI Cybersecurity Solution for Industrial 5G
Developed with Palo Alto Networks, the solution combines private 5G infrastructure with AI-driven firewall technology to secure industrial wireless networks without affecting performance.
www.siemens.com
Cybersecurity architecture for Industrial 5G networks
In industrial automation and connected manufacturing environments, private 5G networks are increasingly used to support wireless connectivity for sensors, machines, and mobile assets. At Mobile World Congress 2026, Siemens introduced a verified cybersecurity solution for industrial private 5G networks, developed in collaboration with Palo Alto Networks.
The solution integrates Siemens’ private 5G infrastructure with Palo Alto Networks’ Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) technology optimized for artificial intelligence. The architecture is designed to provide cybersecurity protection tailored to operational technology (OT) environments while maintaining the low latency and high throughput required for real-time industrial processes.
The system is now available as part of the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio.
Industrial connectivity and cybersecurity requirements
Manufacturing environments increasingly rely on wireless networks to connect sensors, automated vehicles, robotic systems, and other equipment involved in digital production systems. Private 5G networks provide deterministic connectivity and local data control, making them suitable for industrial automation.
At the same time, expanding connectivity increases exposure to cybersecurity risks. Cyber incidents affecting industrial networks can disrupt production, damage equipment, or compromise worker safety. Regulatory frameworks such as the NIS2 directive and industrial cybersecurity standards including IEC 62443 require companies to implement multi-layered security architectures.
Traditional IT cybersecurity solutions are not always designed for operational technology environments and may introduce performance bottlenecks or fail to detect threats targeting industrial communication protocols.
Verified cybersecurity architecture for industrial environments
The cybersecurity solution developed by Siemens and Palo Alto Networks addresses these challenges through a verified architecture designed specifically for industrial deployments.
Palo Alto Networks’ NGFW technology was optimized and tested with Siemens’ private 5G infrastructure across multiple industrial deployment scenarios. The verification process assessed network availability, resilience, and operational continuity to ensure that cybersecurity protection does not disrupt time-critical industrial processes.
Testing was conducted in Siemens’ Digital Connectivity Lab in Erlangen, Germany, where the solution was evaluated under conditions representative of industrial environments.
Three-layer cybersecurity framework
The solution combines three primary components to provide comprehensive network protection.
- Private 5G infrastructure: Siemens’ private 5G system delivers on-premises wireless connectivity designed for industrial automation environments. The network architecture provides deterministic communication for mobile assets while maintaining data sovereignty and low-latency connectivity independent of public mobile network operators.
- SINEC Security Monitor: This Siemens software platform enables continuous, passive cybersecurity monitoring of industrial networks. The system analyzes network communication patterns to detect anomalies, unauthorized devices, or potential security threats without interfering with production processes.
- Next-Generation Firewall technology: Palo Alto Networks provides Layer-7 security capabilities and deep packet inspection designed specifically for industrial protocols. The firewall can identify malware, intrusion attempts, and data exfiltration threats while maintaining the low latency required for real-time control applications.
Secure connectivity for AI-driven industrial production
The increasing use of artificial intelligence in manufacturing requires reliable and secure connectivity between industrial devices, production systems, and data platforms. Private 5G networks combined with OT-focused cybersecurity architectures allow manufacturers to deploy AI-enabled automation while protecting operational infrastructure.
By integrating industrial networking infrastructure with AI-driven cybersecurity monitoring, the Siemens and Palo Alto Networks solution aims to support secure deployment of connected production systems while maintaining the performance required for real-time industrial operations.
www.siemens.com
The increasing use of artificial intelligence in manufacturing requires reliable and secure connectivity between industrial devices, production systems, and data platforms. Private 5G networks combined with OT-focused cybersecurity architectures allow manufacturers to deploy AI-enabled automation while protecting operational infrastructure.
By integrating industrial networking infrastructure with AI-driven cybersecurity monitoring, the Siemens and Palo Alto Networks solution aims to support secure deployment of connected production systems while maintaining the performance required for real-time industrial operations.
www.siemens.com
