NTT DATA recently announced a new managed security service powered by Palo Alto Networks. The service enhances security for industrial and operational technology (OT) environments by integrating Palo Alto Networks’ cybersecurity solutions with NTT DATA’s Private 5G architecture.

The result is a turnkey managed service designed to improve network visibility, access control, and automated threat detection and response for enterprises.

Why This Partnership Makes Sense

The synergy between NTT DATA and Palo Alto Networks driving this deal is clear: as the adoption of private 5G networks to support industrial automation, IoT expansion, and digital transformation accelerates, security remains a top concern.

In its announcement, Palo Alto Networks cited its 2024 State of OT Security Report (conducted in conjunction with ABI Research), which revealed that 70% of industrial organizations experienced a cyberattack on their OT environments in the past year, with nearly a quarter of those attacks resulting in operational shutdowns.

Private 5G networks offer inherent security features such as end-to-end encryption but also introduce new risks by creating blind spots in network visibility. Combining Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) with OT/IoT security capabilities and NTT DATA’s deep expertise in 5G infrastructure gives enterprises a comprehensive security solution to bridge this gap.

Key Capabilities

This new managed security service offers several key capabilities:

• Real-time visibility: Insights into encrypted data, device activity, and traffic patterns.
• Device profiling: Machine learning algorithms analyze IoT and OT devices to assess risks.
• Zero Trust Security: Strict access controls ensure that only authorized devices and applications communicate.
• Automated threat detection: AI-driven tools identify and mitigate security threats in real-time.
• Fully managed service: Enterprises benefit from NTT DATA’s expertise in managing 5G networks and cybersecurity solutions.

These capabilities help address a major challenge in private 5G security: balancing data confidentiality and maintaining deep network visibility for threat detection.

Quick Take

The collaboration between NTT DATA and Palo Alto brings benefits to each, as well as to enterprises looking to deploy private 5G solutions.

NTT DATA strengthens its position in the private 5G market by embedding security as a core feature rather than an afterthought. This differentiates it from other service providers offering standalone 5G solutions without integrated security.

For Palo Alto Networks, the relationship gives the company a direct entry into the growing private 5G security market, expanding its footprint beyond traditional enterprise IT and into growing industrial sectors. It also gives Palo Alto a differentiated solution and expands its market.

Enterprises also benefit. Those hesitant to deploy private 5G due to concerns may now be more inclined to adopt those networks, knowing a robust security framework is already in place.

As enterprises continue to embrace private 5G to power digital transformation, security will be critical to successful deployments. The partnership between NTT DATA and Palo Alto Networks is a great example of a strategic response to growing cybersecurity challenges in OT environments: aligning advanced threat protection with scalable 5G infrastructure.

By providing a managed security service that simplifies network protection, both companies are positioning themselves as key players in the evolution of industrial connectivity.