Fortinet Urges Stronger OT Defenses as AI Lowers Barriers for Hackers

Generative AI and large language models are making it easier to automate coding, reconnaissance and other elements of cyberattacks, lowering the expertise required for threat actors. The shift carries particular risks for operational technology, or OT, systems that control physical processes across manufacturing, energy and other critical sectors, where a breach can trigger production outages and safety concerns in addition to data loss.

Fortinet said companies should broaden their defenses beyond ransomware and strengthen attack-surface protection as AI-enabled threats expand. The cybersecurity provider called for integrated IT and OT security platforms to improve visibility, monitoring and incident response. Corporate priorities are also widening to include AI governance and regulatory compliance. The latest warning did not specify financial losses linked to such attacks or provide a dated timetable for deploying the recommended controls.