Information technology service and consulting company NTT DATA Corp. today announced a new managed security service powered by Palo Alto Networks Inc. technologies that enhances private 5G security in industrial and operational technology environments.

The new service combines Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewall and OT/ IOT subscriptions with NTT DATA’s Private 5G architecture, with an aim to deliver improved network visibility, access control and automated threat detection and response capabilities. Through the incorporation of Palo Alto Networks’ NGFW, organizations can apply a zero-trust security posture, incorporating machine learning, to safely enable only the relevant connections, applications and protocols needed for their network.

The companies says the joint offering is easy to set up, manage and integrate into enterprise information technology and operational technology environments, allowing organizations to focus on new ideas and innovation while ensuring a high level of security.

Though private 5G networks are designed with security in mind, features such as end-to-end encryption can unintentionally obscure threats. The lack of visibility can limit the ability of security teams to monitor network traffic and device activity, making it harder to detect and prevent cyberattacks effectively.

NTT DATA and Palo Alto Networks address the challenge with a service that enhances private 5G security. The offering provides real-time visibility into encrypted data, device profiling powered by machine learning and strict zero-trust security controls to ensure only authorized devices and applications communicate. The service employs artificial intelligence-driven tools to enable automated threat detection and response, allowing organizations to mitigate risks proactively.

The solution follows an expanded partnership in October between the two companies, focused on helping enterprises safeguard their digital infrastructure from emerging cybersecurity threats.

“NTT DATA and Palo Alto Networks are creating a new standard for private 5G security and changing what’s possible for industrial connectivity,” said Shahid Ahmed, group executive vice president of edge services at NTT DATA.

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