Industrial cybersecurity market growth driven by technological advancements

The industrial cybersecurity market is on a trajectory of unparalleled growth. Over the next decade, it’s expected to soar at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8%, with revenues climbing from $22.36 billion in 2023 to an impressive $46.96 billion by 2033. Industries are being transformed as they adapt to an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

What’s fueling this? A surge in global internet access, the adoption of IoT solutions, and the rising reliance on cloud-based security applications. Think about it: every device, every sensor, and every system connected to the internet is a potential target. And as 5G networks, AI, and big data become deeply embedded in industrial processes, the need for more sophisticated cybersecurity measures is more prominent than ever.

Businesses are waking up to this reality and are securing their systems in efforts to fortify their future. Industrial cybersecurity is now being seen as more than a cost center, and rather as an investment in operational resilience and long-term growth.

Rising cyber-attack risks fuel demand for advanced industrial cybersecurity solutions

Cyber threats are evolving faster than ever, and industries are responding with urgency. As companies lean into IoT and cloud-based services to streamline operations, they inadvertently expose themselves to new vulnerabilities. The stakes are high: sensitive data, operational integrity, and even human safety are on the line.

Cybersecurity solutions are being thrust into the spotlights, through firewalls, antivirus programs, and intrusion detection systems. For example, in manufacturing, industrial robots are becoming the norm, and with this shift comes an imperative to shield these systems from hackers. The International Federation of Robotics reported significant industrial robot deployments as early as 2018, pointing to the rapid integration of automation into the industrial sphere.

But it’s not only manufacturing that’s seeing this. Sectors like oil and gas, automotive, aerospace, and the energy industry are adopting tailored cybersecurity measures to counter sophisticated attacks. These industries understand that the cost of inaction far outweighs the investment in protection. Every attack mitigated is a disruption avoided, a reputation preserved, and, ultimately, a business saved.

Regional market growth

North America

North America is currently leading the industrial cybersecurity boom. Companies here are pouring resources into AI-driven cybersecurity and strengthening their cloud infrastructure. One standout example is CyberArk’s Cloud Entitlements Manager, launched in 2020, a symbol of the region’s commitment to staying ahead of cyber threats.

Asia Pacific

The Asia Pacific region is also emerging as a growth hotspot. Countries like China, India, and Japan are experiencing a surge in demand for cloud security, particularly among small and medium enterprises in the manufacturing sector. These businesses recognize the competitive edge that robust cybersecurity provides, and they’re moving swiftly to adopt advanced solutions.

Europe

In Europe, the focus is clear: secure IT infrastructure for the automotive industry. The continent is doubling down on investments to make sure its industrial backbone stays both innovative and secure. With a rich history of engineering excellence, European firms are integrating cybersecurity as a core component of their digital transformation strategies.

Sustained market growth through cloud security and IoT applications

The data explosion in modern industries is staggering. Every machine, every operation, every process generates a flood of information. Managing this deluge requires comprehensive cloud services capable of storing, analyzing, and securing vast quantities of data. This is why cloud application security is experiencing unprecedented growth.

IoT-enabled devices are another driving force. From connected sensors in factories to intelligent devices in logistics, the industrial IoT market is expanding rapidly. This growth brings tremendous benefits but also significant risks. That’s where complementary cybersecurity solutions (network security, endpoint security, and internet security) come into play. Together, they create a fortress that protects industries from external and internal threats alike.

The discrete industry—spanning automotive, electronics, and heavy manufacturing—is at the leading edge of this growth. Industry 4.0 initiatives are accelerating the adoption of IoT, making cybersecurity a core part of modern industrial strategy. In this context, investing in cybersecurity is inevitable.

Collaborative innovations boost cybersecurity capabilities

Companies are joining forces to tackle the most complex challenges, creating solutions that wouldn’t be possible in isolation.

Take Honeywell International’s partnership with Acalvio Technologies. Their HTDP platform is designed to detect cyber threats in commercial building operational technology environments, a critical innovation in protecting connected systems. In a similar fashion, ABB has teamed up with Nozomi Networks to strengthen cybersecurity in operational technology.

IBM is also pushing forward with its Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solution as a strategic response to the growing need for comprehensive security frameworks in industrial settings.

Final thoughts

In a world where every system, sensor, and connection is a potential vulnerability, how will you make sure your operations stay resilient, protected, and competitive? It’s time to think bigger, act faster, and lead smarter. Will your company set the standard for secure innovation, or will it be left scrambling to recover from preventable disruptions?

Tim Boesen

December 20, 2024

4 Min