Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting devices, systems, and data from hacking and other digital threats. It encompasses a variety of methods to safeguard against phishing scams, ransomware attacks, and other cybercrime. Manufacturing companies must implement cybersecurity strategies to secure their operational technologies against emerging threats and risks.
Protection from cyberattacks
Cybersecurity resources for manufacturers are essential not just because they have expensive equipment and valuable intellectual property to protect but also because cyberattacks can cause significant disruptions in the supply chain that will cost both companies and consumers. For example, if a manufacturer’s factory machinery became hacked, the company could have to recall products produced during the attack or stop production altogether. This would result in a loss of revenue for the manufacturer and lost income for the clients that rely on the company’s products. While many manufacturers have invested in generalized IT security, they need solutions specifically geared to their operational technology (OT) systems and processes. For example, implementing zero-trust authentication on manufacturing devices can help prevent hackers from moving laterally through the system and accessing information beyond their designated roles. With the rapid adoption of innovative factory technologies, manufacturers are stepping into new territory that presents unique challenges. Many of these companies need extensive experience with the security risks associated with these digital transformations. That can make them vulnerable to attacks, exceptional in the fourth industrial revolution. This is a crucial reason manufacturers need a comprehensive cyber management program to protect against current and future threats. The good news is that many new tools are available to help manufacturers protect their systems and networks. For example, leveraging edge micro-segmentation can help manufacturers secure legacy devices, prevent lateral movement and significantly reduce their attack surface.
The age of industry 4.0
As companies integrate more advanced technologies into their production processes, the need for cybersecurity increases. The smart factory, or Industry 4.0, requires cyber-physical systems that connect physical components with industrial networks to enable interoperability and real-time capability. These systems collect data from sensors and embedded software to provide valuable insight into the performance of the manufacturing environment. This information can then improve operations and make better business decisions. However, these advancements come with risks if manufacturers need to be adequately prepared for them.
Moreover, the increased connectedness of these new systems creates a large attack surface for hackers to exploit. As a result, there are more opportunities for them to steal sensitive information or disrupt production. Cyberattacks can damage everything from financial losses to a company’s reputation. The good news is that manufacturers can take steps to prevent cyberattacks and ensure the security of their technology investments. One of the most essential things is implementing an agile approach to implementing these new systems. This involves having a transformation office dedicated to developing and testing new digital solutions across the organization. Another essential step is to prioritize cybersecurity and invest in it accordingly. This will help protect intellectual property and avoid production delays due to cyberattacks.
Protection against industrial espionage
Amid the changes brought by Industry 4.0, manufacturers must ensure they’re protected from cybercriminals. New technologies like robotic process automation and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) benefit productivity, flexibility, awareness, and efficiency but massively increase attack surfaces. When paired with the merger of OT and IT, and regulatory complications that add to the mix, cybersecurity for manufacturing becomes much more complex than it used to be. Hackers are attracted to manufacturers for a few key reasons. First, they can steal a lot of intellectual property without much effort, thanks to weak security and a tendency to use outdated equipment that doesn’t support antivirus software. Second, they can disrupt operations and cause costly disruptions to the supply chain by attacking factory machinery or accessing the supervisory control and data acquisition systems (SCADA) that keep it running. This is a particular problem for manufacturing companies since they often have little to no tolerance for downtime and can quickly lose revenue from lost productivity. But the most dangerous reason is that hackers are already targeting manufacturers. The average manufacturer is one of the top targets for ransomware, and the industry has seen a rise in attacks motivated by industrial espionage.
Preventing cyberattacks
The best way to avoid cybersecurity breaches is through preventative measures, like securing systems and networks through multi-factor authentication, data encryption, and wireless network security. It is also critical to ensure employees only have access to the information necessary for their role. This is particularly important when working remotely or from home. Educating employees on how to spot suspicious emails and other cyber attack methods is also crucial. While cyberattacks can happen to anyone, they target high-value targets such as financial institutions and government organizations, military branches, large companies, and others. This is primarily because these organizations have sensitive information such as customer and payment data, intellectual property, or medical records. Once this information is leaked, the consequences can be far-reaching, ranging from loss of revenue or exposing people’s private information to a potential threat to national security. The manufacturing sector must implement a solid layered security approach to protect its operational technology from cyberattacks. This can be done by conducting a risk assessment and developing formal governance programs that address the growing security challenges in the OT sector. Additionally, manufacturers need to leverage the expertise of a trusted MSP or MSSP specializing in cybersecurity and manufacturing. This will help them develop a bespoke cybersecurity framework unique to their business, industry, and compliance regulations.