Horror stories of IoT cybersecurity failures are a constant nightmare across the manufacturing ecosystem. In 2010 a Stuxnet worm targeted PLC systems at a Uranium enrichment facility in Iran. First launched in 2008 as a series of cyber-attacks, it targeted the computers regulating the speed of the centrifuges. The attackers then infiltrated into the IT network setting back Iran’s nuclear program by a decade.
In August 2012, a coordinated phishing attack targeted the computer network of Saudi Arabia’s state-owned oil firm. The attack infected as many as 30,000 computers and took two weeks to beat, though it failed in its goal of completely shutting down the flow of oil. German authorities revealed at the end of 2014 that one of their blast furnaces had been the victim of a cyber-attack. The attackers succeeded in infiltrating the corporate company network using malware and continued to navigate through the network to access the production management system.
These examples are just a few of the many major cyberattacks that happened in the last decade. No doubt, IIoT, or Industry 4.0, has paved way for revolutionary advancements in the manufacturing sector. However along with its many strides, comes new attack vectors, vulnerabilities, and opportunities for hackers. A responsive, agile IIoT network is made possible only by data sharing from all participants in the supply network. However, this data sharing across IoT devices without proper security measures can lead to serious data compromise. Thus, striking a balance between allowing transparency for data and maintaining security is one of the many security challenges the manufacturers face.
Why is the manufacturing landscape worried about IoT cybersecurity?
According to NTT Security’s Q2 Threat Intelligence Report, the manufacturing industry was the most heavily targeted industry during Q2 of 2017, accounting for 34% of attack activity. Attacks can come in many forms, from phishing tactics to malware in email attachments. Theft of intellectual property is identified as one of the top reason of data breaches in this industry. The manufacturing sector may also be a target of corporate espionage, given the high level of completion across the landscape. Hence, it goes without saying that developing a strategic approach to cyber risk is fundamental to manufacturing value chains. Efficient cybersecurity strategies should be secure, vigilant, and resilient, as well as fully integrated into organizational strategy from the start.
The shift from preventive to proactive IoT cybersecurity measures
In the dynamic and highly interconnected manufacturing ecosystem, preventative measures are no longer good enough. Manufacturers need to meet the cybersecurity challenges head-on and look at ways of being more proactive. Some of the points to keep in mind as organizations build their cyber strategy include the following approaches.
Think early
Build security strategies into your IIoT systems as early as possible, as changes are easier and cost-effective in the early stages of the product lifecycle.
Revisit security plans
Ensure network and software updates are current for all users, validate that anti-virus licenses are current, implement spam blockers, and verify the strength of your firewall. In addition, install malware-detection software on all devices. Some of the important security concepts to be considered are authentication, encryption and data integrity.
Think right from the basic security protocols
Employees and their passwords are one of the greatest points of weakness in cybersecurity. Reduce the risk by conducting a user password strength audit. Implement a two-step user verification login process. Take a back up of critical files and software to a location where it is not linked to the main network.
Create awareness
Implement an organization-wide employee cybersecurity training initiative. This should include identifying phishing attacks, what malware is, how to recognize acceptable email links and attachments and what to do if they may have compromised the security in any way.
Create a recovery plan
The speed of action is critical during a cyber attack. Hence, develop and document a recovery plan for your organization. In addition, create a definite plan of steps and strategies that your organization should follow in the event of a cyber attack.
Balance the benefits derived from IoT technology with the proper security measures of this connected technology
Organizations should invest in finding the right security partner to implement the cybersecurity strategies.
The data breach can cause revenue loss, compromise proprietary information and lead to the damaged reputation. In some cases, a security breach in a manufacturing environment could potentially impact safety. Manufacturing organizations should make cybersecurity an integral component of the organizational strategy, to protect their critical assets. Organizations should begin by first assessing the risks they face. They can avert cyber attacks by investing in security technologies to analyze cyber-weaknesses in every stage, to proactively detect and respond, and to prevent significant risks to mission-critical operations.
WeMakeIoT specializes in leveraging IoT technology to create end-to-end solutions not just in delivering IoT cybersecurity, but also in building efficiency across the manufacturing network through industrial IoT applications. Connect with us at https://www.wemakeiot.com/ to explore further options in IoT-driven manufacturing solutions.