Cybersecurity for Electrical Automation and Controls Systems

Just like the computers in any corporation, electrical automation and control systems can be vulnerable to cybersecurity problems. As the age of automation continues to show great advances and progress, this unfortunate reality has accompanied that growth.

The statistics indicate that hacking capabilities are growing. Because of this, as your business comes to rely more and more on automation, your need for cybersecurity solutions increases.

What are the unique cybersecurity challenges that the industrial and manufacturing sectors face? And how can you enhance your protection against them? Get the answers in this article on cybersecurity for electrical automation and control systems.

The Importance Of Cyber Security In Industrial Automation

Cybersecurity isn’t just a commercial or tech issue. It’s a problem across the board, affecting every industry. But why is cybersecurity so important in the industrial automation sector?

A breakdown in security can cause all types of problems for your business, causing your management stress and costing the business money.

Here are six reasons why your business could be at risk, and why you may need to consider improving your cybersecurity.

Ransomware Attacks

While it is not particularly common in the industrial sector, ransomware attacks and extortion are possible. These entail malware that is used to infect your devices or systems, causing corruption to your data, or restricting access to data. A ransom may then be demanded for the return to normal operations.

Machinery Breakdown

Security issues and breaches could also affect the operations of the machines your automation controls are regulating. It can cause serious malfunction and even the breakdown of your equipment. And this can lead to further costs for replacement parts or repairs.

Product Defects

If cybersecurity hacks cause machinery malfunction, a further problem presents itself. Your product line will be negatively impacted. Whether you’re in the aggregate, automotive, or food processing industry, the result is the same. Defective products that can’t be sold will cause a great financial loss.

Safety Concerns

Safety concerns are also a good reason to beef up your cybersecurity. Any instance of cyber hacking that causes machinery malfunction can also increase safety hazards for your workers. Workplace injuries not only cause downtime but also incur medical bills for your workforce.

Order Delays

Any of the above-mentioned issues can cause major delays in the fulfillment of orders. And time costs money. Stricter cybersecurity measures can avoid these delays and unnecessary expenses. That will assure that your reputation remains intact, and your customers don’t lose faith in you.

Cybersecurity Challenges For Automation And Control Systems

Automation and control systems pose cybersecurity challenges, some of which are unique to the industry you’re in. However, the following four challenges are the most common.

Disgruntled Employees

Most cybersecurity attacks/hacks happen in-house, because of access to systems. Whether authorized or unauthorized, an employee or competitor could exploit your security vulnerabilities. Thus, it’s a good idea to have levels of authorization that allow only certain employees access to important systems.

Upgrades And Updates

Any form of software will need regular updates to keep your business operating smoothly. However, software upgrades, updates, and patches can increase the risk to your security as this is where the control system may become temporarily unstable.

Multiple Origin Systems

It’s common for the automation of industrial control systems to make use of systems developed by different vendors. The more people involved in the inner workings of your site, the more chances there are that something can go awry.

Outdated Technologies

Stay up to date with electrical industrial automation trends. Many of the automation systems you use in your industrial applications may be outdated. If even a few components are older than 5 years, you’re not benefitting from the most advanced cloud technologies.

Enhancing Cybersecurity

Here are some tips for enhancing your automation and control components’ cybersecurity:

• Restrict access to software so that only a limited number of your workers can use it
• Regularly change access codes and passwords that authorized users need
• Formulate a plan for dealing with security breaches and data hacks
• Invest in the latest technologies
• Try to limit the number of suppliers you use for your automation components
• Use only trusted and experienced specialists in automation and electrical control like AEC

Conclusion

How security breaches can affect your businesses will differ, but everyone stands to lose in a cybersecurity attack – your workforce, your business stakeholders, and your customers. So stick to the name you can trust for peace of mind when installing new automation controls.

Here at AEC, we don’t just supply these controls, we also service them and sell the parts you need to keep them operating efficiently.  Contact us for more information about the electrical automation and controls systems we offer.