What is Industrial Cybersecurity?

The need for improved cybersecurity has been raised often in the past few years. According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), the manufacturing sector is the most targeted by cyberattacks. Industrial IoT, intellectual property (IP) theft, phishing, ransomware, and supply chain attacks are its main threats. 

But security issues are a concern across the entire industrial sector. And this has far-reaching implications for everyone from the manufacturers to their stakeholders and even consumers. The need for tighter cybersecurity is obvious. 

But what is industrial cybersecurity, why should you be concerned about it, and what can you do about it? You’ll find the answers you need, here.

Why Is Industrial Cybersecurity So Important?

When people hear the term ‘cybersecurity’, they tend to immediately think of information technology and the protection of data. While that is not incorrect, industrial cybersecurity is an even more complex issue. 

Industrial information technology attacks and hacks present cyberthreats already well-known in other sectors. The difference is that, in this sector, informational technology and operational overlap – particularly since the increase of automation and the advent of the Internet of Things (IoT). 

As a result, your operational technology is just as open to the threat of cyberattack as your informational technology.

Understanding Informational Technology (IT) vs Operational Technology (OT) 

Information technology (IT) relates to the computer infrastructure, storage processes, and networking devices you use to create, process, store, and exchange your business’ data. A breach of such data can make your more sensitive business practices vulnerable to theft or corruption.

Such risks are minimized through edge computing, a distributed computing framework that moves your computation and data storage closer to your data sources at the network’s edge. This saves bandwidth, improves response times, and most importantly, limits your data’s travel back and forth.

Industrial computers like PLCs control many of the machinery processes in your business. You may also be utilizing the Internet of Things IoT to connect devices for enhanced automation, predictive maintenance, and remote monitoring. This is your operational technology (OT). 

Like any technology, it can be vulnerable to attacks that would damage equipment or interrupt crucial processes. An unsecured plant network exposes your industrial PCs and PLCs, smart connected devices, and IoT sensors. That’s why you need cybersecurity for electrical automation and control systems.

Types of Cyber Threats In The Industrial Sector

Threats to your IT processes can also affect your OT processes. But what are these cybersecurity threats that you need to watch out for? Let’s examine some of the top threats to industrial cybersecurity today.

Malware/Ransomware

Malware is malicious software designed to gain unauthorized entry or cause disruption/corruption of a computer or network. Malware is not one type of software, but a collective term that includes computer viruses, spyware, and ransomware. 

Ransomware is a form of malware, but it is even more insidious. It locks users out of their devices so that cybercriminals can extort payment from them in return for its release. Although a greater threat to government, healthcare, and finance organizations, it’s a common threat in the manufacturing industry.

Phishing Attacks

Phishing is the targeting of individuals or businesses, typically via email, through misrepresentation to procure sensitive data. This data can then be used fraudulently, or it can be sold to other cybercriminals (or ruthless competitors). 

IoT Security Risks

Your IoT security can be threatened at various points, putting every connected device at risk. The more connected devices, the greater the overall risk, as each could be a weak point. Malware can infiltrate Your IT devices, and cross over to your OT devices. 

Depending on the scale and type of your IoT processes, risks can be minimized through cryptographic algorithms, dynamic security management, and zero-trust architecture. But the first line of defense is to have robust anti-malware software protecting your IT.

Outdated Technology 

Aging infrastructure can be weak links in your system, exploited by cybercriminals. Older equipment and devices are most at risk, because their software is obsolete, or they are not designed to withstand the latest cyber attack mechanisms. It is up to you to ensure that your devices are working properly and that your software is up-to-date. 

Conclusion

As technology advances and the industry becomes increasingly more computerized, the risk of cyberattack increases with it. A robust industrial cybersecurity approach including the latest anti-malware software is essential in the fight against cybercrime. 

But more is needed if the industrial sector is going to continue to thrive. It’s also imperative that you keep your infrastructure and equipment/devices up to date. Regular software updates and equipment updates from reputable vendors are the key to improved industrial cybersecurity. 

AEC offers the latest in automation and control technology, components, parts, and services. Contact us today for all your automation, and electrical control needs.