Industrial automation was once isolated from the digital realm – but now we live in a world where factories are mainly digital. With this great power comes great responsibility – and, in this case, it comes with unprecedented cybersecurity challenges.
Picture a world where a single click can put your production line to a stop, compromise critical information, or even endanger the lives of the employees inside the facility. No – this is not science fiction, but rather the reality that automated manufacturing facilities face daily. As factories become smarter and more connected, they also become more vulnerable to cyber-attacks that can have consequences beyond data breaches.
Unlike the typical concern of data protection, cybersecurity in industrial automation mainly prioritizes availability, safety, and integrity. A successful cyberattack on these systems can lead to physical damage, environmental threats, or even putting human lives at risk. The need to understand and implement cybersecurity in industrial automation has never been higher – it has become both a business imperative and a societal responsibility.
At HESCO, we see customers face cyber threats frequently. In recent years, these challenges have only increased and will continue to do so unless facilities learn how to implement essential cybersecurity measures.
Let’s dive into the current landscape of cybersecurity in industrial automation and explore unique challenges, emerging technologies, and best practices that are shaping the future of manufacturing facilities.
Current Landscape of Cybersecurity: Threat, Risk, and Safety
Cybersecurity is of utmost importance in industrial automation. We interviewed Rockwell Automation’s Sales Executive of Cybersecurity, Matt Pike, who states, “The current state of cybersecurity is a mix of advancements and challenges. The need to have a digitalized world of interconnecting production and critical infrastructure is greater now than ever.”
So, what does the cybersecurity landscape look like right now?
Integration of IoT (Internet of Things) and Industry 4.0
Currently, there is an enormous push to integrate IoT-type devices into manufacturing facilities.
IoT, also known as the Internet of Things, are devices with sensors, processing ability, software, and other technologies, that connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the Internet. It is a major piece of the automation puzzle. IoT ultimately prioritizes connectivity, and most of the time, EtherNet is the protocol. While the devices may not be physically connected to the internet, they may be connected indirectly through other devices or networks, which is a potential pathway in/out.
When you implement IoT devices into your facility, you are starting your journey toward adopting Industry 4.0, or what’s known as The Fourth Industrial Revolution.
IoT devices in facilities can be a variety of different components ranging from sensors to quality control to cameras – any aspect of an automated process where data can be collected and pushed out to optimize your efficiency.
But, with these devices that include data collection and connectedness to networks comes huge security risks that could ultimately disrupt the manufacturing process and could be costly to recover from.
Challenges of Outdated Software – Scarce in Security
In industrial automation, legacy systems are outdated software or hardware that are still used for critical business operations. Whether it is an application, computer, or hardware, still having these systems integrated into your facility can pose a huge security threat and inhibit your facility from adopting Industry 4.0.
Many manufacturing facilities today still use legacy systems. When these are still implemented in your facility, there is a huge risk of cyber-attacks because there is little to no security or visibility, ultimately making them more vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
It is important for preventing cyber threats that these legacy systems be assessed and their risk be mitigated through modernization or other methods.
Regulatory Pressures from Government and Organizations to Implement Cybersecurity
As with any new initiative, regulations have been put into place to improve cybersecurity in environments that utilize industrial automation. There has never been greater regulatory pressure than there is today in the industrial environment.
This regulatory pressure comes from governments, regulators, and independent organizations that push for cybersecurity implementation for the health of a manufacturing facility. These regulations range from audits to critical infrastructure all the way to publicly traded companies following SEC rules.
These emerging regulations will eventually become essential for manufacturing facilities to survive.
Currently, this is what cybersecurity looks like in industrial automation:
- A conglomerate of people who are on board to implement cybersecurity
- Complacent companies who have a process that works and doesn’t want to change any components of it
- And, regulators trying to ensure everyone is on the same page
If you’re guessing that this patchwork leads to more vulnerability instead of less, you’re right. So, what do we do about it?
Common Vulnerabilities and How to Mitigate Them
Increasing security in industrial environments is crucial because it creates a more robust security posture This makes cyber-attacks less successful and detection more rapid.
However, there are vulnerabilities we see in industrial automation systems that have not yet evolved, which are stopping cybersecurity from being put into facilities.
Some common vulnerabilities we see are:
- Outdated operating systems, software, and firmware
- Lack of cybersecurity awareness within the organization and a lack of training on the subject matter
- Little to no authentication controls on company accounts
- Insufficient incident response and recovery plans
Analyzing if these are occurring in your manufacturing facility is the first step to mitigation. If a facility is aware of a vulnerability, it can then develop a plan to update or implement devices or processes that will properly ensure cybersecurity measures are in place.
This is the first step toward reducing cyber threats.
Emerging Technologies & Best Practices in Cybersecurity
The integration of emerging technologies with established best practices is creating a new paradigm in industrial automation landscapes.
Emerging Technologies: AI and Machine Learning
At the forefront of new, emerging technologies are artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. These technologies are offering unprecedented capabilities to detect and even respond to threats – without utilizing an actual human.
Three main capabilities are being implemented into industrial automation spaces to make these immediate responses:
- Anomaly Detection: AI algorithms analyze large amounts of data, identifying unusual patterns that might indicate a security threat.
- Behavioral Analysis: Machine learning models can establish regular behaviors that are the baseline for their users and devices, and then they can flag deviations that look like malicious activity.
- Automated Incident Response: AI-powered systems respond to security incidents in real-time, executing actions to isolate affected systems. This then initiates a recovery process to occur.
These capabilities can vastly increase your security. By implementing them into a facility, daily tasks can still be done without the constant worry of if the system is safe or not.
But how can these be implemented?
There are three steps to take to properly and strategically implement this into a facility, that aligns with individual needs:
- Conduct a Comprehensive Risk Assessment: Before deploying new technologies, understand what cybersecurity measures are currently in place and identify the common vulnerabilities
- Develop a Strategy: Create a cybersecurity roadmap, incorporating AI and machine learning solutions where they can be most beneficial.
- Begin with Pilot Projects: Start to implement AI and machine learning into controlled environments first – this will allow for testing and refinement before they go off to independently operational.
After taking these steps, emerging technology is incorporated into your facility. It is so important to be aware of emerging technology in the industrial space – there is always potential for lack of security or threats, so ensuring measures have been taken for a secure workplace with the newest technology is essential.
Best Practices for Cybersecurity Implementation
Regardless of what technology is employed, there are crucial best practices that remain most effective for cybersecurity in industrial environments.
After evaluating risks, it is clear what measures need to be taken to ensure cybersecurity is prevalent. These differ between facilities because no one facility is the same.
Asset Inventory and Visibility
Maintain a comprehensive inventory of all software assets. You can’t protect what you don’t know you have.
Network Segmentation
Implement proper network segmentation to isolate critical systems and limit the spread of potential threats.
Secure Remote Access
Establish secure remote access protocols to protect against unauthorized entry points.
Regular Patching and Updates
Develop a robust patch management strategy that balances security needs with operational requirements.
Employee Training and Awareness
Regularly train employees on cybersecurity best practices and emerging threats specific to industrial environments.
Tips for Installing Cybersecurity into Your Facility
But, even with taking these measures, there is not going to be a perfect process in place. Many aspects go into creating a fully secure environment. It won’t happen overnight.
When cybersecurity incorporation begins, ensure that it is a phased approach – roll out the measures in stages. If they are rolled out all at once, it can impact operations in a facility.
Additionally, make sure that you have planned downtime for major security updates. This is an essential part of ensuring cybersecurity is installed properly.
Many parts go into this implementation. By properly assessing the environment and utilizing best practices, cybersecurity implementation in the industrial environment will be a breeze – but ensure it is done the right way for maximum efficiency.
The Future of Cybersecurity in Industrial Automation
The world we live in is technologically advanced and many possibilities in industrial automation are now at a facility’s fingertips. This helps to maximize their productivity, creating a world of endless improvements.
According to Matt Pike, “The future is somewhat both exciting and scary to think about.” Though there are positive components to maximize productivity, cyber threats are rapidly evolving. The increasing regulations around cybersecurity indicate this will be a crucial component moving forward.
Matt gives some advice going into the future of cybersecurity: “My best advice is to act now. Initiate conversations and engage with industrial cybersecurity experts to start this critical journey. Their guidance can help navigate the complexities and ensure your organization stays ahead of evolving threats.”
Get Ahead of the Security Curve
The landscape of industrial cybersecurity is complex, continuously evolving, and critical to maintaining a safe and efficient industrial environment. Integrating emerging technologies, like AI and Machine Learning, with best practices, will help build a defense against the increase in cyber threats.
Organizations navigating this confusing terrain should partner with experienced industrial cybersecurity experts can make all the difference. Rockwell Automation’s cybersecurity solutions are a great resource for where to get started. Though they are not the only solution in this sector, they do offer comprehensive solutions tailored to the unique needs of industrial automation systems.
If you are taking advice, and looking to implement cybersecurity into your facility, you can contact HESCO to guide you through every step of your cybersecurity journey, especially Rockwell Automation’s solutions. In an increasingly industrial world, partnering with an expert means peace of mind and a more secure, resilient industrial environment.