Cybersecurity industry 4.0. Or the smart factory. Because it relies on many technologies, it faces a lot of cybersecurity challenges.
But there are also a lot of best practices to follow. Doing this will ensure that manufacturers are safe from breaches.
So, what are these challenges? And how can they keep these from happening?
Keep on reading to know more.
Cybersecurity Industry 4.0: Challenges
Today, manufacturing is the second-most attacked sector. But even if that is the scene, they still lag on security versus other sectors.
Further, smart factories are also prone to common attacks. Like:
- malware
- vulnerability exploitation
- device hacking
- denial of service (DoS)
But it has an expanded attack surface. Thus, making it harder to secure. As a result, they also face added challenges. Here are some:
- each connected device means added potential risk.
- manufacturing systems having unique weaknesses.
- systems being very complex. So, there is a need to install upgrades piece by piece.
- fewer compliance standards versus other sectors
- poor visibility on separate systems
So, this is why it is harder to secure Industry 4.0. Also, take note of one thing. The battle is unbalanced. Why?
Because manufacturers will need to protect hundreds of techs. Also, there is a very large attack surface. So, there is a chance that an area or two will get overlooked.
But on the other side, attackers only need to worry about one thing. And that is finding out where the weakest link lies.
It seems hard for the other side, right? But there are some best practices to follow.
Cybersecurity Industry 4.0: Best Practices
More and more attacks are rising. And new kinds of cyberthreats are getting harder to rid of. So, cybersecurity is now a full-time task.
How can smart factories do this? Here are some ways:
- Keeping an exact inventory of all operational technology (OT) assets in real-time
- Having a risk-based security mindset
- Finding any outdated systems and fix them. As well as unpatched areas and files that are not secured well
- Keeping on the lookout and spot potential threats. Doing real-time assessments to support this
- Ensuring that tech suppliers do regular security and software patches and audits
- Using the best of IT and OT defense tactics
- Taking a security-first strategy when deploying new connected systems
True, these are only some of the ways to keep attacks from happening. But these can help a lot. Also, finding other ways is crucial.
For one, threat intelligence can be helpful. Further, keeping track of the dark web is also a good idea. Why? Because it can act as an early warning system.
Thus, it can help find out any planned attacks. As a result, smart factories can prepare for the attack.
So, attackers cannot get a chance to use any openings.
Last Words
Yes, smart factories face a lot. But doing the best practices can help them stand strong. And keep hackers at bay.
So, what do you think? Are there other ways to keep safe from attacks? What best practices are you doing?
