Why cyberattacks in manufacturing are so common and how to prevent them
Industry 4.0 relies a great deal on IoT-connected devices on the factory floor. In many ways, these devices make smart factories hum along with impressive efficiency. But they also present a risk. With so many potential points of access to computer systems, manufacturers can be particularly appealing victims to hackers. According to Hacker News research, cyberattacks in manufacturing account for more than 20% of hacks on businesses, far exceeding any other industry. In the vast majority of cases, hackers are accessing conventional administrative systems, so what is it about manufacturing that makes the sector such a target?
Nearly all cyberattacks in manufacturing are targeted, meaning hackers are there for a specific reason. Almost half the time, they’re looking for trade secrets and other intellectual property, according to Verizon research. For all the good cobots and other factory automations bring, they can be quite vulnerable to hacking, with product sabotage as a result. Above all, hackers are opportunistic, looking for businesses with weak cybersecurity and exploiting it. Here’s how to guard against cyberattacks in manufacturing.
Inventory of Assets
Determine how many devices on the factory floor and involved in operations are connected to the internet. This is the first step to assessing their vulnerabilities. Know what software assets you have installed and whether they are up to date or have had any issues with hacking. ISAM Group has experts that specialize in improving software asset security and compliance who can help identify potential problems before hackers do. Keep a close eye on IoT devices and where they are stored when not in operational use. A system of checking devices in and out and a policy of not letting them off factory grounds can establish a traceable chain of custody.
Make Backups
Figure out what files and information you cannot do without or would be useful to ransomware hackers, and make copies of them. You absolutely need to have copies of anything that would shut down factory operations for an extended period if it were gone or locked. That includes copies that are kept off-site and even offline so your systems can be restored quickly in the event of a cyberattack. IT staff or contractors need to test the vulnerabilities of your systems and backups routinely. To prevent cyberattacks in manufacturing, you need to think like a hacker, finding weaknesses in your security and patching them up before someone else discovers them.
Implement Safeguards
Whether you’re already running a smart factory or just beginning a digital transformation journey, you need to make sure there are security measures in place. This includes firewalls and multifactor authentication to only allow trusted users access to sensitive data. Depending on how sensitive, you might need to implement zero trust measures and limit access to people who absolutely need the data to do their jobs. You really can never be too careful when it comes to trade secrets or safe factory operations. Cyberattacks in manufacturing can not only threaten your business operations, they can put workers on the floor in danger.
Train Staff
Workers on the floor and in the offices are bound to have varying levels of tech savviness, and sophisticated phishing scams can cause even the savviest to temporarily let their guard down. Train all staff on cybersecurity issues they might encounter in the course of their work, including how to identify suspicious emails and files. If they can recognize threats like these, they can know not to click on potential malware and when to alert IT to hacking attempts. Bad actors are going to try to find a way in, a way to disrupt operations and either steal them or hold them for ransom. Reversing the trend of successful cyberattacks in manufacturing starts with these basic principles.
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