SECNORA® is a CREST Accredited cyber security focused consulting firm with expertise in Information Security and Governance, Risk, Compliance.
Today, the world is experiencing the fourth industrial revolution with continuous deployment of modern smart technologies such as IoT, cloud computing and robotics to automate traditional manufacturing and industrial processes and practices. This transitional shift to digitization and automation is popularly known as Industry 4.0. It is the new age where the digital world is intertwined with the physical world to make advanced manufacturing possible.
However, as the world is now hyper-connected with smart manufacturing, responsive supply chain, and digitized products/services, it is more vulnerable to cybersecurity threats than ever before. It is a matter of grave concern for digitally connected industries that attackers are looking to exploit data and resources to cause irreparable and irrevocable damage to businesses. Thus, a fully integrated cybersecurity strategy is fundamental to overcoming Industry 4.0 related challenges.
As mentioned, digitisation is at the core of Industry 4.0. Smart factories and supply chain systems use different components like IoT, which in turn, uses IP addresses to connect and communicate. Without robust cybersecurity measures in place, it makes them vulnerable to hackers. This is one of the reasons why the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies hasn’t gained much traction as expected.
In 2009, an incident opened a Pandora’s Box of cybersecurity-related concerns. A malware, known as Stuxnet, was able to manipulate the speed of centrifuges in a nuclear enrichment plant. It led these centrifuges to spin out of control. This sophisticated attack exposed the cybersecurity preparedness and potential damage it can cause to connected industries. The increased connectivity of smart machines means more risk for businesses. Some of the challenges smart factories experience are discussed:
Low firewall or basic antivirus programmes are no more capable of protecting automation system from sophisticated malware attacks. Those industries using such protection are vulnerable and the attacker may easily exploit them, thereby disrupting automation processes and production systems. Therefore, it is necessary to use cybersecurity measures such as Common Internet File System Integrity Monitoring which is an advanced security system. It alerts the user about changes in files and automation.
Today, hackers use advanced mechanisms to develop duplicate versions of firmware that are introduced to IoT systems. The main goal is to develop loopholes in the security system and crash the network. As Industrial IoT may include a large number of devices that have less protection, it is increasingly used to damage the whole factory or industry. To counter this challenge, experts suggest that the IT teams should analyse every firmware and make sure that drivers are updated before using them on the network. Restricting unauthorised access, disabling USB ports are some of the methods to prevent security problems related to firmware.
To make the IIoT network more secure, it is essential to encrypt all information exchange inside and outside the network, even at granular levels. Any entry of malicious data can lead to drastic consequences like less production or shutdown. Thus, smart encryptions and real-time encryption should be encouraged according to production and operation needs.
Industry 4.0 and Industrial IoT consists of major stakeholders like security professionals & experts, manufacturers & solution providers, regulators, Research and Development and Standardisation community. This blog aims to cover cybersecurity challenges and recommendations covering people, processes and technologies related to Industry 4.0.
In Industry 4.0, people involved do not have enough awareness or appropriate amount of information regarding security measures. Those who are experts in deploying new solutions lack knowledge about Operation Technology or Information Technology security best practices. Another important aspect missing at large manufacturing companies is the frequent training modules for employees. Those working with OT equipments need to learn about the security threats and their consequences. It is essential that employees are updated about the important aspects of Industry 4.0 security so that they can implement safety measures while using the same.
Additionally, people in charge of Industry 4.0 adoption and operation need to formulate organisational policies that govern cybersecurity practices at all levels. Right from decision-makers at the top level to the operators, all must be clear with their responsibilities towards preventing potential security breaches. There are professional cybersecurity consultants who can conduct comprehensive Industry 4.0 training for those involved in smart manufacturing. It is highly recommended that companies should be willing to invest in advanced training programmes where all aspects of IT/OT and smart manufacturing are covered concerning cybersecurity.
The industry 4.0 supply chain constitutes of different stakeholders such as manufacturers, providers, developers, vendors, support operators and end-users. Due to the complex nature of the ecosystem, involvement of both digital and physical components and shared ownership of connected solutions, apportioning liability after a security incident is a big challenge. It is thus important to prepare a robust legal framework that can govern the industry. In connection with it, The European Commission has published a Staff Working Document that covers liability issues in IoT and AI. It is a good reference point for industries to incorporate liability issues, legal obligations, procurement language and rights of end-user in a clear and understandable language.
Fragmentation of security technical standards is another challenge that needs to be solved. Whether it is smart manufacturing or Industry 4.0, there is no in-depth or systematic mechanism to address security concerns. Also, the supply chain is a big challenge due to its dynamic and demanding nature in Industry 4.0. Security risks increase due to a large number of people, processes and technologies involved in the supply chain. The introduction of baseline standards would do real good as far as fragmentation is concerned. As for supply chain complexities, risk assessments, using trust models, collaborating with reliable and trusted suppliers and ensuring digital security is of paramount importance.
Interoperability is one of the problems plaguing Industry 4.0 due to the integration of devices, platforms and frameworks to existing systems. It becomes challenging when devices are out of support. Thus, strong security solutions are the answer to ease the integration of such devices with legacy systems. Another challenge in this group is the technical constraints and lack of technical capabilities when it comes to integration with legacy infrastructures. It is recommended that interoperability frameworks should be encouraged to use that have a common security language. For the technical side of things, it is important to combine different solutions that boost flexibility but without compromising security.
Thus, it becomes clear that with the growth of Industry 4.0, the cybersecurity approach should be sophisticated as well. You can always take the help of cybersecurity professionals and experts to face these challenges and implement preventive solutions.
SECNORA® is a CREST Accredited cyber security focused consulting firm with expertise in Information Security and Governance, Risk, Compliance.
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