Your team relies on a network of IoT devices to monitor equipment, streamline operations, and optimize your production schedules in real time. If you are an operations manager overseeing a busy production floor, everything may seem to be running smoothly. Then, one day, you receive an alarming notification: several of your IoT devices have been compromised by a cyber attack.
Securing connected devices has never been more important. This scenario is entirely possible and happens more often than you think. Cyber attacks can cause a lot of damage as they can bring work to a halt, sensitive data is exposed and critical systems can be sabotaged or manipulated. The benefits of IoT technology could easily be overshadowed by the effects of cybersecurity breaches.
What Is IoT?
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of interconnected devices that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies that enable them to exchange and collect data over the internet. These devices can range from specialized equipment used in industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation to smartphones and wearable devices.
IoT enables the creation of smart environments where devices can communicate, analyze data, and autonomously perform tasks by seamlessly integrating physical objects with digital systems. The interconnectedness improves efficiency, productivity, and decision-making by facilitating real-time monitoring, remote control, and data-driven insights.
The Types of Connected Devices in Manufacturing and IoT
Sensor Monitoring
The backbone of manufacturing IoT are sensors as they provide real-time data on humidity, pressure, temperature and more. Sensors allow manufacturers to detect anomalies, optimize processes, and ensure product quality with a sensor’s continuous monitoring.
Actuators and Automation
An actuator helps manufacturers automate repetitive tasks, improve procession, and streamline a production’s workflow. The actuators do this by translating electrical signals into physical actions like adjusting process parameters or controlling machinery.
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
The brains of industrial automation are the PLCs, they execute predefined logic based on programmed instructions. PLCs facilitate real-time control, monitoring and enable seamless coordination of manufacturing processes. They achieve this by interfacing with actuators and other devices.
RFID Tagging
Need to track and trace products, components, and materials throughout the production lifestyle? Then you’ll need RFID tags. They play a vital role in supply chain management. With this technology, you can enhance product visibility, streamline logistics operations, and improve your inventory management.
Smart Devices
Manufacturers can optimize resource utilization, ensure worker safety, and enhance asset performance by harnessing the data generated by smart devices. Smart devices can range from cameras to meters to wearables. They bring connectivity and intelligence to your manufacturing floor.
The Significance of Securing Connected Devices
The integration of IoT technology has ushered in a new era of efficiency and connectivity in the manufacturing industry. From actuators to sensors and programmable logic controllers and smart devices, this diverse array of internet-connected devices plays an important role in modern manufacturing. That is why securing connected devices should always be a top priority.
Here are four primary reasons securing connected devices in manufacturing is critical:
- IoT’s interconnected nature increases the attack surface for cyber threats. This includes unauthorized access, malware and ransomware.
- A breach in the manufacturing environment can lead to production disruptions, data theft or sabotage, resulting in financial losses and reputational damage.
- Many IoT devices are vulnerable to exploitation due to the lack of robust security features. Outdated firmware, insufficient encryption, and weak passwords can expose these devices to cyberattacks.
- Ensuring meeting compliance with regulations and mandates is essential.
Reducing Risks with Strong Security Measures
It is vital to implement robust security measures across your entire ecosystem of connected devices. To mitigate security risks for your manufacturing business you’ll need to:
- Data encryption: When your organization has implemented data encryption, you’ll ensure that data transmitted between two or more devices remains secure and confidential. This protects sensitive information from being intercepted by unauthorized parties.
- Authentication mechanisms: Another way to prevent unauthorized access to IoT networks is by enabling authentication methods. Multi-factor or biometric authentication verifies the identity of users and devices. This prevents unauthorized access to IoT data and devices. These authentication mechanisms are an additional layer of security beyond PINs or passwords.
- Access controls: It is imperative to implement access controls by restricting access to sensitive resources based on user roles and privileges. Your organization will be able to maintain control over device access and usage while preventing unauthorized users from accessing any critical data or systems.
- Regular security audits: To identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in your IoT infrastructure your company should conduct regular security audits. This will allow you to address potential risks before they can be exploited by malicious actors. These audits will enable you to identify security gaps and vulnerabilities in your organization to stay ahead of any potential threats.
- Firmware updates: To ensure known vulnerabilities are patched and security features are up-to-date it is vital to regularly update all device’s firmware as soon as possible. When firmware is up-to-date it reduces the risk of exploitation by cyber criminals, addresses weaknesses in software and enhances the overall security posture of your IoT devices and infrastructure.
- Employee training programs: Raise awareness about security risks and build a culture of security awareness within your organization by providing comprehensive training programs. In these training sessions, your employees should be brought up to speed with best practices for IoT security, which empowers them to recognize and respond to security threats. Employees can be the first line of defense against attacks.
When your manufacturing company implements these robust security measures you’ll effectively mitigate security risks while enhancing the resilience of your manufacturing and IoT infrastructure against potential security threats.
Start Securing Connected Devices for Your Manufacturing Business
Here at ATC, we know how intimidating cyber threats can be, even in manufacturing. We want to help your organization create a plan to protect your data, assets and people from cybercrime. Book a meeting with our IT and cybersecurity consultants today for advice on securing connected devices.
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