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In manufacturing security, protecting digital assets is now at least as important as protecting physical assets. With that in mind, here is a straightforward guide to working with managed security service providers (MSSPs) along with an overview of key future trends in managed security.
Here are five common threats that need to be addressed by effective manufacturing security.
Manufacturing relies heavily on Industrial IoT (IIoT) devices for automation and real-time monitoring. These devices often lack strong built-in security measures, making them attractive targets for cyberattacks. Vulnerabilities in IIoT devices can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and disruptions in critical operations, potentially halting production lines or corrupting data.
Ransomware attacks can severely impact manufacturing operations by encrypting essential data and demanding ransom payments. Such attacks can disable production lines and critical infrastructure, leading to significant financial losses and extended operational downtime. The inability to access critical manufacturing data can also delay product delivery and damage customer trust.
Manufacturing systems are interconnected with various suppliers and partners, creating multiple potential entry points for cyber attackers. A security breach in a partner’s system can quickly affect the entire supply chain, compromising sensitive data or disrupting production processes. Attackers exploit these connections to gain unauthorized access or inject malicious software.
Many manufacturing facilities continue to use outdated legacy systems that lack contemporary security features. These systems often cannot support modern security protocols or patches, making them particularly vulnerable to cyber threats. Their outdated technology can be exploited to gain unauthorized access or disrupt critical manufacturing operations.
Integrating Operational Technology (OT) with IT systems introduces security risks due to differing security requirements. OT systems, which control physical processes such as machinery, often have less robust security compared to IT systems. This discrepancy can create gaps that cyber threats exploit, potentially leading to operational disruptions or safety incidents.
There are numerous reasons why manufacturers are turning to managed security. Here are just five of the main ones.
Expertise in complex security threats: Manufacturers face sophisticated cyber threats, including ransomware and supply chain attacks. Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) offer specialized expertise and advanced tools to counter these complex threats effectively.
24/7 monitoring and incident response: MSSPs provide continuous monitoring of manufacturing networks and systems. This ensures rapid detection and response to security incidents, minimizing potential disruptions and damage to production lines.
Compliance with industry regulations: Manufacturing industries must adhere to stringent regulatory requirements for data security. MSSPs help ensure compliance with standards such as NIST and ISO, avoiding costly fines and legal issues.
Integration of OT and IT security: Manufacturers need to secure both Operational Technology (OT) and IT environments. MSSPs offer integrated solutions that address the unique security requirements of both domains, reducing vulnerabilities and improving overall protection.
Scalability and resource efficiency: As manufacturing operations grow, so do security needs. MSSPs provide scalable solutions that adapt to changing requirements, allowing manufacturers to efficiently allocate resources and focus on core business activities.
Here is an overview of five key future trends in managed security that are likely to have major relevance to the manufacturing sector.
AI and machine learning will enhance threat detection by analyzing large data sets in real-time. These technologies will identify unusual patterns and potential threats more accurately and quickly than traditional methods. In manufacturing, this means faster identification of anomalies in network traffic and system behavior, leading to quicker mitigation of security breaches.
Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) will become a standard, emphasizing continuous verification of all users and devices. This approach requires authentication and authorization regardless of location, reducing risks from insider threats and compromised credentials. For manufacturing, ZTA ensures that only authorized entities access sensitive systems and data.
Advanced integration of Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) security solutions will address vulnerabilities specific to manufacturing environments. This integration will improve visibility and control across both IT and OT networks, enhancing overall protection and resilience against attacks on industrial control systems and legacy systems.
Automated incident response systems will use AI to handle security incidents with minimal human intervention. These systems will implement predefined response protocols, isolate affected areas, and remediate threats quickly. In manufacturing, this reduces response times and operational disruptions, maintaining production continuity and efficiency.
Blockchain technology will be increasingly used to ensure data integrity in manufacturing. By creating a decentralized and immutable ledger, blockchain will enhance the reliability of data related to production processes, supply chain transactions, and quality control. This will prevent data tampering and fraud, ensuring accurate and trustworthy records.
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