Automation cybersecurity refers to the use of automated systems and processes to protect computer networks, programs, and data from cyber threats. Hackers continue to steal information and money from countless individuals and companies. The threat of losing something vital is real, and many people are hard at work trying to stop or slow these people’s efforts.
Cybersecurity attempts to deter cyber attackers’ efforts and safeguard our assets. These attackers are now busy wreaking havoc with automation systems in factories and plants worldwide.
What Is Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity seeks to protect applications, computing devices, financial assets, networks, programs, sensitive data, and systems from digital attacks. The attacks appear in these forms:
- Accessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information
- Extorting money from users with ransomware
- Interrupting normal business processes
Neglecting a company’s cybersecurity can allow its sensitive information and data to be vulnerable to cyber-attacks. These attacks can go so far as to halt business operations or damage a company’s reputation. Today’s customers, automation managers, and IT departments are more aware of cybercrime and expect their data and operations to be protected.
The three major areas of cyber security include network, cloud, and physical. Network security uses multiple layers of defenses in the network and at the edge to block cybercrime. Cloud security is necessary as more companies move toward digital transformation strategies and use cloud-based tools and services. Physical security is designed to protect people, property, and physical assets from actions and events that could lead to damage or loss.
Cybersecurity And Automation
Conventional cybersecurity solutions are ineffective against the huge growth of sophisticated security threats. The FBI reported cybercrime losses of $6.9 billion in 2021 and $10.1 billion in 2022. In the last five years, the FBI has received 3.26 million complaints that total $27.6 billion in U.S. losses. Cybersecurity automation uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to disarm and manage these threats and losses. It uses algorithms, software tools, and advanced electronic systems to automatically detect, access, and respond to security threats.
Automating cybersecurity processes in manufacturing facilities allows them to run faster and more efficiently. This technology lets companies detect and disarm cyber threats before they can disrupt operations. The latest automation cybersecurity helps fight against the most sophisticated cybercriminals that pose threats.
| “Hackers continue to steal information and money from countless individuals and companies.” |
Potential Risks And Threats In Automation
As manufacturers adopt greater levels of technology, automation, and connectivity, a sophisticated cybersecurity strategy is essential. Although these advances create higher productivity and efficiency, they also create new points of vulnerability that include:
- IP theft results in unauthorized use or theft of intellectual property (IP)
- Cyber attacks to steal data and money or disrupt production are frequent
- Human error is caused by not enough security training to combat crime
- Employee abuse comes from employee negligence or theft
- Public clouds are attached by sophisticated hackers from any location
- Network vulnerabilities are exposed to outside cyber thieves.
The top five categories of cyber crimes in 2033 ranked most to least were phishing, data breach, non-payment/non-delivery scams, extortion, and tech support scams. Factories specifically face data poisoning, system manipulation, transfer learning attacks, and robotic programming.
Preventative Measures For Automation Cybersecurity
Fortunately, there are some preventative measures the manufacturing industry can put into action to reduce or eliminate cyber crimes including:
- Prioritize Risks by identifying vulnerabilities and ranking them based on overall risk
- Use strong encryption to defeat attempts to monitor networks
- Add an incident management plan for actions related to high-priority risks
- Beef up cybersecurity automation to use more real-time network monitoring
- Upgrade, implement, and train employees to use higher-level security policies
- Implement an intrusion prevention system (IPS) to monitor networks for malicious activities and take corrective actions
Manufacturing is so competitive today that companies must research security measures so that hackers will not move them out of their ranking in the global marketplace. Generally, the best results are obtained by working with a security consulting firm that specializes in your industry.
The Future Of Cybersecurity In Automation
The manufacturing industry is experiencing cyber risks and threats at unprecedented levels. Evolving technologies and their vulnerabilities open factories to sophisticated and severe attacks. Companies must make cybersecurity a top priority to safeguard their operations.
If you want a career in automation and electronic systems technology or to upgrade some skills in your current job, enroll in a qualified training program. Employers are seeking qualified workers in virtually all states. Contact ITI Technical College today for more information.
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