Securing automated industrial systems against cyber threats is critical for efficient production and protection. Organizations use network security, regular software updates, monitoring network traffic, access authorization, and cybersecurity training for employees to maintain adequate sensitive data, infrastructure, intellectual property, and equipment security.
Why Industrial Automation Systems Need Improved Cybersecurity
Industrial control and automated systems need cybersecurity to prevent unauthorized access, data manipulation, and system disruptions. As cyber criminals grow more sophisticated, we must understand the risks and how to mitigate them with the best practices. Note that:
- Industrial control systems are the backbone of critical infrastructure
- These systems power the essential operations of a producer
- Systems ensure the seamless functioning of processes to run smoothly
- Integrating systems with digital networks creates vulnerability
- Robust security measures safeguard the company’s vital operations
As an example, Brunswick Corporation suffered $85 million in losses, disrupted operations for 9 days, and compromised data in 2023. Annual losses of $10.5 trillion are estimated annually worldwide in 2025, and $264 billion in ransomware losses alone by 2031. As industrial automation grows, cybersecurity must grow to match the protection companies need.
Cybersecurity In Industrial Automation Systems
Hackers cause many types of problems for American and global industrial enterprises. Strong cybersecurity protection is necessary to combat damaged equipment and data loss.
Damaged Equipment – Hackers can damage devices, equipment, computers, or cause machine inefficiency. These attacks can disrupt production processes by overwhelming the company’s network infrastructure. Modern manufacturing and processing methods are sensitive to timing, which can make them sensitive to disruption attacks.
Data Loss – Cyber criminals can access and steal sensitive company information and industrial process data, such as customer information, financial data, intellectual property, and:
- Network credentials, such as usernames and passwords
- HR records and private documents
- Source codes and algorithms
- Operating methodologies and patents
- International financial accounts
|
“Securing automated industrial systems against cyber threats is critical for their efficient production and protection.” |
Delivery Delays And Financial Losses
Other problems hackers cause are product and service delivery delays and financial losses. They can slow or stop deliveries by damaging products, processing equipment, and production quality. Much of today’s production and delivery activities are automated where things run like clockwork. Technicians and managers lose time and output troubleshooting the problems. In the meantime, warehouses and retail customers are waiting for their products. Supply chains also suffer from all related delivery issues.
Hackers can cause financial losses that total into the millions for one company. They do this through downtime, ransom payments, stealing secrets, and other costs. The losses can be direct or indirect losses and reputational damage. The total cost of cybercrime globally was $8 trillion in 2023 and is projected to reach $10.5 trillion by 2025. In some cases, the financial loss can be so high an organization may declare bankruptcy.
Maintenance Issues and Malware/Ransomware
Unplanned maintenance issues caused by cyber criminals include damaging machinery and equipment and false alarms about maintenance. These issues can lead to lost time and money as technicians and managers scramble to identify the problems.
Once the issues are identified, production technicians must determine if they face a false alarm, repairing equipment, or replacing equipment. If a delay in restoring processing occurs, a new maintenance schedule must be established.
The most common threat to manufacturing and processing facilities is malware, particularly ransomware. Unlawful access is gained through unsecured plant networks. Hackers can connect an IoT device to networks without authentication and create non-encrypted false communication.
Malware can disrupt operations by causing equipment failures, manipulating systems, product quality loss, and compromising the safety of employees and the surrounding community. This hacker trick can also steal sensitive data such as trade secrets, customer data, and intellectual property.
Production Failures And Safety Risks In Cybersecurity In Industrial Automation Systems
Production failures can arise when hackers disrupt or disable industrial control systems, instrumentation, processing or assembly lines, computer networks, or automation. They also employ distributed denial of service attacks that overwhelm network infrastructure and can disrupt production, assembly, and shipping processes. Any type of production failure can be very costly including temporarily stopping work or closing down a plant for an extended period.
Risks to employee health and safety can arise when industrial equipment and processes are illegally breached. Employees and visitors can be injured, or in the worst case, die when accidents occur. These breaches can also cause temporary or long-term environmental and community issues. Pollutants and toxins can be released into the air, water, soil, or become part of products.
You can become part of the growing field of cybersecurity to protect industrial automation systems by earning an Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) Degree in Information Technology from ITI Technical College.
For more information about graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website:https://iticollege.edu/disclosures/
