The Industrial Internet of Things, or IIoT, is a network of interconnected devices, sensors, and machines that work together to collect, share, and optimize business data. It integrates physical machines with digital information for companies and professional environments.
While the definition sounds complex, the process is straightforward. For instance, imagine a factory where robots build toys. Each robot has a small computer to guide its motions and share the data with other robots. If one robot notices a problem with low toy parts, it can alert the other robots via a shared connection, enabling a quicker refill of parts to keep production moving.
To apply the example to the real world, a business can function better and run smoother when its machines can share information and data throughout the company. IIoT is quicker than sending a worker running to the other end of a workshop to inform other workers of a potential error. With IIoT, businesses can maintain production and development with automated processes that reduce downtime and optimize performance. It’s like a team of robots that can help each other to ensure everything in a business works perfectly and no time or resources are wasted.
But how can you safeguard an IIoT network against hackers, cyber-attacks, and other risks?
This article discusses IIoT security, how it works, the challenges an IIoT network represents, and how to maximize your system. Keep reading for helpful information to help your business succeed in the world of shared connections, valuable data, and potential digital danger.
What is IIoT Cyber Security?
The Industrial Internet of Things is generally the integration of more smart devices and sensors in the industrial environment for real-time data collection and analysis. Such connected devices will enhance operational efficiency, predictive maintenance, and overall productivity by enabling machines to talk to one another and automate processes. It thus finds major applications in industries dealing with manufacturing, energy, and transportation, where resource optimization and minimum downtime are paramount. The whole system enables better visibility and control of the industrial systems, hence improving their safety and security.
OT is operational technology, a term used to describe physical equipment and devices like machinery and tangible computers. IT is information technology, a term for often-encrypted data and codes shared in real-time between devices. When the two merge, businesses run more efficiently, but it opens the door to cyber-attacks and data leaks.
The main goal of IIoT security is protecting Industrial & manufacturing OT systems from hackers and threats and preventing IT leaks. A secure IIoT framework ensures unauthorized people can’t access equipment, steal data, or disrupt operations, keeping systems safe to protect physical machines and digital networks. No one wants a hacker gaining remote access to a business computer chockful of customer information and company data, which is a fraction of what IIoT security prevents.
Security Concerns for IIoT
Businesses everywhere are adopting IIoT to help operations run smoother while reducing disruption and saving money. However, while IIoT provides solutions to connection and data issues within a business, it can cause new vulnerabilities to emerge.
Some common security concerns for IIoT include:
• Lack of encryption for valuable data: Encryption allows those with authorized rights to access data. A lack of encryption in an IIoT network makes it easier for hackers to steal data, which could lead to identity thefts, financial losses, reputation damage for a business, operational disruptions to supply chains, and legal consequences.
• Dissimilar devices: IIoT networks are more straightforward to connect across similar devices. If devices are too different, IIoT security must be more thorough and tighter to prevent security gaps.
• IT vs. OT differences: Informational technology has always focused on Internet security, but OT systems are a newer addition. This means security must be more complex to fill the gaps that the linking between IT and OT could cause.
• Outdated software. Older systems don’t always get the needed updates, leaving them open to cyber-attacks. Sometimes, outdated software must be updated manually and routinely to achieve a solid IIoT security system.
• Cyber-Physical Systems: Combining physical systems like machines with digital information and software requires extra attention to secure both. Cyber-physical systems have no blanket security, so IIoT security must be manually woven to cover hardware and software simultaneously.
Addressing IIoT security concerns is crucial for safeguarding IIoT networks and ensuring reliability to protect an industrial business. As industries connect more devices with data-sharing technologies, it’s essential to remain vigilant, taking proactive approaches and preventative steps to combat potential threats. Your aim should be maintaining operational integrity; IIoT security is your foundation. Make it solid and impenetrable.
IIoT Challenges
Adopting IIoT systems for your business has various benefits, including optimized processes and operational efficiency, better decision-making with detailed data and real-time information, better productivity, and cost savings through predictive maintenance. However, where there are pros, there are challenges to maintaining ICS security, such as:
• Managing IIoT security becomes more complex as your business grows and you get more devices and information.
• Many older machines and computers weren’t designed with modern technology in mind, making them more vulnerable if businesses refuse to upgrade.
• Industrial businesses need to work quickly and efficiently without disruption. Adding security measures can initially slow processes until machines become accustomed to new technologies.
• All machines in your industrial network must be secure, especially in large businesses with multiple devices. Getting IIoT up and running across an entire system can feel tedious.
• Operational technologies (OT) used to be isolated, but combining them with IT brings them online, increasing the likelihood of cyber-attacks. Implement IT and OT best practices to secure your entire system.
While IIoT challenges can feel daunting, the benefits outweigh the obstacles. IIoT networks streamline your industrial business, allowing you to see your company’s full potential and make new goals toward future success. IIoT can lead to more resilient, successful industrial operations, making overcoming challenges worthwhile.
7 Tips and Tricks to Maximize IIoT
1. Use strong encryption: Scrambling codes protect data and share information between devices. A professional web designer and security guru can help encrypt data and communication across your IIoT system, making storing and sharing information between devices easier without the risk of cyber-attacks.
2. Create secure logins with multifactor authentication: The days of providing a single password are over. To gain access to devices in your IIoT system, authorized users must go through a multi-step verification process. This makes it harder for unauthorized hackers to break in.
3. Install the latest security patches: Keep your IIoT system constantly updated. The latest updates are designed to strengthen weak links in your security. Manually update software for older industrial control systems to make them as strong as newer business devices. Each device should have an equally solid barrier as your first line of defense against digital attacks.
4. Use firewalls and sections between OT and IT networks: If an attacker gains access to your IT system, your OT network architecture should be in a separate, impenetrable zone, protected by firewalls, passcodes, and multi-layer security. Creating a barrier between your network sections makes it less likely that an attacker can take down your entire industrial business in one blow.
5. Get serious about Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS): These are software installations that monitor your IIoT network. You receive urgent alerts for suspicious activities like unusual behavior or unauthorized access. If something weird or remarkable happens, IPS and IDS software reduces the risk of severe industrial damage by taking immediate action.
6. Remain alert and aware of insider threats: Most industrial business owners and managers think of threats as outsider jobs, like remote hackers. However, employees and contractors can pose threats, either intentionally or accidentally. Set up role-based access controls that allow authorized access to sections of IIoT systems. Those with restricted access can only access their authorized sections, and activity is always closely monitored.
7. Craft an Incident Response Plan (IRP): What will you do if there’s a breach of your IIoT network? How will you keep your industrial business safe? An IRP outlines steps to limit damage, get systems back online, and prevent future breaches. Your team should be well-trained and informed. Assign tasks in case of breaches and run through routine tests to ensure everyone knows their role and duties.
Extra Measures to Boost IIoT Security
• Schedule routine audits of IIoT security: Assess your IIoT network for weaknesses or vulnerabilities. Even the most substantial infrastructure can have weak links. Address insecurities immediately.
• Collaborate with others in your industry: Compare notes and outlines without revealing the entire infrastructure of your IIoT security system. Share information about potential threats to help other industrial leaders avoid breach risks.
• Adopt a zero-trust IIoT security network: This approach assumes that no device or user can be immediately trusted, regardless of how often they have accessed the IIoT network. Every user and device must go through a multi-step verification process every time.
• Use a data backup system with recovery procedures: Keep critical information in more than one place in case of a breach. Restoration is crucial to continue industrial operations after a cyber-attack or system failure. Routinely test backups and recoveries to ensure they are updated and functional.
An IIoT network offers significant benefits for industrial operations and businesses, but security risks can be challenging. To protect your business and IIoT system, implement strong IIoT security procedures and protocols. Be proactive in your approach to prevention to reap the rewards of a successful IIoT network and continue to build a bigger, better, more productive industrial business.
