As an industrial manufacturer, the goods and services you provide are critical in multiple ways and serve as a major aspect of everyday life for many people. If your facility shuts down from a cyberattack, it has implications that impact your bottom line, reputation, and, in some cases, the public.

Cybersecurity requires a unique approach with many nuances that can be easily overlooked, leaving a gap that a threat actor could exploit. In this post, we will discuss some key concepts and best practices for industrial manufacturing cybersecurity.

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Understanding the Threat Landscape

Before we dive into best practices, it's important to understand the various types of cyber threats targeting manufacturers. Here are some common ones:

Malware

Malware is a type of software that is designed to harm or exploit a computer system, network, or device. It can be used to steal data, damage systems, or gain unauthorized access to industrial control systems.

Phishing

We’ve all received those suspicious emails asking us to click a link, download a file, or provide financial information. Phishing is a type of attack where deception is used to trick you into giving them sensitive information.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that locks your files and demands a payment in exchange for the key. This type of attack can be especially damaging for industrial manufacturers since it has the capability to disrupt production and bring it to a halt.

Insider threats

Insider threats come from inside an organization, such as employees, contractors, or other trusted individuals who have access to your systems. Insider threats can be both intentional and unintentional acts.

Best Practices to Boost Industrial Manufacturing Cybersecurity

Now that you have more of an understanding of what threats can look like, let’s look at some best practices to prevent these attacks.

Conduct Regular Risk Assessments

One way threat actors gain access to your systems is by finding vulnerabilities in your industrial control systems. Risk assessments are essential to finding these vulnerabilities and threats so you can address them. Frequent risk assessments can help you stay ahead and make sure your security measures are up to date.

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Use Secure Networks

Your systems should be isolated from the enterprise business networks to boost security. Any networks used within your organization should be segmented and secured using firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and other security measures.

Implement Strong Access Controls

Knowing who has access to your systems and ensuring they have a secure way to access them is critical to cybersecurity. Two-factor authentication, biometric identification, and other security measures such as role-based access ensure that only the authorized people have access.

Train Employees

Properly trained employees are a strong way to ensure your systems are secure and stay that way. Conduct regular trainings, or partner with experts like Rexel and Rockwell Automation to make sure everyone understands how to prevent unauthorized access to your critical systems.

Regularly Update and Patch Systems

In the same way that technology continues to evolve, so do the tactics of threat actors. By updating and patching your systems, you can address known vulnerabilities and reduce the risk of cyberattacks. These should be performed on a regular schedule to make sure you’re always up to date.

We Can Help

From network design and assessments to security posture surveys, our team of experts has the tools to help you reduce the risk of successful cyberattacks and keep critical systems secure. Contact us today to get started.

Industrial Manufacturing Cybersecurity 101