
<p>Cyber security is an increasing concern for businesses. The world has become digital, with many devices connected to the internet, making security breaches a real threat. While cyber security is often seen as an IT issue, it can also have major implications for manufacturing businesses.</p>



<p>Industrial control systems are vulnerable to cyber threats. They must thus have cybersecurity measures. Cybersecurity helps industrial protection by identifying threats. It also prevents them from harming industrial systems. Cyberattacks come in a variety of forms, including;</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Hacking. This is breaking into another person&#8217;s computer system and stealing sensitive information. It can also include deleting files or corrupting them.</li></ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Spamming. Spamming is sending emails to people who don&#8217;t want them. There are laws about spamming, so it’s important for businesses to know what they can and can&#8217;t do with their email lists.</li></ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li><a href="https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/tips/ST04-015">Denial-of-service attacks</a>. DoS attacks occur when someone tries to prevent legitimate users from accessing a service. This is by making many requests and flooding the server with traffic until it crashes or shuts down.</li></ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Ransomware attacks. This type of malware encrypts all your files, which means you won&#8217;t be able to access them until you pay the ransom fee.</li></ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Phishing attacks. These are email messages that appear to be from a trusted source. But, they contain links to malicious websites and files that can download viruses or spyware onto your computer.</li></ul>



<p>As more attacks occur, industrial firms realize that they must invest in cybersecurity. Using an <a href="https://www.industrialdefender.com/ot-cybersecurity-the-ultimate-guide/">OT cybersecurity</a>, industries can protect their physcial assets from cyber attacks.. Here&#8217;s how cybersecurity can improve industrial protection:</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Encryption of Data</h2>



<p>Encryption of data is a method to ensure the confidentiality of information. It converts data into a form that only authorized parties, called “key” holders, can understand. Encryption has become an essential tool for protecting industrial infrastructure from cyberattacks. For example, a factory uses 3D printing technology to produce spare parts for its machines or equipment. The design specifications could be encrypted and sent over the internet to a supplier in China. Only those approved will have access to them.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Multi-factor Authentication Solutions</h2>



<p>Multi-factor authentication solutions like biometrics can help prevent unauthorized access to systems. This type of OT security ensures that only authorized users can access sensitive information. It requires more than a username and password combination for someone to log in. Suppose a hacker tries to gain access using stolen credentials. The multi-factor authentication solution will block them from gaining access. They should provide more proof that they’re authorized to do so, e.g., via fingerprint scan.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Role-based Access Control</h2>



<p>Role-based access control (RBAC) is another way cybersecurity can improve industrial protection. RBAC allows organizations to control who has access to sensitive information and what they can do with it. This helps prevent accidental or intentional violations of regulations and policies. This could lead to serious consequences like fines and penalties.</p>



<p>This OT security can also help prevent cyberattacks by limiting employees&#8217; access to certain systems or functions. By restricting access, organizations decrease the risk of unauthorized users gaining access. This prevents causing damage or disruption through hacking or malware infection.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Network Segmentation</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/fmGp6Fa-shTt-V2HhWLBdxeQ8TzGHYwHiF4mQcvf8f4zYaxJYUvsPV3_zbjh-FhjbQPyqitbWCmt4cCw0_D05Bk16VOuGRe_s4Wuo2Q5i9Gd7_gTNpQa_W3uUAkZp39trckBBNazd31jMzJMLg" alt=""/></figure>



<p>Source: <a href="https://pixabay.com/illustrations/earth-network-blockchain-globe-3537401/">Pixabay</a></p>



<p>Network segmentation is one of the most important cybersecurity measures. It&#8217;s critical in defending against attacks on industrial control systems. Segmenting networks into many layers can reduce the risk of a successful attack. This is done by ensuring that only authorized users have access to certain areas of the network. For example, an attacker might try to access a system or network by exploiting a vulnerability in an application or operating system. By segmenting those elements and isolating them from other parts of the network where sensitive data is stored, you can reduce the risk of compromise.</p>



<p>Network segmentation also helps prevent malware from spreading throughout your organization. If malware does manage to infect one part of your network, it won’t be able to spread further. The reason is that it has no access to other parts of your organization’s infrastructure and resources.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Access Control Lists</h2>



<p>This is one of the most basic operating technology measures to protect industrial systems from <a href="https://www.egnyte.com/guides/governance/unauthorized-access#:~:text=Unauthorized%20access%20is%20when%20a,policy%20is%20considered%20unauthorized%20access.">unauthorized access</a>. IT personnel should maintain access control lists. These lists should include all authorized users who have access to the system and their level of access. These lists should also include all unauthorized users who are not allowed access to the system. You should update your list as per user access levels or changes in new user profiles as a company.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Security Monitoring Solutions</h2>



<p>Industrial control systems security (ICS) software and hardware products made for controlling industrial processes often have very good detection abilities. These abilities can look for unusual activity on your networks and tell you if something looks suspicious or unusual. It helps keep hackers from getting into your computer, taking important data, or causing problems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Comprehensive Reporting Solutions</h2>



<p>This reporting is very important for many businesses. It lets them look for patterns in their network traffic to find vulnerable places where their defenses might be. They can then work on making their processes better. The reports also allow businesses to check their security systems against industry best practices and make changes if they need to.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Advanced Detection Solutions</h2>



<p>The first line of defense is prevention. But once an attack has occurred, it&#8217;s important to detect it early so you can stop it before it does too much damage. OT security venture can track your network traffic. They identify suspicious activity as soon as it occurs.</p>



<p>These solutions use algorithms to analyze network traffic patterns. They identify threats based on their unique signatures. They&#8217;ll also alert you when someone tries to access an unauthorized device or location on your networks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Finally</h2>



<p>As the industrial sector is expanding and becoming more sophisticated, so are attacks on industrial systems. Cybersecurity solutions are emerging to protect industrial control systems and communications networks. The design of the systems is also changing, particularly in minimizing single points of failure. Industries need to work with an OT security company to achieve real protection. They need to understand that these systems represent a completely different mindset. They have a new way of thinking about security. ;</p>

How Does Cybersecurity Improve Industrial Protection?
