The manufacturing sector is increasingly under threat from cyberattacks, with attackers targeting OT environments, industrial control systems, and supply chains. In fact, manufacturing was the most targeted sector globally in 2023, accounting for 25% of all incidents [1] . Italy is no exception, with local manufacturers facing similar challenges.
Given the sector’s critical importance, it’s essential for manufacturers to understand and implement robust cybersecurity measures. In this article, we’ll explore several crucial strategies to strengthen your cybersecurity posture, including the integration of IT and OT security, securing IIoT deployments, and ensuring supply chain resilience.
Bridging the Gap Between IT and OT Security
In 2023, 62% of Italian manufacturing companies reported cyberattacks on their integrated IT-OT systems with ransomware and Advanced Persistent Threats causing significant disruptions. To stay ahead of these risks, it is crucial to adopt a risk-based approach to security, addressing vulnerabilities at their root before they can be exploited.
A detailed assessment of your security posture across both IT and OT domains is an essential first step. By aligning with industry standards such as ISO 27001 and IEC 62443, companies can create a detailed roadmap for securing sensitive industrial environments. This evaluation identifies potential gaps and sets the foundation for long-term cybersecurity improvements.
Securing Operational Technology in Manufacturing
Securing OT systems goes beyond identifying risks – protecting critical processes like ICS, SCADA networks, and inventory management systems is a far more complex challenge. As cybercriminals become more sophisticated, they are able to move laterally within networks at unprecedented speeds. According to Secureworks, the time taken for attackers to move laterally has decreased from 4.5 days in 2022 to just 24 hours in 2023.
This rapid escalation makes it critical to detect threats in real-time and prevent disruptions before they occur. Some best practices include:
● Vulnerability Assessment: Regularly assess the security of your OT systems to ensure outdated software or misconfigurations don’t become entry points for attackers.
● Network Traffic Monitoring: Use real-time traffic analysis and anomaly detection to spot unauthorized access attempts, safeguarding your critical processes from interruption.
● Integrated IT and OT Monitoring: A unified monitoring strategy across IT and OT domains provides better visibility into your environment, streamlining your ability to respond to incidents efficiently.
Securing IIoT in Smart Plants
Next, we turn to a significant challenge. While the rise of the Industrial Internet of Things has revolutionized the manufacturing sector, it has also introduced new cybersecurity challenges. With the rapid adoption of smart sensors, AI-driven analytics, and edge computing, manufacturers now have unprecedented control and insight into their production lines. However, the growing network of interconnected devices significantly expands the attack surface increasing the risk of cyberattacks.
By 2025, the IIoT market is expected to grow to $110.6 billion [2], and it’s crucial to ensure these systems are secured as they scale. One effective strategy is to establish strict security protocols during the onboarding and management of new IIoT devices. This approach helps prevent unauthorized access and ensures compliance with industry standards.
Additionally, proactively monitoring DNS traffic from IIoT devices devices is essential for detecting suspicious activities. This vigilance allows organizations to catch potential threats early, thereby preventing breaches from escalating. Moreover, continuous, real-time monitoring of the IIoT environment is critical for maintaining operational security. This ongoing surveillance ensures quick detection and response to any emerging threats, safeguarding the integrity of manufacturing processes as the IIoT landscape evolves.
Supply Chain Cybersecurity in Manufacturing
As we navigate the complexities of modern manufacturing, it’s crucial to recognize the growing vulnerabilities within digital supply chains. With processes becoming increasingly interconnected, manufacturers face a heightened risk of cyberattacks that can disrupt not only their own operations but also those of their partners and suppliers. According to a Gartner analysis, supply chain attacks are rapidly increasing, with 63% of respondents reporting that their organization experienced such an attack within the past year [3].
To become the safest link in your supply chain, manufacturers need to focus on several key areas:
● Build Strong Policies for Vendors: Establish and maintain security policies for third-party vendors, including data protection standards and role-based access controls, to minimize vulnerabilities.
● Monitor Security Continuously: Leverage SIEM systems or MDR tools to continuously review security logs and respond to anomalies quickly.
● Leverage Threat Intelligence: Use threat intelligence to stay informed about emerging risks in your sector, enhancing your ability to proactively address potential vulnerabilities before they become issues.
Cybersecurity as a Business Priority
The manufacturing sector is at a pivotal moment. With cyberattacks growing in both sophistication and frequency, manufacturers must make cybersecurity a top priority to protect their operations, intellectual property, and supply chains. A comprehensive approach, encompassing the security of IT and OT systems, managing IIoT deployments, and enhancing supply chain resilience, is crucial to maintaining operational continuity in today’s increasingly connected environment.
Depending on the security strategies selected, as well as the business’s maturity, sensitivity, and the size of its security team, different combinations of technologies and services may be required to mitigate the most critical risks. Tailoring these solutions to your unique needs can help develop a clear roadmap to safeguard your systems and ensure long-term business resilience against the rising tide of cyber threats.
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[1] Distribution of cyberattacks across worldwide industries in 2023, Statista
