The threat of cyberattacks is escalating at a terrifying rate. A staggering 84% of businesses surveyed experienced at least one successful cybersecurity incident in 2023, a significant jump from 60% in 2022.1 90% of those surveyed ranked operational technology (OT) cybersecurity risk to be moderate to severe, and 79% of IT professionals believe an attack is likely to come in the next year.2
An increasing number of devices in manufacturing are directly on networks thanks to the widespread adoptions of industrial IoT. When visiting manufacturing facilities, we see departments other than IT have purchased devices that end up on the network and aren’t properly protected. Unfortunately, this can mean more avenues of attack for hackers who want to steal your data and hamper your ability to operate in exchange for a hefty ransom.
So what’s to be done? You could assume that if you find a solid insurance plan, you’ll be protected, but as attacks increase, insurance providers have become more stringent with their requirements. 84% of organizations reported difficulties finding or qualifying for coverage, and 43% have attributed it to their cybersecurity setup.3 A more proactive and robust approach to cybersecurity is now a necessity.
Knowing Is Half the Battle!
I’ve encountered a surprising number of factories that have devices on the network that IT is completely unaware of. In one instance, we even discovered an unknown cellular gateway operating without any oversight or security measures. The first step in ensuring there are no holes in your security is gaining a complete understanding of what’s on your network.
Addressing this challenge may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Connection’s Manufacturing OT Cybersecurity Assessment provides a thorough evaluation of your current network environment. This is usually done by first remotely reviewing your OT/IT Environment, what work needs to be done, and how it should be bounded. We’ll also look at your cybersecurity needs, objectives, and any other concerns you might have.
After the remote review, we’ll come onsite and deploy specialized devices to your network to scan for all connected devices and their communication patterns. This is typically done passively, so your operation will not be affected in any way. By running the software, we’ll gain a complete inventory of your network assets, including their location, communication flows, and potential vulnerabilities. While we are onsite, we will physically tour your facility to gain a better understanding of the operational context of your devices.
Actionable Insights Will Be Yours
Upon completion of the scan, we will deliver a comprehensive report detailing our findings. This report will include a complete inventory of all network devices and components, classified by location, type, and other relevant parameters. A detailed network map will visualize all devices and their communication pathways. Each device will be assigned a risk score, along with clear justifications for the assigned rating. Based on the risk assessments, we will provide specific recommendations to enhance your network security. This may include device reconfiguration, software updates, hardware upgrades, and architectural modifications to your network. This report will serve as a roadmap for implementing a robust security posture, enabling you to proactively address vulnerabilities and fortify your critical infrastructure.
You Deserve the Best
The increasing complexity and connectivity of modern manufacturing environments has led to numerous vulnerabilities in OT cybersecurity. The bad news is that bad actors have caught on to this fact and have begun targeting operational technology, but the good news is that there are now ways you can address it so that you are protected. If you’re concerned about your cybersecurity, engage our Manufacturing Practice at Connection today. We’ll be happy to come visit your site and conduct a free inspection of your network so that you can know you have the best protection available.
James Rust
James Rust is an Industry Solutions Specialist at Connection, working to assist with sales and client engagements when communicating the Manufacturing Practice’s value propositions, capabilities, practical use cases, and business outcomes that align with our portfolio of technology solutions. Prior to Connection, James got his start working in a manufacturing shipping department. His career advanced in various industries, including food and beverage, oil and gas supply, machine shop, and pharmaceutical. James offers experience in maintenance management, ERP systems, going paperless, and improving factory floor and office processes.
