The evolution of the Industrial Revolution, from mechanization in the 18th century to today’s Industry 4.0, has brought about significant advancements in technology and productivity. Industry 4.0 is characterized by connected factories and cyber-physical systems leveraging the industrial Internet of things (IIoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and big data to optimize processes in real time and enable innovations like predictive maintenance and remote management. However, this increased connectivity and complexity also heightens the risk of cyberattacks, which can jeopardize data integrity, system availability, and safety, potentially causing severe disruptions to industrial operations and compromising personal safety.
Cybersecurity Operational Issues
Legacy IT Systems and Interoperability
Many industrial organizations rely on IT systems that are obsolete or incompatible with new sensors or new communication standards. These legacy systems can also create security vulnerabilities, performance issues, and maintenance difficulties. To overcome these obstacles, companies must focus on deploying interoperable systems. These modifications can result in significant additional costs, take time, and require certain technical expertise. To ensure a smooth transition, businesses must audit their systems and analyze security gaps created by new technologies to avoid a disruption to operations and a compromise of security.
Cost of expense
Adopting new and disruptive technologies can be both expensive and challenging, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with limited budgets and cybersecurity resources. These companies need to allocate funds for hardware, software, infrastructure, cybersecurity awareness training, and consulting services. Additionally, they may face potential revenue losses during the transition. They need to balance the immediate expenses of digital transformation with the long-term benefits of having a cybersecurity plan in place.
Skills gap and employee training
Industry 4.0 requires new skills from teams: data analysis, programming, digital culture, problem solving, and creativity. Unfortunately, industry employees are poorly prepared for these practices, and they must train to adapt to changes in their professional environment. Companies must offer learning and continuing-education programs to their employees, while recruiting and retaining new talent with the necessary qualifications and experience.
By managing these operational risks, companies will be able to gain efficiency and produce long-term value by harnessing the full power of Industry 4.0.
Cyberattacks in the age of Industry 4.0
The ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline
The ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline, operator of the largest fuel pipeline in the United States, shut down gasoline and jet fuel supplies to millions of customers across the East Coast in May 2021. This attack was launched by a cybercriminal group called DarkSide. The group used malware to encrypt data on the company’s computer systems before demanding a ransom in exchange for the decryption key. Following this attack, the company had no choice but to shut down its entire network of more than 8,500 km of pipeline for six days. This shutdown alone led to an explosion in fuel prices, a storming of gas stations and shortages in seventeen states. The company reported paying the hackers a ransom of 75 bitcoins, or approximately 4.4 million USD, part of which was recovered by the FBI. This incident showed how vulnerable critical infrastructure is to cyberattacks, as well as the potential consequences for the economy and public safety.
Applied Materials
In February 2023, Applied Materials, one of the largest semiconductor manufacturers in the world, announced in its second quarter commercial report that it will face a loss of 250 million dollars after a cyberattack affecting its chain of production. This attack highlights the interdependence of players in the global semiconductor supply chain, as well as the urgency of implementing enhanced cybersecurity measures across the sector, particularly for managing risks related to third parties.
The human factor in cybersecurity
To secure cyber-industrial systems, it is not enough to deploy new technologies; we must also take care of the critical human factor. If employees are not properly trained, they can unknowingly become catalysts for vulnerabilities within the critical infrastructure where they work. Training must cover the full range of cybersecurity best practices, protocols, and response strategies to effectively prevent and protect against cyber threats.
Any business that uses digital technology is a candidate for an attack
It has never been more important to prioritize your company’s cybersecurity. A risk assessment is essential for your business to determine your specific strengths, weaknesses, and needs in terms of cybersecurity. An assessment will help you understand what hackers will target and how they will try to infiltrate your company.
Our cybersecurity experts are ready to assist and support your organization build your cybersecurity plan: Contact us.