Cybersecurity Strategies for Industrial Automation Systems

Summary

Although the evolution of automation systems is proving immensely beneficial across different industries, as solutions evolve, so do risks.

Industrial automation systems–such as those supporting food production, automotive build and design, and gas and oil refineries–are prime cyberattack targets. Cybercrime doesn’t just put revenue and reputation at stake, but also the needs and safety of consumers.

In this article, we consider the growing importance of cybersecurity in industrial automation, the preventive steps experts recommend, and what future challenges for automation in the industry might look like.

The importance of cybersecurity

Industrial automation networks have never been more complex. Thanks to the rise of interconnectivity and the Industrial Internet of Things (or IIoT), companies can now freely delegate complex tasks to machinery that improve the end products they produce and sell.
 
However, human oversight will always be needed. A "hands off" approach to industrial automation is reckless–neglecting these complex networks could lead hackers to bring large-scale operations to their knees in a matter of hours.
 
For example, a gas refinery or water supply firm reliant on automated checks and measures could leave consumers without power or resources if it falls prey to a cyberattack.
 
Firms that fail to address cybersecurity needs are doomed to repeat the mistakes of Iran’s nuclear program, brought down by the infamous Stuxnet attacks of the early 2010s. Stuxnet was the first "digital weapon" of its kind–malware, at its core, but one of the first to demonstrate the terrifying potential poor cybersecurity could have on large-scale and critical services.
 
The biggest mistake facing industrial automation users today is believing their systems can be “set to leave.” As with traditional networking (and even home computers), the need to maintain cybersecurity against evolving threats will always exist.
 
In the world of industrial automation, however, prevention and protection extend beyond simple malware scanning and quarantine. To truly protect themselves against the potential for mass havoc, companies must start planning ahead, working with cybersecurity experts to set up elaborate walls of defense.

Cybersecurity strategies

It’s wise to look at cybersecurity strategies for industrial automation with an eye on customization. After all, the needs of one firm will likely differ from those of the next.
 
However, companies can use a few “evergreen” strategies to better prepare themselves against hidden threats.

Update hardware separately. To start, it’s wise to secure networked machinery and devices separately. This might be as simple as ensuring devices connected are regularly updated with the latest firmware, and that devices installed are the latest verified editions. This should become part of a regular security audit.

Run audits with experts. Security audits should go deeper than simply scanning for known malware and typical hacking strategies.

Industrial firms must work closely with cybersecurity experts. They should ensure vulnerability scanning of all hardware, software and connections, implement multi-factor authentication, and apply high-level access control to each device. Essentially, no gap in the armor must be left unprotected.

Focus on data flows. Cybersecurity experts also recommend protecting unseen activity–that is, data flows between devices in complex networks, such as in production and assembly chains.

Segmenting networks and devices can safeguard data flows, making it harder for attackers to reap mass chaos across a complete operation. For example, microsegmentation could prevent a power station from shutting down because malware is contained in one or two segments instead of spreading companywide.

Harness the power of AI. Artificial intelligence (AI) is also helping companies learn more about protecting themselves against evolving risks. Through machine learning (ML), defense systems build up knowledge of what constitutes an attack, taking action to quarantine or eliminate problems before they cause harm.

This means firms always have an automated line of defense that continues to evolve along with threats.
 
Ultimately, companies need to embrace advanced cybersecurity if they wish to continue using automation systems. The above solutions are just a taste of what’s possible–and many more will arise in the years ahead.

Key cybersecurity challenges

Several major challenges have arisen for companies using automated processes over the past few years.

These include, but are not limited to:

• Vulnerabilities in integrated technologies: Industrial technology that sends and receives data flow via traditional WiFi and smart sensors, for example, is at risk of developing vulnerabilities hackers can easily exploit.
• Edge computing risks: Edge computing, where physical data is stored close to the end user or company, offers hackers a large repository they can break into and steal from.
• Outdated systems: Some companies continue to use legacy systems and services to manage newer, automated devices and processes. The older the system, the less likely it is to be supported by newer technology and receptive to security patches and upgrades.
• Training and knowledge gaps: As mentioned, automated systems still rely on some human oversight. Without a team well-versed in cybersecurity basics and preventive strategies, even the most advanced networks fall prey to hacking.
• Malware complexity: Without regular auditing and regularly updating systems and security measures, companies risk falling victim to malware that’s too advanced for their protection.

Case studies

When considering a new approach to cybersecurity for industrial automation, it pays to look into genuine success stories.
 
Rockwell Automation, for example, reports that its work with a natural gas storage firm involved building a complex yet comprehensive asset inventorying system.
 
The automation firm designed a smart threat detection system to protect all assets connected to the gas company’s internal network. In months, this system helped improve security clarity and threat response times.
 
Ultimately, the best way to prepare automation tech against malware threats is to partner with a dedicated cybersecurity expert as your frontline of defense and recovery.

Conclusion

Industrial automation is making life easier for millions of people. That protection is possible if the company has an airtight cybersecurity plan that is regularly audited and managed by a reputable expert.
 
Otherwise, it’s not just the firm’s bottom line that suffers–it’s end users and consumers, too. Malware and hacking will always evolve–which is why it pays to stay ten steps ahead.