Article:

Securing manufacturing processes with technology: the good, the bad and the ugly

12 May 2022

Rotem Bar, Senior ICS/OT Devision manager, BDO Israel |

Introduction

The manufacturing industry has been one of the most innovative in the past decade. The use of technology has helped manufacturers introduce more efficient and safer ways to produce goods. However, with this innovation comes new threats to the security of the manufacturing process.

Manufacturers are increasingly being more vulnerable to cyberattacks. These attacks can range from industrial espionage, data theft, sabotage, and physical damage to production facilities. It is important for manufacturers to understand these threats and take measures to protect themselves from them before they become a problem.
 

The Good

The good news is that the best practices in manufacturing security are not difficult to implement. The key is to keep up with the latest developments in cybersecurity and implement the following three best practices today:

1) Identify the networks, connections, and external support.

2) Train your employees to work with a security focus.

3) Implement policies and procedures to support the day-to-day work.
 

The Bad

In the past decade, there has been a significant increase in cybersecurity breaches. This is due to the use of new technologies and more digitalized information. These factors have led to a higher risk of data being stolen or manipulated.

Companies should be aware of how they are handling their data and make sure that they are investing in security features for their systems. They should also educate employees on how to protect themselves from cyberattacks.
 

The Ugly

Cyberattacks on manufacturing plants can cause a lot of damage. So far, we have seen ransomware and cryptocurrency mining malware that target the industrial sector. But there are worst-case scenarios to consider, such as the destruction of equipment, the production process itself being interrupted, and even physical harm to people.

A cyberattack could be devastating to a company if it is not prepared for one. Therefore, it is important for manufacturers to take precautions in order to keep their data safe and prevent any potential attacks from happening in the future.

Want to learn more about it and receive additional info? Contact me: RotemBa@bdo.co.il