As the industrial scene is getting more and more interconnected, it attracts new risks. More diverse devices, more systems, and more connections mean you need broad base protection. For hackers, there is a need for more vulnerable points to identify and breach in your system. Therefore IIoT [industrial Internet of Things] needs to be considered seriously.
There were no concerns about cybersecurity when IoT devices were first launched. Over time, the IoT devices got improved and integrated as advanced networking and computing technology. Today, online security breaches for industries can be avoided with managing security at two levels.
- Horizontal security – Develop and agree on connectivity and application of security policies across domains with customers and partners.
- Vertical security – Build each domain using reliable software and hardware. Whenever necessary trust is attached to hardware.
Establish a layered approach for IIoT
Security measures need to be conducted on all levels, which is a great defense solution for IIoT against cyber-attacks.
Secure approach
Currently, best security standards and practices are employed but they differ from one industry to another. So, it becomes hard to define manageable cybersecurity solutions across the global industry landscape. Therefore, adopt a security strategy, which can handle IIoT challenges.
Secure products
The product chosen has to be inherently secure. While designing the product security feature has to be in front and not anchored as an addendum. Select products that are compatible and capable to handle potential threats. Before investing conduct comprehensive vulnerability analysis and risk assessment.
Security products
Products that are secured inherently needs to ensure that they work securely across all domains. A high level of protection to data, devices, network elements, and interfaces is essential in a highly interconnected world.
The core network and radio access network are important for the high-reliability connection between IIoT devices. For the former consider perimeter protection employing firewalls/gateways, access control, and traffic domain separation to prevent possible threats and reduce attack risks.
For the latter create reliable authentication & encryption service, which assures data transfer across the internet under a trusted website environment.
Security operations & management
During the risk assessment, even the internal risks need to be considered. All products are accessible to the public need to be locked in strong cabinets to avoid attacks via sabotage acts. Separate the IT network and the production network, so that security can be controlled and managed. Reliable end-to-end security across all domains allows to predict and avert security risks.
