Securing Connected Devices: Enhancing IoT Security in Manufacturing

Like technology, the world of manufacturing is constantly evolving. The internet of things (IoT) is changing how manufacturing businesses operate. Manufacturers can gain an unprecedented level of efficiency and connectivity by leveraging IoT devices like sensors into their production lines. These connected devices collect and exchange data, which leads to improved decision making along with smarter environments. The number of IoT devices is growing, meaning the need to protect them from cyber attacks is even more important. Securing connected devices is crucial to keeping your manufacturing business safe from cyber threats and ensuring the continuity of production processes.

Understanding IoT in Manufacturing

IoT is a network of interconnected devices that are embedded with sensors, technologies and software that enable them to collect and exchange data over the internet. In the manufacturing industry, IoT is critical to streamlining operations and optimizing production. The most common types of connected devices used in manufacturing include:

Sensor Monitoring

Sensor devices can provide your organization with real-time data on pressure, humidity, temperature and other key metrics. This allows you to detect any anomalies, optimize processes and ensure your product quality. For instance, a temperature sensor can monitor environmental conditions in your factory and alert operators to any deviations that may affect product quality.

Actuators and Automation

Automation is key to keeping your production lines running smoothly. Actuators translate electrical signals into physical actions, like controlling machinery and adjusting process parameters. This helps to automate tasks and improve precision. Automated robotic arms use these actuators to perform repetitive tasks with high accuracy, increasing efficiency and reducing human error.

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)

PLCs are the brains behind industrial automation. They execute predefined logic, enabling seamless coordination of manufacturing processes. They help control everything from assembly lines to packaging systems; all to ensure smooth and reliable operations.

RFID Tagging

This technology plays an important role in managing your supply chain, helping trace and track products, materials and components during production. Tagging provides you with real-time location data to help improve inventory management and reduce losses from misplaced items.

Smart Devices

These types of devices include wearables, meters and cameras that bring connectivity and intelligence to your manufacturing floor. You’ll be able to optimize resource utilization and keep your workers safe. For example, smart glasses can provide workers with augmented reality overlays that help when doing complex tasks.

Importance of Securing Connected Devices

IoT technology has brought about a new era of efficiency and connectivity in your manufacturing organization. However, the benefits that these devices bring are not without their challenges. The increase in technology also means an increase in the attack surface for cyber threats, including malware, unauthorized access, ransomware and more. Securing connected devices is important for many reasons, including:

Increased Attack Surface

IoT devices’ interconnected nature makes them prone to cyber threats. This can lead to production disruptions, financial losses and data thefts. One compromised device can serve as an entry point for cybercriminals, allowing them to infiltrate your entire network.

Potential Consequences of Breaches

A breach can cause significant issues in your organization like financial loss, production disruptions and reputational damage. While it may seem expensive to protect your business, ultimately, it’s less expensive than a breach that can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Regulatory Compliance

Many industries have compliance standards they need to meet; the manufacturing industry is no different. Regulations like GDPR and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework give guidelines on how to secure IoT devices and protect the privacy of your organization.

Challenges in Securing IoT Devices

IoT devices do not generally come with robust security features, which makes them vulnerable to exploitation. There are a few challenges in securing connected devices, including:

Lack of Robust Security Features

As we’ve previously mentioned, many IoT devices don’t come with robust security features. IoT devices generally have outdated firmware, insufficient encryption and weak passwords. Creators of these IoT devices prioritize functionality over the need to secure connected devices. This can leave devices with default credentials and unpatched vulnerabilities.

Operational Resilience

Manufacturing operations need to maintain uptime and prevent disruptions. This requires continuous monitoring and threat detection. Vulnerabilities can be created when you integrate IoT devices. Older systems may not be designed with modern security threats.

Regulatory Compliance

Compliance comes with complex regulations for your manufacturing organization. There is a balance between leveraging these standards along with IoT technology. Compliance requirements vary across regions and industries, adding complexity to the security landscape.

Mitigating Risks with Security Measures

Securing connected devices in your manufacturing operations from cyber threats is extremely important. You’ll need to implement robust security measures across your entire ecosystem of connected devices. These key strategies connected to device cybersecurity include:

Data Encryption

It is vital to implement encryption protocols to ensure your data is transmitted securely and remains secure. Critical end-to-end encryption helps prevent tampering and ensures the confidentiality and integrity of data.

Authentication Mechanisms

Whether it is through the use of biometric authentication or multi-factor authentication, deploying these mechanisms helps you verify the identity of users and devices and helps prevent unauthorized access. Authentication methods add an extra layer of security, making it extremely difficult for criminals to gain access.

Access controls

Along with preventing unauthorized access, you’ll need to ensure those in your organization have the correct access. It is important to restrict access to sensitive resources based on user roles and privileges. Role-based access control ensures that users have access to the information and resources necessary for their job functions, and nothing more.

Regular Security Audits

It is important to regularly conduct security audits so you can identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses. This allows you to address potential risks proactively. Your audit should include penetration testing, risk analysis and vulnerability assessments to secure connected devices.

Firmware Updates

Like with any other device, regularly updating device firmware ensures that known vulnerabilities are patched. These updates keep security features up to date, which reduces the risk of exploitation. To ensure timely updates are made, establish a process to remain protected against any emerging threats.

The Future of IoT Devices

The use of IoT devices is expected to rise, with manufacturing representing a majority of those users. As more devices become IoT-compatible, and security protocols continue to merge, your manufacturing organization must prioritize securing connected devices. Implementing robust security measures when leveraging cloud-based platforms will help to protect your operations, increase efficiency and capitalize on the benefits of IoT technology.

By leveraging IoT technology, you’ll gain more control over production processes, access to real-time data and improve efficiencies that drive revenue growth. The security challenges increase as the number of IoT devices you have increases. It is vital to have protocols in place for discovering, assessing and securing connected devices in your infrastructure. You can build more resilient operations by prioritizing the security of your IoT devices.

The journey to securing connected devices is continual, requiring constant vigilance and adaptation to evolving threats. When you invest in security measures, your organization can create a safer, more efficient and more competitive environment. If you need assistance managing the cybersecurity of your organization, book a meeting with us.