Welcome to our latest blog post, dear readers! Today, we're going to discuss a topic that is causing a bit of confusion in the manufacturing world - Industrial Cybersecurity and how it is different from plain old cybersecurity.
First, some definitions. Cybersecurity, in its simplest form, refers to measures taken to prevent unauthorized access, alteration or destruction of data in electronic devices and computer networks, including the internet. Industrial Cybersecurity, on the other hand, is cybersecurity applied to industrial control systems, SCADA systems, and other operational technology used in manufacturing and other industrial processes. Industrial Cybersecurity is specific to the manufacturing industry, tailored to protect the technology and processes seen in production facilities.
So, which is relevant for manufacturing? The short answer is - both! Let's take a deeper dive into why.
Cybersecurity in Manufacturing
Cybersecurity is undoubtedly important in any industry, including manufacturing. Cyber-attacks represent a growing threat, with many companies losing millions of dollars due to data breaches and cyber-attacks. In 2021 alone, the global expenditure on cybersecurity was estimated to be around $138.2 billion [1].
In the manufacturing industry, cybersecurity risks can come in many forms. For instance, hackers can access production floors or use malware to infect industrial systems, leading to system failure or even physical harm to employees. In addition, intellectual property, trade secrets, and other critical data concerning manufacturing processes can be accessed and stolen, leading to significant damages and long-lasting repercussions.
Industrial Cybersecurity in Manufacturing
Industrial Cybersecurity is a subset of cybersecurity that caters specifically to manufacturing environments. The difference lies in the type of systems that are protected. Industrial control systems (ICSs) are computers, sensors, and other devices that monitor and control physical processes in manufacturing facilities.
ICSs are the backbone of the industrial sectors, and protecting them requires specialized skills and knowledge. Cybersecurity risks specific to industrial environments include sabotage, physical access, and Advanced Persistent Threats.
In 2021 alone, the number of reported cyberattacks on the US manufacturing industry reached 54.5% in Q3 [2]. The manufacturing sector reported 43.1% of all operational technology security incidents in Q3, and 46.4% in Q4 2020. While these figures indicate the growing threat to the sector, they also show how vulnerable industrial systems can become.
Conclusion
In summary, both regular cybersecurity and industrial cybersecurity are relevant to manufacturing, each offering specific protections required for manufacturing companies to ensure productive and secure operations. While regular cybersecurity protects against more generic cyberattacks, Industrial Cybersecurity provides nuanced and tailored solutions specific to industrial environments, primarily involving industrial control systems (ICSs). Investing in both, as well as continual employee training, can help safeguard manufacturers from the growing threat of cyberattacks.
We hope you enjoyed learning more about cybersecurity and its relevance in manufacturing environments. If you need further advice on your manufacturing cybersecurity strategy or have any questions, feel free to contact us at Flare Compare.
References
[1] Statista: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1201918/worldwide-cyber-security-market-size/
[2] Dragos 2021 Q3 Industrial Controls System (ICS) Cybersecurity Environment report: https://www.dragos.com/wp-content/uploads/Dragos_Report_Q3_2021_final.pdf