Cyber security services has become the norm in the manufacturing industry

The Internet of Things has led companies in various industries to connect their devices to the Internet. This is also the case in the manufacturing industry, even though it is a very special environment for IoT development. Large industrial equipment is often old, as it is a large investment and built to last. Therefore, upgrading hardware and software can be difficult or expensive, especially if the manufacturer does not exist or if the documentation is insufficient. When such a machine is connected, the safety risks are particularly great.

Security risks can lead to problems or disaster

There are several cases around the world where industrial companies have been hit by cyber-attacks. The traditional motive is industrial espionage, which aims to improve the attacker's competitiveness or harm a competitor. Attacks can also occur after political quarrels between governments, or when a hacker wants to prove himself good, create problems, or just have fun.

The attack is often performed with surgical precision. Malware is installed through a flash memory or open network, and a target is identified by malicious code that sniffs through drivers and programs. The malware then installs a virus, takes control of the device, and runs it abnormally, destroying important programs or even damaging the entire device. A security attack can also occur during the design phase. Industrial product development consists of many phases during which it may be possible for an attacker to cause damage. For example, an attack on the design software may affect the strength of a load-bearing steel beam or the service life of the product material.

No matter what the motive for the cyberattack, the consequences could be extra serious in the manufacturing industry. If a device weighing tens of tons is hacked, it can damage the economy, the environment, and personnel. An attack can lead to the company inadvertently violating laws and regulations, losing secret information, and damaging its reputation in the industry. In the worst case, a cyberattack could endanger human lives and even disrupt national security.

Cyber security services  is always affected by people

In the manufacturing industry, cybersecurity is always affected by the people who control the machines. In some companies, the mechanics of industrial machines are still controlled by a computer with operating systems from the 90s and programs without guaranteed security. If a worker surfs the Internet during a coffee break, he or she may unknowingly infect the computer and the equipment it controls. Damage can also occur with brand new equipment if it is handled by a person who is unaware of industrial processes and their need for cyber security services.

Cyber security is not a one-time investment. It is not enough to identify security problems, they must also be solved. At the same time, both the units and the people who take care of them must be kept continuously updated on the latest developments. At best, cyber security becomes a natural part of everyday life - the new normal in the manufacturing industry.