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The topic ‘ Industrial Systems , the New Frontier for Cyber Attacks ’
dynamics of industrial environments and exposing them to potential breaches . Hackers have cottoned on to the ease of hacking into OT systems , and that this in turn may be an alternative route to hack into a company ’ s IT system .
Technological advancements within industrial systems have been in the direction of specialisation and infrequency of updates in these environments . Unlike the continuously evolving landscape of IT , OT devices , such as those in cold storage facilities or warehouses , are often designed without robust security considerations .
IOT AS AN ENTRY POINT FOR CYBER THREATS
There is an increased use of Internet of Things ( IoT ) devices in industrial settings . While these devices contribute to enhanced efficiency and productivity , they simultaneously serve as potential entry points for cyber threats . The aging nature of these systems and the lack of consistent security updates make them attractive targets for hackers seeking vulnerabilities . It is therefore critically important to monitor any deviations within the industrial environment . The ability to detect anomalies early on and respond promptly is crucial to mitigating potential damage . The top ten vulnerabilities within industrial systems range from unauthorised access to outdated security protocols .
Key trends in the industry aim at mitigating cyber threats given the escalating sophistication of cyber-attacks and the need for increased vigilance . These trends include the heightened focus on OT cybersecurity , the merging of responsibilities between COOs and CIOs for industrial and IT security , and the pressing need for regulatory compliance to address vulnerabilities effectively .
There have been instances where devices within industrial systems were exploited to compromise entire operations in an environment of vulnerability of critical systems , such as those governing temperature in cold storage facilities . The potential for a single cyber-attack to cripple entire operations – such as an entire warehouse – is all too real because they regard such targets as ‘ low hanging fruit ’. The challenges are formidable , but with strategic planning , vigilance , and investment in specialised cybersecurity measures , businesses can fortify their defenses against the silent killer lurking in the digital shadows .
A PROACTIVE APPROACH
Practical strategies to mitigate cybersecurity risks need to target low-hanging fruit . Given the simplicity with which attackers exploit known vulnerabilities , organisations need to treat this issue with the seriousness it deserves . Identifying and patching these
vulnerabilities should be a priority to strengthen defenses .
One strategy should be to adopt a converged security environment with a single entity overseeing both IT and OT security . This convergence allows for a comprehensive understanding of the organisation ' s cybersecurity landscape and facilitates a more cohesive and effective response to threats .
Given the inevitability of cyber incidents , it ' s not a matter of ‘ if ’ but ‘ when ’ cyber resilience must be of paramount importance to all businesses by equipping themselves to identify and resolve cyber threats swiftly . The focus should be on reducing the time between detecting an incident and resolving it .
Our analytics work with clients has on average revealed 40 % more devices in a system than the company was aware of . This is because of the nature of OT – to install devices and sensors and thereafter forget them . Therefore , this involves continuous monitoring and adaptation – given the dynamic nature of cybersecurity , various devices and applications evolve over time . To keep pace with these changes , organisations must implement continuous monitoring practices that align with the evolving nature of cyber threats .
I encourage organisations to leverage their cybersecurity history and analytics . It is important to understand the devices within an environment and ensure that the organisation ' s awareness matches the reality of its cyber landscape . Analytics play a crucial role in identifying anomalies and potential threats , aiding in proactive cybersecurity measures . It is also necessary to have specialists within the business dedicated to cybersecurity . As the nature of cyber threats becomes more sophisticated , having experts in-house ensures rapid and effective responses to incidents . This is part of the holistic management of cybersecurity , as it intersects with various aspects of business operations .
Comparing cybersecurity to fire prevention in a cold storage facility , it is important to invest in prevention measures . Rather than solely reacting to incidents , organisations should proactively put measures in place to prevent and mitigate cyber threats – reinforcing the idea that prevention is more effective than dealing with the aftermath .
From the simplicity of exploiting vulnerabilities to the complexities of convergence and resilience , there is a roadmap for organisations seeking to fortify their defenses . As industries embark on this shared journey towards cybersecurity resilience , collaborations with specialised entities may prove instrumental in navigating the intricate challenges posed by cyber threats in the industrial realm . CLA
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