NRTC AUTOMATION BLOG | INDUSTRIAL ROBOTS AND AUTOMATION
When Worlds Collide: Where Industrial Automation Meets Cybersecurity
Is cybersecurity for industrial automation systems providing a more secure supply chain?
Is cybersecurity for industrial automation systems providing a more secure supply chain?
One of the most disruptive cyber-attack on critical infrastructure in the U.S happened on May 7, 2021: a ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline halted the pipeline's 5,500-mile east coast pipeline.
This attack has served as a wake-up call for most organizations, especially those dealing with critical infrastructure.
If you've not yet implemented a standard-based approach to cybersecurity risk assessment and mitigation, now is the time to do it.
When Worlds Collide: Where Industrial Automation Meets Cybersecurity
Industrial automation is a major player in most processing and manufacturing plants that produce essential products, and cyber threats are increasing as a result.
As each day, hour, and minute passes, security researchers discover new viruses designed to attack computer systems. Hence, cybersecurity is becoming an important part of the industrial automation process.
Cybersecurity in Industrial Automation
The importance of cybersecurity in industrial automation comes down to one desire to keep a company's data, devices, and client information private and safe. This is especially true since industrial automation requires companies to store large quantities of data on internet connected devices such as computers, much of which is considered to be quite sensitive.
It would be best if you had cybersecurity experts to protect your data, intellectual property, and client information as a company. Using common cybersecurity practices will help to ensure that your production line will be safe from a hacker’s malicious control.
Benefits of Cybersecurity
By implementing proper cybersecurity measures, a company can protect itself from different cybersecurity threats. With the right cybersecurity measures, unauthorized users will not be able to access your company's crucial information. In general, it helps protect the company's end-users and its employees.
Even in a scenario where cybersecurity measures do not prevent a cyber-attack or breach, it makes crucial data recovery much quicker.
So as long as your company has the best cybersecurity measures, you will have a more confident customer base on the type of services you are offering.
Types of Cybersecurity Threats in Industry Automation
There are hundreds of different cybersecurity threats associated with industrial automation. Here are some of the most common ones:
· Malware
Malware is a software, program, or file, and its number one aim is to harm your computer. A few examples of this malicious software include computer viruses, Trojan horses, worms, or even spyware. Most malicious software, programs, or files are spread through downloads.
· DDOS Attack
DDOS is a Distributional Denial of Service Attack, which works by overwhelming your company's servers with too much traffic until they cannot handle any valid request. A DDOS attack can completely stop an organization's production and distribution process.
· Man in the Middle Attack
A man-in-the-middle attack is an event in which cybercriminals intercept conversations or some form of data transmission between two organizations. A good example of how cybercriminals intercept your data is through an unsecured Wi-Fi network.
· Phishing
Phishing is a cyber threat that involves sending fake emails from an address that seems legitimate to gather more information, such as passwords or even your client's credit card details.
· SQL Injection
This type of cyber attack mainly focuses on stealing data from databases. It involves introducing some form of malicious code via a SQL statement and taking advantage of any vulnerabilities in your system.
Challenges of Cybersecurity
· It’s always evolving.
With the continuous growth of technology, cybercriminals are being provided with new ways and an ever-growing list of opportunities to exploit your company through cyber attacks.
With the new and more advanced technology being introduced and discovered each day, cybercriminals can develop new ways to carry out cyber attacks, making it quite challenging for organizations to stay up to date with the ever-changing cybersecurity.
The advancement of technology has left many companies vulnerable to cyber attacks that could steal data or cause hefty damage.
· There is a need for training and educating your employees.
As a company, you cannot always rely on software to keep your company safe; you are required to train your employees and help them understand which actions are likely to leave a company's data exposed, for example, opening emails from unknown emails.
Such training will require you to budget for the training and find time off the employee's normal working hours to train them.
START AUTOMATING WITH NRTC
NRTC Automation is dedicated to providing high-value industrial automation and manufacturing equipment solutions to all our customers.
From decommissioning and tear out to industrial robotic training services to custom flexible work cells, NRTC is the key to integrate your workplace. With personalized training and custom-built designs, NRTC Automation is the destination for all your industrial automation and manufacturing equipment services.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you meet your production goals.
6 Cybersecurity Methods for Manufacturers
Protect your data and equipment from cyberattacks by using these six recommended cybersecurity methods.
Protect your data and equipment from cyberattacks by using these six recommended cybersecurity methods.
With the rise of IoT and connected industrial automation, manufacturing has becoming more efficient than ever, improving efficiency and cutting down on waste.
Unfortunately, technological advancements come with a hefty price: cyberattacks threaten to destroy companies by exploiting data and damaging industrial assets. For example, the recent cyberattack on the Colonial Pipeline in Texas shook the manufacturing sector after it shut down the pipeline.
Thankfully, manufacturers can avoid these attacks by implementing cybersecurity practices into their businesses. Learn more about the importance of cybersecurity in manufacturing below.
Get smart with cybersecurity tips
What is cybersecurity and when did it become a concern?
Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting and securing internet-connected systems, programs, data, and networks from malicious cyberattacks.
Malicious individuals or groups, commonly known as attackers, hackers, or cyberthreats, attempt to infiltrate systems through methods such as malware, ransomware attacks, and social engineering.
Malware is software that can harm a computer or network. Ransomware attacks are when hackers lock an individual’s computer and demand payment or information to unlock it. Social engineering uses trickery and human interaction to coax individuals into falling for attacks.
Cybersecurity became a concern in manufacturing in 2010 when Iranian PLCs were hacked by computer “worms” called Stuxnet that made sensitive data vulnerable and caused centrifuges to self-destruct.
After this attack, the manufacturing world convened to raise awareness about cyberthreats and encourage companies to protect their systems.
Why is cybersecurity so important in advanced manufacturing plants?
Manufacturing is the most common targeted industry for cyberattacks.
As manufacturing progresses with more integrated systems and the advancement of IoT technology, manufacturing plants and facilities are becoming even more vulnerable to attacks like Stuxnet.
By establishing secure systems, programs, and networks, manufacturers can continue improving their processes with smart tech without the fear of an attack. Other benefits of practicing cybersecurity and risk management include:
Protection of your employees’ data
Improved recovery time after a breach
Confidence to use data to pursue more efficient manufacturing conditions
How to secure your systems and data against hackers
Set up your business for success by taking the time to secure your internet-connected devices and equipment against hackers.
Take these steps to improve your security and protect your data:
Perform a risk assessment to determine your current level of security.
Hire a cybersecurity professional and integrate them with your IT department. They can develop firewalls and other security frameworks to defend your systems.
Educate employees on how to avoid cybersecurity attacks, such as phishing.
Become knowledgeable in cybersecurity literature and standards, such as those by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
Consistently monitor and evaluate potential security threats.
Be prepared for a breach. Practicing exercises such as simulations will prepare your teams for a breach and ensure that every team member acts accordingly.
Staying on top of security is a constant yet necessary task. By adding these routines and practices into your manufacturing business, you can protect precious data and assets from exploitation while continuing to grow your business.
Want to start on the path to a smarter factory?
NRTC Automation’s sister company, iGAM, offers a vast inventory with affordable and quality industrial equipment to automate their production lines.
If you want to view data from your production lines, check out our supply:
Human-machine interfaces (HMIs)
Make informed decisions to your production line with real-time data with the right equipment.
Plus, iGAM offers two methods to finance your purchase:
If you want to finance with top lenders in the nation, click the “Finance” button on the product page and fill out our short application.
Open a line of credit through Behalf. Create an account with Behalf and get the equipment you need with iGAM.
CONTACT NRTC FOR GUIDANCE WITH INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION
NRTC Automation is dedicated to providing high-value industrial automation and manufacturing equipment solutions to all our customers.
From decommissioning and tear out to industrial robotic training services to custom flexible work cells, NRTC is the key to integrate your workplace. With personalized training and custom-built designs, NRTC Automation is the destination for all your industrial automation and manufacturing equipment services.
Schedule a free consultation with us to get started on your automation journey for enhanced productivity and capacity.
How Can You Adapt to Rapidly Changing Industrial Automation?
Manufacturing is changing. Industry 4.0 is advancing manufacturing with limitless opportunities for growth.
If you’ve been paying attention to the news, you’ve probably noticed two trends: COVID-19 and Industry 4.0.
Today, we’re passing up an analysis on the pandemic’s impact on the industry to discuss the Fourth Industrial Revolution. If you are a small- to mid-sized manufacturer, you may feel left behind in all this innovation. Thankfully, NRTC Automation is here to help!
Learn more about the digital revolution and how to keep up below.
Adapting to changes in industrial automation
Shifting from traditional to digital manufacturing
In the last 100 years, manufacturing has made some impressive leaps.
Innovations in the production line have improved productivity drastically, enabling manufacturing to put out more product and reduce waste.
When industrial robots hit the scene in the mid-20th century, the industry changed forever. Now, manufacturers could create uniform products in minimal time with fewer (costly) mistakes.
Today, the digital manufacturing revolution, or Industry 4.0, is revolutionizing the way manufacturers view data and production. With the help of AI and IoT, seeing the intricacies of the manufacturing process is easier than ever before.
What it means for manufacturing
Industry 4.0 is changing the face of manufacturing.
Digital information allows manufacturers and operators to enhance their production lines with limitless data. For example, if productivity drops slightly, an alert from IoT connected devices will notify the operator. Depending on the cause, the operator may choose to tweak the equipment to enhance performance. Better operational efficiency means a greater bottom line for your company and a more competitive stance in your industry.
Plus, digital manufacturing allows machines to communicate with each other, reducing the amount of labor needed from employees on the production line. Your staff can work more fulfilling and engaging jobs rather than working the line, which can be dangerous for their health. Less workers on the line means increased cost savings for you as well: a production line operated by one person saved an average of $120,000 every month.
Prototyping and 3D printing are also improved due to Industry 4.0. Now, because of additive manufacturing, manufacturers can design and create a prototype in a fraction of the time compared to traditional prototyping methods. Product development is sped up, getting your product to your customers sooner.
How to adapt to Industry 4.0
No matter where you are in your journey to automation, we suggest the following to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in digital manufacturing.
INCREASE CYBERSECURITY PRACTICES
Manufacturing is one of the most targeted industries for cyber attacks. With one fell swoop, hackers can destroy your internal systems and leak confidential information.
Can your company withstand a day, or even a week, without power to run your manufacturing facility? If not (and most companies cannot), then you need to strengthen your firewalls and other cybersecurity practices before you become a victim.
Check out our blog post here for ways in which you can protect your company and employees from malicious cyber threats.
ADD SMART DEVICES
Now is the time to invest in IoT.
Adding smart devices to your facility will put you in line with even the biggest competitors in your industry. Using the latest technology in IoT will enhance supply chain management so you can continue to optimize your production line for the best results.
USE YOUR DATA
Finally, use the data that digital manufacturing offers you.
Data is an extremely valuable tool that allows you to shift from a confusing and mismanaged warehouse to an efficient, streamlined production line.
Minimize downtime and increase productivity by making informed decisions on what changes to apply to your production line. The opportunity for improvement is limitless, so take advantage of data to enhance your manufacturing processes.
Start slow and get industrial automation support with NRTC
If you are a small- to mid-sized manufacturer who wants to grow, but you’re new to automation, then you’ve come to the right place.
We will help you meet your production goals and rise above the competition by adopting comprehensive and sustainable automation practices.
NRTC Automation offers full-service solutions to assist you from start to finish:
With NRTC, you can keep up with changes in the industry and improve your business in the process. We work with top auto manufacturers such as Toyota, Mercedes, and Ford, so you know you can trust us. Head over to our site to learn more about our decade of experience in the industry.
Plus, check out our YouTube video below to see more of our warehouse!
VISIT NRTC AUTOMATION TODAY
NRTC Automation is dedicated to providing high-value industrial automation and manufacturing equipment solutions to all our customers.
From decommissioning and tear out to industrial robotic training services to custom flexible work cells, NRTC is the key to integrate your workplace. With personalized training and custom-built designs, NRTC Automation is the destination for all your industrial automation and manufacturing equipment services.
Schedule a free consultation with us today to get personalized automation strategies for your company.