Guidelines for Safeguarding Manufacturing Operations Against Cyberattacks Using Futureproof Networking Solutions

Introduction

Throughout the year 2022, the manufacturing industry encountered a surge in cyber threats, surpassing other major sectors globally. The primary cause for this trend is the elimination of the gap between industrial control systems (ICS) and the Internet, also referred to as the convergence of Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT). This convergence exposes OT infrastructure to novel cyber threats. However, to retain its competitiveness, modern manufacturing cannot isolate itself from the external environment. In this article, we analyze the main obstacles encountered by two intelligent manufacturing applications, specifically (1) connecting new devices on a large scale for real-time monitoring of facilities and (2) integrating multiple networks for optimal management. Moreover, this write-up suggests practical strategies for safeguarding such operations against cyber threats.

A Fresh Hazard Aimed at Smart Manufacturing Systems

The advent of smart manufacturing, or Industry 4.0, has ushered in a proliferation of cyber threats within the industrial domain as an inadvertent consequence of OT/IT convergence. Although the fusion of OT and IT infrastructure enhances efficiency and adds more value, it also exposes traditionally segregated OT systems to a spectrum of cyber attacks. The integration of an expanding threat landscape with manufacturing organizations’ extremely low tolerance for disruptions makes them prime targets for cyber threats. As previously indicated, the manufacturing sector suffered the highest number of cyber attacks among all industries in 2022.

An in-depth examination of targeted industrial applications reveals common challenges and areas that can be clearly enhanced. Let’s delve into two practical instances of industrial applications, how cyber threats can impact them, and methods to bolster their resilience against cybersecurity risks.

Use Case 1: Real-Time Monitoring and Control Systems for Facilities

Applications that entail enabling real-time monitoring and control for extensive industrial networks are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats. Typically, these applications necessitate the deployment of numerous interconnected devices on a large scale to gather, transmit, and analyze substantial data from the field at the control center. The following cybersecurity concerns should be considered:

• A multitude of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and sensors at the edge require connectivity to gather data on manufacturing facility conditions and optimize energy consumption. Each of these devices represents a new node that could potentially be susceptible to cyber attacks like unauthorized access or malware infiltration.
• When these networks grow and aggregate numerous edge devices into the distribution layer, vulnerabilities escalate. In the absence of proper network segmentation, the entire network becomes susceptible if a single node is compromised.

For these applications, operators should adopt a defense-in-depth strategy. This entails selecting secure devices, constructing robust network defense layers, and monitoring network statuses to ensure security and availability. Opting for security-hardened devices that have obtained international security certifications or feature security measures complying with globally recognized criteria like IEC 62443 and NERC CIP can serve as sturdy foundations when incorporating new network nodes. Employing segmentation and employing threat prevention mechanisms add another layer of protection to prevent attacks and halt unwanted intrusions and threats from spreading to other network nodes. Lastly, regular monitoring of network node security statuses enables prompt recognition and response to any anomalies or issues.

Use Case 2: Integration of Industrial Machines

Another manufacturing application vulnerable to cyber threats is the integration of industrial equipment into networks for efficient management. Traditionally, industrial engineers would design a closed network setup and adopt similar patterns to allocate IP addresses to machines.

Nevertheless, the capacity to control and manage industrial machinery remotely necessitates linking industrial networks to the Internet. When these traditionally isolated machines must connect to a centralized management system, utilizing the same IP address generation pattern for all machines can result in IP conflicts, leading to network disruptions. All machines would then require reconfiguring their IPs, an arduous task that can easily introduce security loopholes. Moreover, when these machines connect via an Internet-accessible public network, they are exposed to an array of new cyber threats. Predictable IP addresses, in particular, swiftly become attractive targets for cyber attacks.

Simplified management and heightened security measures can effectively address these vulnerabilities. For instance, system integrators could leverage network address translation (NAT) technology to shield IP addresses from prying eyes and simplify device integration. Modern hardware solutions also feature embedded intelligent threat prevention mechanisms that automatically block data originating from unauthorized IP addresses. Combined, these tools offer an additional robust security layer for machine networks.

Navigating OT Networking Obstacles and Embracing a Smart Digital Future

As you merge your OT and IT networks while progressing towards digitization, network security must adapt to confront emerging cyber threats. Regularly monitoring network infrastructure and keeping protective mechanisms up to date are critical components of a dynamic security protocol aimed at safeguarding interconnected systems and minimizing costly downtimes. Nonetheless, OT engineers may lack adequate training or familiarity with the latest IT advancements, making it challenging for them to ensure the intelligence and security of their systems concurrently.

To mitigate cyber threats, it is imperative for system integrators and industrial operators to fortify their manufacturing networks with comprehensive industrial networking solutions and employ a defense-in-depth approach tailored for OT engineers.

Access the Application Note to delve deeper into enhancing the security of your manufacturing facilities and optimizing your investments with Moxa’s futureproof networking solutions.