How to Improve Cybersecurity in Manufacturing

The factory floor has always been a place to pioneer cutting-edge technology in real-world scenarios. From AI-powered inventory management to robotics applications and end-of-line packaging improvements, there is an endless cycle of technological improvements always taking place in this key industrial sector.

While the rise of Industry 4.0 has improved operations, it has also opened up significant risks, especially in the area of cybersecurity. In 2023, manufacturing comprised a staggering 71% of all ransomware incidents, with no expectation of slowing down. It is essential that manufacturers take steps to proactively protect their critical infrastructure, especially in the new and expanding area of operational technologies (OT) and the internet of things (IoT).

If you are concerned about the state of digital security across your assembly lines and supply chains, here are several steps you can take to improve cybersecurity and protect critical infrastructure in a manufacturing setting.

Cybersecurity should never be ad hoc or dated. Invest in a cybersecurity framework (CSF) that codifies how your organization handles its digital security. This provides a clear set of rules and guidelines for things like risk assessment, security controls, and incident response steps.

There are several CSF options that work well for manufacturers. SecureFrame has listed some of these, including NIST CSF and ISO 27001. These can help you shape your framework to adhere to regulations and ensure maximum security.

Your first line of defense is your company-wide security controls. Make sure you have implemented key cybersecurity measures that provide a robust initial barrier against any outside intruders. This includes:

• Setting up firewalls
• Encrypting sensitive data
• Whitelisting applications

It’s also wise to deploy a trusted intrusion detection and prevention system (IDS/IPS). This enables you to detect and stop intruders if they break through your safeguards.

Manufacturing technology is integrated throughout manufacturing and supply chain activity. Some areas are more risk-prone than others. Segmenting your networks mitigates the impact of a cyber attack. When you isolate your critical systems from less secure areas, you naturally limit the movement and impact of any attack, even if someone gets into your system.

While you want to communicate across systems for efficiency’s sake, there is no need to integrate areas that don’t depend on each other to operate. Whenever it is reasonable, separate product, enterprise, administrative, and similar systems. Vulnerable legacy IT systems are particularly important to keep separate and safe.

Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving part of your enterprise. Once you have the appropriate framework in place, you need to review it regularly. This helps you identify any weak points that may have appeared over time in your applications, networks, or hardware.

Along with catching weak points before someone can exploit them, reviews give you the chance to run tests and monitor access logs for suspicious activity. You can also secure OT and IoT devices by ensuring that all updates and patches have been installed in a timely manner.

Many software applications, hardware tools, and similar elements within a factory setting are run by specific individuals. Whenever someone must be trained to operate a tool, it opens up the doors to implement identity access management (IAM) measures.

Creating strong IAM protocols creates an additional layer of cybersecurity on a case-by-case basis. Creating strong passwords and using password managers can ensure that only qualified and certified personnel are accessing assets within your network. Multi-factor identification (MFA) can further tether each access point to additional controls, such as biometrics and geographic location.

The IoT has only continued to grow in recent years, especially in industrial settings. As more technologically-empowered devices hit the factory floor, it’s important to keep track of them. Creating asset inventories can give you quick and accurate insights into what tech devices you have, where they are, and how well they have or have not been serviced.

Asset inventories should be comprehensive and kept up-to-date at all times. Strict oversight and management allow you to use this list in your review and update processes to make sure no weak links in your system form due to an ignored or forgotten piece of equipment.

The power of employee education cannot be underestimated in a cybersecurity context. You can create competent frameworks, thorough guidelines, comprehensive asset inventories, and iron-clad review processes. And yet, if you don’t have the people to back up the system, it will eventually fail.

Invest in cybersecurity measures from a personnel perspective. Teach general digital hygiene, such as updating software immediately and using strong passwords. Make sure to also add best practices related to your specific equipment. If you create a security-first culture, your cybersecurity quality will naturally improve.

Never wait until a crisis strikes to begin formulating a plan. You already track things like cost of ownership and maintenance schedules for your floor machinery. Your cybersecurity deserves the same level of proactive preparation.

Put a response plan in place that considers:

• Who will be in charge of a response

• How will you immediately respond to a cyber attack (i.e., containment)

• How will you recover from an attack

• What off-site backups and redundancies do you need to ensure minimal downtime in the event of an attack

The EAM-Mosca Difference

Every part of your manufacturing infrastructure is vulnerable to cyberattacks, including your end-of-line packaging solutions. This is what makes working with a reputable industry-leading EoL solutions partner important.

At EAM-Mosca, we have spent decades developing cutting-edge solutions for assembly line packaging. Our strapping and stretch-wrapping innovations integrate new technologies that push the bounds of possibility while maintaining safe and secure systems.

If you’re looking for effective end-of-line packaging solutions that keep your larger enterprise systems safe, we have a range of solutions to consider. To learn more about our strapping and stretch-wrapping systems, please call 800-456-3420, email info@eammosca.com, or complete a Contact Form, and together, we can ensure you maintain maximum productivity without compromising security in the process.