Smart manufacturing floors are increasingly becoming connected and digitized, which brings many benefits but makes them an attractive target for hackers. Safeguarding the connected devices from security breach is crucial for protecting sensitive data, intellectual property, and maintaining uninterrupted operations.
Cyber risks and attacks against manufacturers can have devastating consequences, including production downtime, financial losses, and reputational damage. By implementing robust cyber defense measures, manufacturers can mitigate these risks and ensure the security and resilience of their operations.
In this blog post, we will dive into segmenting your network infrastructure and protecting your perimeter.
Whether you are a small-scale manufacturer or a multinational corporation, this article will provide valuable insights to help you safeguard your manufacturing networks from cyber threats. So, if you want to safeguard your manufacturing activities and enhance cyber defenses, continue reading and explore these measures for cyber defense in connected manufacturers.
Network Segmentation: Dividing and Conquering
One effective measure we can take to protect our manufacturing networks is segmentation. Picture it like building walls within our networks, creating separate zones or segments. By doing so, we can limit the spread of malicious attacks and contain any potential breaches. Think of it as dividing and conquering.
Segmentation allows us to compartmentalize different parts of our manufacturing network based on their level of cyber vulnerability or significance. For example, we can have separate segments for our production systems, communication systems, and administrative systems. This way, if one segment is compromised, the others remain isolated and protected.
It’s like having a defense mechanism in place. Each segment acts as its own line of defense threats, preventing the spread of operational risks and minimizing the potential impact of cyber attacks. So instead of putting all our eggs in one basket, we’re spreading them out and protecting each one individually.
But How Do We Actually Implement Segmentation?
Well, it starts with a thorough understanding of the manufacturing network.
Start by identifying its different systems and components and assessing their vulnerability. This can be accomplished through network mapping and vulnerability assessments. By mapping out the network, you can determine the entry points and potential weak spots that cyber attackers could exploit. This allows you to prioritize the segments that require the most protection.
Once you have identified the systems in the corporate network, you can proceed with creating the actual segments. This involves dividing the connected systems into separate zones or subnetworks, each with its own set of security measures and controls.
It is important to note that these fragmented systems should be physically separate and logically isolated. This means that even if an attacker gains access to one segment, they should not be able to easily move to other segments. Network segmentation can effectively reduce the consequences of a cyber attack.
For instance, you may have a segment for production that encompasses all the elements involved in the manufacturing process, such as assembly lines, machinery, and control systems. Also, there could be a logistics segment that includes systems responsible for managing inventory, shipping, and supply chain operations.
By dividing the network, you can ensure that any potential cybersecurity risks remain contained within a specific area and do not spread throughout the entire network.
After mapping your network, what’s next?
Strengthening Your Perimeter Defense
Segmenting your network is just the first step. Now it’s time to strengthen your perimeter defense. To strengthen network security, it is important to implement firewall security and access controls to restrict communication between network segments. This helps prevent unauthorized access and movement of data.
By setting clear boundaries and access controls, the damage caused by a cyber attack can be minimized and the rest of the manufacturing systems can be secured. Consider it as developing varied enclaves within a city. Each neighborhood has its own distinct characteristics and rules, making it easier for residents to navigate and feel safe.
For example, in your network, you might have a production segment that includes all the systems involved in the manufacturing process. This could involve assembly lines, equipment, and monitoring systems.
By grouping these together in a dedicated segment, you can focus on implementing specific security standards to protect and monitor these critical infrastructures of your manufacturing environment.
Another segment might be your office network, where employees access email, shared files, and other business-related applications. Separating this segment from production can prevent potential threats from spreading to production.
Your Workforce; Your Cyber Defense Heroes
No matter how sophisticated your cyber defense systems are for your operational technology, they’re only as strong as the people operating them, right?
Your workforce is your best asset in your cyber defense arsenal. Cybersecurity training should be provided to all employees, from top manufacturing executives to those on the factory floor. Educating employees about how to safely use connected devices and systems is essential for reducing cyber security risk.
Equip your team with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify potential cyber threats, respond appropriately, and take action to prevent cybersecurity breaches. For example, you should have regular training covering topics such as security policies, malware detection, phishing, and social engineering. It's important to have cybersecurity training as a part of the security plan of any organization, and it should be adapted to meet the manufacturing sector's distinct demands.
Have a Robust Cyber Defense Security Posture
Cyber defense for connected manufacturers is a complex and challenging task. It requires a comprehensive approach that includes network segmentation, strong perimeter defenses, and cyber security awareness training for all employees. By dividing the network into separate zones or subnetworks, you can decrease the impact from cyber attacks. It is crucial to equip your team with the knowledge and tools necessary to identify cyber breaches and respond appropriately. Ultimately, the key to successful cyber defense for manufacturers is an integrated approach that addresses both technical and human aspects of security.
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