Industrial revolution 4.0: Cyber security challenges and solutions

That humanity has stepped into the era of Industrial Revolution 4.0 is a given. To explain, Industry 4.0 is a standard term to depict the fourth-generation industrial revolution that we are experiencing nowadays. With each passing day, the latest technologies such as cloud-computing, IoT and robotics are disrupting the traditional manufacturing process, as we know it. With automation, IoT and data analytics making production processes smarter, intelligent and more productive, the Industrial Revolution 4.0 has been demonstrably evident. To all intents and purposes, it is this transitional shift to digitization and automation is what everyone is calling ‘Industry 4.0’ era.

However, this phase of industrial revolution has thrown up its own challenges particularly in terms of cyber security threats. Around the world, cyber security experts have been concerned about the implications of Industry 4.0. In an age where everything is hyper-connected, industries are more vulnerable than ever before. In other words, digitally-connected industries are more vulnerable to attackers who are looking to exploit resources and data. As such, the lack of effective cyber security measures within IIoT-enabled production environment is posing a serious threat to the new-age industrial production systems and processes.

Cybersecurity challenges for IIoT in Industry 4.0 era

Today, smart factories and supply chains are seamlessly connected via an Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) that makes use of IP addresses to connect and communicate within and outside the production line. These internet-connected devices are always vulnerable to unauthorized access by hackers without proper cybersecurity measures in place. Fundamentally, these smart factories face the following challenges when it comes to cybersecurity:

Malware intrusions: Firewalls and anti-virus not enough

Though many industries use a basic firewall and antivirus, this approach is not sufficient for protecting an automation system from malware attacks. Intruders can exploit these vulnerabilities to get into automation and production systems and upturn the entire production cycle, creating all-round disarray and confusion. Therefore, it is better to use advanced-level cybersecurity measures such as Common Internet File System Integrity Monitoring. Such systems provide an additional layer of security and protection by alerting about unauthorized changes to system files essential for process automation.

Modifications in firmware can be crippling

Hackers nowadays have become proficient in creating alternate versions of firmware which can be infused into an IIoT system to create security loopholes or to crash the entire network. As an IIoT network includes a number of devices with less protection, using this method to cripple the whole factory is becoming increasingly common.

To deal with such a scenario, modern IT teams should carefully scrutinize every firmware and make sure that drivers are updated before installing them into the network. Also, using a user-centric restriction and access system with a view to restrict unauthorized network access along with disabling USB ports on critical systems is an effective way to avert such security issues related to firmware.

BYOD has its own concerns

There has been increased euphoria within the corporate circles about Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) culture. Employees are encouraged to bring their own devices such as laptops and desktop systems with the objective of making them more comfortable. The premise is that when an employee is more comfortable, he is more inclined to work better and be more productive. Additionally, BYOD culture saves massive capital investment in purchasing new terminals, laptops and mobile devices on part of companies.

However, this can be a great security risk. Using non-scrutinized systems on an IIoT network can pose a serious security threat to the entire workflow. If a system is not adequately secured, it can serve as an entry point for potential hackers and disrupters, corrupting the entire system. It’s always advisable to have a separate firewall for such devices when they are being plugged into a factory’s network.

Lack of real-time encryption amenable to breaches

Any production system without real-time encryption at hardware level is more vulnerable in this connected world. To make IIoT networks secure, the need of the hour is to encrypt all the information that is exchanged within the network and outside at granular levels. Entry of wrong and malicious data can lead to serious consequences such as reduced production or even a complete shutdown. Therefore, it is imperative that smart encryption solutions that adapt to the growing production needs by learning to optimize operations and encrypt data in real-time, are duly put in place.

In view of the aforementioned challenges, running an ‘attack-proof’ organisation in the era of Industry 4.0 demands a top-down approach.

Adopting a top-down approach for better cybersecurity measures for Industry 4.0

In an age when a network involves hundreds of devices and systems, using standard approaches to cyber security is not enough. As such, there is a greater need for making industry 4.0 compliant with acceptable cybersecurity standards. In that regard, a multi-layered approach should be adopted that includes the implementation of a reference architecture for the digital transformation of an industry. At the same time, it should be a dynamic top-down approach.

The following measures can be adopted in this regard:

Begin with strategic planning

First, all digital transformation projects powered by IoT technology should be initiated at the top level underpinned by Strategic Planning. Here, important decisions should be taken regarding policies, strategy, guidelines and directives for the entire network and enterprise.

Move ahead with data security

Once the top-level defines everything, the focus should shift to data processing layer with an intention to secure critical business data. To ensure data security, a detailed data security strategy must be devised keeping future growth requirements as well as vulnerabilities in mind. It is essential to stay flexible with this step as threats continue to advance and become more sophisticated with each passing day.

Design technology infrastructure

After completion of the strategic planning process and data security, technology infrastructure and systems must be designed keeping the functionality and security needs in mind. Choosing the best vendor for equipment is an important part of this process. At the same time, such an approach ensures that risks due to third-party vulnerabilities are identified beforehand.

Focus on network design

Once this reference architecture is complete, security architects can prepare the network designs based on the layered requirements. This consistent approach ensures that all the business requirements are addressed without compromising on security.

Therefore, a well-thought-out and structured approach to cybersecurity for Industry 4.0 ensures that enterprises are sufficiently capable of handling data breach and security concerns. Not only will this improve efficiency within the factories but also eliminate chances of large-scale threats which could otherwise cripple the global economy.

By Khushhal Kaushik, Founder and CEO, Lisianthus Tech