In the past, manufacturing systems operated in isolation, disconnected from the internet, which minimized the risk of cyberattacks. However, the advent of Industry 4.0 has revolutionized the manufacturing landscape by integrating advanced software to analyze and optimize processes. This digital transformation, while beneficial, has significantly increased the threat landscape, making cybersecurity a critical concern for the manufacturing sector.
According to Critical Start’s biannual Threat Intelligence Report, manufacturing and industrial products remained the top targeted industries by cyber threat actors, underlining the significance of cybersecurity in manufacturing.
So let's take a look at some evolving trends and ongoing concerns.
- Increased Public Awareness and Regulatory Requirements. Over the years, there has been a significant increase in public awareness of cyberattacks, driven by regulatory requirements such as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Cybersecurity Disclosure Rule. According to this relatively new law, public companies must disclose all breaches, including those affecting OT systems, to the SEC. If organizations fail to disclose this information, CISOs could face financial penalties among other charges. Although drastic, this transparency drives greater visibility and accountability in cybersecurity practices.
- Ransomware Evolution. Another growing cybersecurity concern within the manufacturing sector is the evolution of ransomware tactics. Traditionally, IT ransomware will target IT systems such as Windows. However, if a cyber threat actor is able to infiltrate OT environments, they can shut down entire operations. More alarmingly, nation-state threat actors have developed ransomware specifically targeting OT devices that do not use Windows, posing a severe threat to manufacturing operations.
- Legacy Security Measures. The manufacturing sector remains a top target for cyber threat actors due to its sheer volume and legacy environment. Most security investments are directed towards manufacturing systems rather than networks, leaving significant vulnerabilities in the areas of proper password protection or encryption. A stark example of this was in 2021, when a hacker was able to access a water treatment plant’s remote system in Oldsmar, Florida. The intruder was attempting to alter the water supplier’s levels of sodium hydroxide, which can cause significant tissue damage at high levels. This incident highlights the criticality of proper security measures within critical infrastructure.
- Intellectual Property Theft. While targeted damage is less common, theft of sensitive information and intellectual property is a growing concern for manufacturing. The most common attack vector involves OT systems connected to the Internet without adequate security controls, allowing easy access for cybercriminals. This often goes undetected and does not immediately disrupt operations. However, the long-term impact can be devastating, affecting business competitiveness and market share.
- Evolving Tactics. Cybercriminals have adapted their tactics over the years. Instead of deploying malware, they often steal credentials to gain unauthorized access. The use of generative AI to craft convincing phishing emails is a growing threat, as attackers can manipulate individuals into divulging sensitive information or transferring funds. According to Critical Start’s Threat Intelligence Report, the most common tactics, techniques, and procedures used by threat actors in the sector were spearphishing attachments, exploitation of remote services, and public-facing applications.
Best Practices for Strengthening Cybersecurity
To mitigate these risks and outsmart cybercriminals, manufacturing leaders must adopt robust cybersecurity practices, including but not limited to:
- Network Segmentation. Segment OT networks from IT networks and the Internet to limit the attack surface. This isolation helps contain potential breaches and prevents lateral movement within the network.
- Continuous Monitoring. Implement 24/7 monitoring to ensure network segmentation is effective and security controls are functioning correctly. Continuous monitoring helps detect and respond to threats in real-time.
- Regular Security Audits. Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and address potential weaknesses. This proactive approach helps maintain a strong security posture by significantly decreasing the possibility of a future cyber attack.
- Employee Training. Educate employees on cybersecurity best practices and the importance of vigilance. Training programs should cover phishing awareness, password management, and incident reporting.
- Incident Response Planning. Develop and regularly update an incident response plan to ensure a swift and coordinated response to cyber incidents. This plan should include clear roles and responsibilities, communication protocols and recovery procedures.
By implementing these best practices, manufacturing organizations can enhance their cybersecurity posture, protect critical assets, and mitigate the risks posed by emerging cyber threats. This will deter cyber criminals as it will no longer be an easy target. As their tactics continue to evolve, staying one step ahead requires a proactive and comprehensive approach to cybersecurity.
