This blog post was originally published on Forbes
Today’s manufacturing supply chains are very complex, involving numerous stakeholders and integrated processes. While complexity and interconnectivity have driven innovation and growth, they’ve created more opportunities for cybercriminals.
As attacks continue to rise, the manufacturing industry needs support in building a cyber-resilient ecosystem encompassing manufacturing entities, suppliers, partners and service providers. This push towards digital transformation is even more critical, considering many manufacturers rely on legacy systems that can be challenging to update or replace.With stronger cyber resilience, the entire manufacturing value chain can become more robust and agile, effectively minimizing risks and ensuring continuity in the face of sophisticated threats.
Barriers To Cybersecurity
Manufacturing cybersecurity strategies are often fragmented, lacking a united front to defend against coordinated attacks. For instance, manufacturing environments often consist of a wide range of equipment and systems, many of which are legacy systems. These older systems were not designed with cybersecurity in mind, making it challenging to integrate modern security measures.
For some companies, especially SMBs, that may not have chief information security officers (CISOs), this process can be even more fragmented as they try to preserve their cybersecurity posture with fewer employees and resources. A lack of synchronization between IT and operational technology (OT) can lead to gaps in the collective defense, allowing for systemic vulnerabilities.
Four Cornerstones For Cyber Resilience In Manufacturing
Below are four cornerstones of establishing cyber resilience in manufacturing. By prioritizing these cornerstones, manufacturers can enhance cyber resilience, strengthening the industry’s security posture.1. Build redundancy and contingency plans.
Resilience in cybersecurity is crucial to ensuring that manufacturing operations can withstand and recover from cyber threats. Redundancy is vital in achieving this resilience by providing backup systems and alternative mechanisms to maintain continuity and functionality even with compromised primary systems.
In addition, establishing a plan to respond effectively if and when bad actors strike is essential for minimizing the impact of cyber incidents and ensuring a swift recovery. For example, Bridgestone Americas suffered a ransomware attack in 2022. CISO Tom Corridon said his biggest piece of advice for other organizations is to "designate key decision-makers for handling such crises before they happen."
One way to minimize cybersecurity risks is by setting up a dedicated incident response team comprising individuals with the necessary expertise and authority to coordinate the organization's response to cyber incidents. Define roles and responsibilities within the team and ensure clear lines of communication and escalation.
2. Invest in specialized cybersecurity training
Manufacturing IT leaders can design innovative approaches to ingrain continuous cybersecurity training in the workplace, such as through gamification or tabletop exercises. Tabletop exercises are simulated scenarios designed to test and improve an organization's incident response capabilities and preparedness for cyber threats.
These exercises involve key stakeholders, such as cybersecurity team members, IT staff, executives, legal counsel and relevant departments. Together, they walk through a hypothetical cyber incident in a facilitated discussion format. This exercise is essential for companies looking to improve their cybersecurity posture, enabling them to have a plan in place in case a cyberattack occurs.
3. Align cybersecurity threat detection capabilities with international standards
As cyber threats evolve, manufacturers must follow established guidance to maintain security. For example, ISO 27001 is a well-known, internationally recognized set of guidelines for managing information security. It offers a systematic and well-structured approach that helps protect a company’s sensitive data.
Compliance with ISO 27001 demonstrates a company’s commitment to maintaining the highest security standards. However, how do you ensure you’ve met these guidelines? One approach is implementing cybersecurity software that can automate compliance tasks, monitor regulatory changes, update industry standards and provide visibility into the organization’s cybersecurity posture.
4. Implement advanced detection and response software
Advancing technologies such as IoT, AI and ML are revolutionizing how we predict and respond to cyber threats. These technologies can detect issues in real time, offering manufacturing companies a chance to prevent attacks before they occur.
While these technologies are powerful, it’s important to note that some cybersecurity software solutions detect and resolve cyberattacks without using AI and ML. Threat detection capabilities continuously collect and monitor data from various sources, including network traffic, system logs, user activity and end-point data, enabling organizations to identify suspicious activities and potential security threats within their networks. The software can detect patterns and anomalies indicative of malicious behavior by analyzing vast amounts of security data in real time.
The Role Of Third-Party Cybersecurity Experts
Manufacturing decision-makers unsure where to begin with their cybersecurity protocols can consider assistance from third-party cybersecurity experts. These experts offer specialized knowledge and experience for navigating today’s intricate web of threats.
To find proper support, look for cybersecurity experts with a proven track record in the manufacturing sector who prioritize collaboration and communication. In addition, ensure that potential partners adhere to industry standards and possess relevant certifications.
For instance, the Manufacturing Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MFG-ISAC) is a nonprofit cybersecurity threat awareness and mitigation community for small, medium and enterprise-level manufacturers in the United States. The MFG-ISAC team uses open-source and proprietary intelligence to warn member companies of incoming cyber threats and provides suggested tools and methods for prevention, remediation or recovery.
Above all, seek experts who can grow and evolve with your organization, providing ongoing support, guidance and proactive cybersecurity services. By ensuring strategic collaboration with a cybersecurity partner, manufacturers can better overcome the fragmentation plaguing cybersecurity strategies.
Improving Cybersecurity Posture
In modern manufacturing, where supply chains involve numerous stakeholders and interconnected processes, the resulting complexity has fostered both innovation and vulnerability. Globalization and digitalization have stretched supply chains beyond traditional limits, creating new opportunities for cybercriminals.
Adopting robust cyber defense strategies is crucial for manufacturers. By focusing on advanced technology solutions, comprehensive training and adherence to industry standards, manufacturers can strengthen their cyber defenses. For those uncertain of where to begin, collaboration with third-party experts can be an effective starting point. These considerations can help ensure resilience against evolving cyber threats and support the development of a cyber-resilient manufacturing ecosystem.
