Protect Your Industrial Systems : Keys to Cybersecurity in the IoT Era
Connected industries are revolutionizing production processes but also exposing companies to new risks: cyberattacks. In the age of IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things), ensuring the security of your systems is essential to protect your data, equipment, and operations.
Industrial Cybersecurity: A Critical Challenge
Did you know that cyberattacks targeting industrial systems have increased by 75% over the past three years? These attacks can lead to:
- Costly downtime: Each hour of factory downtime can cost tens of thousands of euros or more.
- Loss of sensitive data: Key information such as production formulas or strategic plans may be exposed.
- Damage to reputation: A security breach can result in a loss of trust from partners and clients.
The Top 5 Threats to IIoT
- Hacking of Connected Devices Hackers exploit vulnerabilities in IoT devices to take control of machines, disrupt their operation, or collect sensitive data without operators’ knowledge.
- Theft of Sensitive Industrial Data Cybercriminals target databases and connected systems to access confidential information, such as manufacturing processes, contracts, or customer files.
- Ransomware This type of cyberattack locks a company’s systems and demands a ransom for their restoration. Such attacks can paralyze entire factories, as seen in the automotive and chemical industries.
- Intrusion via Unsecured Devices Every connected device—whether sensors, tablets, or industrial smartphones—represents a potential entry point for hackers if not properly secured.
- Attacks on Communication Protocols Data transmitted between sensors and management systems can sometimes be intercepted and altered, causing malfunctions or incorrect information to be transmitted.
A Real-World Example: The Colonial Pipeline Attack
In 2021, a ransomware attack paralyzed a major U.S. pipeline, disrupting fuel supplies for several days. Hackers exploited a vulnerability in a connected system, resulting in financial losses and significant economic disruptions. This incident underscores the importance of securing not only data but also critical equipment.
How to Protect Your Industrial Systems
Here are some essential best practices to reduce risks:
- Segment Your Network Divide your infrastructure into distinct sub-networks to limit cybercriminal movements. If one area is compromised, attackers cannot access your entire system.
- Keep Your Equipment Updated Connected devices must be regularly updated with the latest security patches to prevent known vulnerabilities. This step is crucial to guard against recent exploits.
- Train Your Teams Employee awareness is critical. Simple actions, such as recognizing suspicious emails or reporting unusual system behavior, can prevent major incidents.
- Adopt Anomaly Detection Tools Advanced software and sensors can continuously monitor your equipment and flag unusual behavior. These solutions enable quick action in the event of a threat.
Newboot Solutions: Your Partner in Cybersecurity
Newboot offers dedicated solutions to secure your industrial environments with a comprehensive and tailored approach:
- Real-Time Monitoring of Sensors and Connected Systems Full visibility of your industrial processes, with real-time alerts for detecting abnormal behavior.
- Tailored Support Personalized expertise to strengthen your defenses, adapted to your sector and specific infrastructure needs.
- Sourcing and Selection of Industrial Sensors We help you choose the sensors best suited to your needs, considering performance, security, and durability criteria to optimize your systems while minimizing vulnerabilities.
Take Action Today!
Protect your connected equipment and secure the future of your business.
