Securing the Connected Factory
As manufacturers increasingly adopt Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies, they face new security challenges that traditional operational technology (OT) environments were never designed to address. The convergence of IT and OT systems creates broader attack surfaces and introduces vulnerabilities that sophisticated threat actors are eager to exploit.
This article outlines essential security practices for protecting IIoT infrastructure in manufacturing environments.
Critical Security Practices for IIoT
1. Network Segmentation and Isolation
Properly segmenting industrial networks is a foundational security practice. By implementing zones and conduits between different operational areas, manufacturers can contain potential breaches and prevent lateral movement within the network. Critical systems should be isolated from less secure networks, with strictly controlled communication pathways between zones.
2. Device Authentication and Authorization
Every device connected to the industrial network must be authenticated and authorized. Implementing strong authentication mechanisms, such as digital certificates and multi-factor authentication, helps ensure that only legitimate devices can access the network. Additionally, following the principle of least privilege limits each device's access to only the resources necessary for its function.
3. Encrypted Communications
Data transmitted between IIoT devices, edge gateways, and cloud platforms should be encrypted to prevent eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks. Transport Layer Security (TLS) and other encryption protocols provide the necessary protection for sensitive industrial data in transit, while secure boot processes help verify the integrity of device firmware.
