IIoT: A key driver and threat vector for Industry 4.0

The industrial landscape is undergoing a massive transformation primarily fueled by innovative digital technologies. Among them, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has emerged as a vital catalyst propelling the convergence of traditional industrial control systems (ICS) with AI-powered technologies. Like all innovations, new technologies in manufacturing create new challenges and potential attack surfaces. Industry 4.0 delivers unprecedented benefits, but it's also made the industrial cyber landscape more complex and vulnerable.

IIoT and the growth of Industry 4.0

Industry 4.0 refers to the fourth industrial revolution, which has been underway for over a decade. Klaus Schwab identified this as a cyber-physical revolution marked by robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI). IoT and the Industrial Internet of Things overlap but differ in their use cases and environments. IIoT systems integrate advanced analytics, machine learning, and real-time insights into core industrial operations. These capabilities make IIoT a key driver for Industry 4.0. Here are some examples:

Smart Manufacturing: IIoT sensors and devices provide real-time visibility into production lines and other industrial environments. This visibility allows manufacturers to make decisions with accurate and up-to-date information.

Predictive Maintenance:  IIoT devices can predict equipment failures before they happen, reducing downtime and saving costs.

Supply Chain Optimization: The real-time tracking and monitoring capability of IIoT devices can provide valuable data about every stage of the supply chain. This helps manufacturers maintain just-in-time inventory or delivery while avoiding gaps in production or meeting demand.

IIoT and Cybersecurity

Industrial technology has become essential to our critical infrastructure networks, with IIoT devices widely installed in all sectors. These interconnected devices are a high-priority target for threat actors. The large number of devices and the many "systems of systems" have made it challenging to keep these networks secure:

Increased Connectivity: Each device connected to a network is a potential entry point for an intruder and accidental misconfiguration by the technician.

Lack of Standards: There is no global standard for IIoT security, which means some manufacturers will refuse to update devices if workarounds are available. IIoT devices are built for functionality, and developers may prioritize that over security.

Data Integrity: A threat actor who can tamper with the data in IIoT networks could disrupt operations or destroy assets. IIoT uses data inputs and outputs to carry out important work. The expansion of IIoT networks amplifies the risk of malicious data tampering.

Legacy Systems: Many industrial companies still use older systems that are no longer supported by the manufacturer and cannot be secured against cybersecurity threats. Deploying modern IIoT alongside these legacy systems can expose significant security vulnerabilities.

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is inherently vulnerable to cyberthreats, but these threats can be managed and significantly mitigated. Implementing robust cybersecurity measures is crucial in securing IIoT devices, especially in networks that include different types of devices and industrial systems.

If you're not sure where to start with IIoT cybersecurity, it's best to start with the basics. Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication where possible. Follow a consistent deployment/onboarding procedure to ensure each device is configured and updated to the current standard, and add each device to your asset management and patch management systems.

Barracuda can help

Barracuda CloudGen Firewall Rugged and Barracuda Secure Connector will take your IIoT and operational technology (OT) cybersecurity to the next level. These compact hardware appliances are purpose-built for harsh industrial environments and they uplevel your systems with advanced protection, centralized management, and unparalleled scalability. Visit our industrial security website to see how.