Manufacturing plant cyber security has become a very hot issue lately. The manufacturing industry has become more digitized. Therefore, it is becoming a newly popular target for cybercriminals. Manufacturers are increasingly vulnerable to attacks that can shut down production. These external threats can affect manufacturers regardless of their size. The U.S. National Center for Manufacturing Sciences estimated that breaches cost manufacturing companies between $1 million and $10 million. These expensive attacks are coming from different points – externally, in the form of malicious nation states, and internally, from careless or intentionally destructive insiders.
Learn how you can help keep improve your manufacturing plant cyber security.
Network
Network
IP Addresses on the plant floor need to be protected. Every connection to the Internet is a potential entry point for hackers
Access
Access
Control physical access to the plant floor. Only authorized employees should be permitted on floor, contractors and visitors should be escorted.
Removable Media
Removable Media
Use passwords and encryption on removable media. Do not plug in an unknown USB drive into a computer. Use and maintain security software.
Computers
Computers
Computers should lock automatically after a period of inactivity. A password should be required to regain entry into the computer.
Mobile
Mobile
Mobile devices can be easily exploited and quickly compromised. Your plant should have a security policy in place regarding the use of mobile devices.
Training
Training
Employees should be trained to identify phishing attacks, which often include links to update passwords and gives hackers access to your accounts.
Respond
Respond
Your first line of defense are your employees. Their ability to respond quickly and appropriately to a cyber attack can help mitigate damage.
Printed Materials
Printed Materials
Technical manuals and drawings may contain sensitive information. Make sure all printed materials are protected and properly stored.
Interested in learning how we can help improve your manufacturing plant cyber security? Contact us to find out more.