Five Tips From Industry Experts to Help Protect Industrial Networks

Industrial Cybersecurity: Safeguarding Operations from Edge to Cloud

As cybersecurity becomes increasingly vital in the digital age, it's no surprise that searches for terms like ‘cybersecurity boot camp near me’ and ‘cybersecurity executive order’ have surged on Google. Cybersecurity is now an essential part of every organization’s strategy. According to a Deloitte report, 4 out of 10 manufacturers have already experienced security incidents, with 86% reporting disruptions in their industrial operations. As OT/IT convergence continues, the number of potential attack surfaces in industrial control systems rises. From management to every employee, everyone needs to work together to strengthen cybersecurity across all levels—from edge devices to the cloud.

Here are five expert-recommended tips to help your organization enhance its industrial cybersecurity posture and protect your critical infrastructure.

Tip 1: Deploy Secure-by-design Networking Devices and Set Up Devices Securely

In today’s interconnected world, legacy devices often operate alongside modern equipment, increasing vulnerability. The reality is that many industrial operations cannot afford downtime to upgrade these systems. This makes it crucial to use security-hardened networking devices to connect legacy equipment. Choose devices that are built with security in mind and adhere to standards like IEC 62443.

Start by disabling unused ports and services to reduce entry points for attackers. Ensure all devices are configured securely and are compliant with industry standards to protect your network from unauthorized access. For more detailed guidance, check out our tips on securing legacy systems and real-world case studies that showcase how Moxa solutions can secure your edge connectivity.

Tip 2: Segment Your Networks for Enhanced Protection

Once your network devices are secured, the next critical step is network segmentation. Dividing your network into segments helps contain potential breaches, preventing a single compromised node from affecting the entire system. Industrial environments require more than just traditional IT firewalls. While an IT firewall can’t recognize industrial protocols, using industrial-grade firewalls with deep packet inspection can provide both vertical and horizontal protection.

Gary Kong, an OT security consultant at YNY Technology, advises: "It’s crucial to design secured network architectures, including segmentation and Demilitarized Zones (DMZs), to reduce risk and prevent threats from spreading." This approach ensures both IT and OT systems are properly protected, reducing the risk of a full system compromise.

Tip 3: Secure Communication Solutions for Critical Data and Assets

The purpose of OT/IT convergence is to seamlessly collect and transfer data from the edge to the cloud. However, with cloud-based technologies come new security challenges. To protect your data, consider adopting protocols like OPC UA, which provide robust security mechanisms including application and user authentication. This ensures your data remains confidential, intact, and available (CIA) throughout its journey from field devices to the cloud.

Additionally, for organizations leveraging remote access for maintenance or monitoring, it’s crucial to secure those connections with VPNs and encryption. Securing remote access will protect your critical assets from cyber threats and ensure smooth, reliable operations.

Tip 4: Build Cybersecurity Awareness Across All Levels of the Organization

Cybersecurity isn't just a technical issue—it requires a culture shift within your organization. From top management to every employee, everyone must understand their role in maintaining cybersecurity. Thomas Burke, an expert from Mitsubishi Electric Automation, emphasizes the importance of raising awareness: "Make sure end-users, suppliers, and employees understand their critical role in ensuring security is maintained."

Implement clear security policies, including defining who has access to critical data. Make sure these policies are followed consistently across your entire organization. Awareness and adherence to security protocols form the foundation of your industrial cybersecurity strategy.

Tip 5: Regularly Review and Optimize Your Security Configurations

Even the most comprehensive security policies are only as effective as their implementation. Conduct regular risk assessments and reviews to identify vulnerabilities and adjust configurations as needed. Visualize your network with industrial network management software to monitor security settings and make necessary changes to protect critical assets.

By continuously examining your systems, you can stay ahead of evolving threats and maintain a strong security posture. A proactive approach will help you safeguard your operations and avoid costly downtime due to cyber incidents.

Conclusion: The Path to Stronger Industrial Cybersecurity

As cybersecurity continues to gain traction, organizations must prioritize protecting their industrial networks from the edge to the cloud. By focusing on secure device configurations, network segmentation, communication protocols, and building a culture of cybersecurity awareness, you can protect your critical assets and ensure operational resilience.

• It is highly recommended to start with developing mindsets, formulating security policies, and systematically examining configurations.
• Once the groundwork has been performed, you can then start to look at secure edge connectivity to protect the mixture of new and legacy systems.
• It is important to remember to secure the network backbone that helps deliver the data that is required to achieve OT/IT convergence.
• It is also recommended to install industrial firewalls to consolidate vertical and horizontal protection.
• Last but not least, with the increasing demands on remote connections, a hassle-free secure remote access solution will save you money and effort.