How IIoT impacts your cyber and physical security

 

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices can help your organization enhance security by monitoring activities across varying, distributed spaces. From cameras and access control readers to alarm panels, IIoT devices offer complete connectivity, accessibility, and data-sharing capabilities. However, these benefits come with inherent cybersecurity risks that can potentially expose your network to cyberattacks.

CYBERSECURITY CHECKLIST

 

Who’s experiencing cyberattacks

In our recent survey with responses from over 5,500 security professionals, close to a third (31%) of respondents reported that their organizations were targeted by cyber threat actors. Certain sectors experienced more frequent attacks, with 73% of respondents in the intelligence and national security sector and 46% in the banking and finance sector citing incidents. In contrast, the retail sector reported a lower incidence rate with only 21% indicating an attack.

Are your IIoT devices creating a security gap?

Given the increasing frequency of cyberattacks, securing IIoT devices is crucial. These devices can sometimes serve as entry points for cyberattackers. They'll typically exploit vulnerabilities that could lead to severe breaches in both large and small enterprises.

Connecting sensors from various systems of your organization such as physical security, operations, or building infrastructure can be an effective way to gain new business insights. But all these devices need to be secured to minimize any gaps in your organization’s IIoT security.

Fortunately, organizations are beginning to adopt more proactive measures. 42% of end user respondents indicated their organizations are now deploying cybersecurity-related tools within their physical security environments, a significant rise from the 27% reported in 2022. By creating a complete cybersecurity strategy where sensors, devices, and systems are all being taken into consideration, your organization can ensure that your network is secured and that you have a strong IIoT cybersecurity posture.

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How to stay ahead of evolving IIoT cybersecurity threats

To mitigate the cybersecurity risks associated with IIoT devices, organizations must adopt proactive measures. Below are key considerations for enhancing the security of your systems and ensuring compliance with cybersecurity standards and regulations.

Partner with cybersecurity-focused physical security providers

The first step to improving your cybersecurity strategy is selecting a physical security provider that prioritizes cybersecurity. Here are essential questions to evaluate potential partners:

• Are they certified by third-party entities or have the ISO 27001 certification?
• Are they SOC2 compliant?
• How transparent are they with cybersecurity vulnerabilities?
• What strategy do they have in place to close security gaps and address risks?
• How do they prioritize cybersecurity in the development of their products?
• Do they adhere to IT security best practices?
• Do they perform PEN tests?

Providers who make cybersecurity a top-down priority typically have dedicated cybersecurity teams and partnerships with vendors who share the same commitment. By partnering with such providers, you can develop a robust cybersecurity posture, ensuring measures like firmware updates and password changes are effectively managed at scale.

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Opt for solutions with built-in cybersecurity

When evaluating physical security systems, prioritize solutions designed with security in mind and equipped with built-in cybersecurity measures. This includes looking for key features such as multi-factor authentication, authorization, and end-to-end encryption. These cybersecurity fundamentals will help to ensure data protection across your entire environment, especially when you have multiple IIoT sensors connected.

Choosing a unified security platform can further help you secure IIoT devices. That’s because a unified solution allows you to manage and maintain all your system components from one view. In many cases, you’ll be able to check device statuses for your connected sensors and receive notifications when new updates are available. A cyber-minded unified platform can also give you access to tools like a system availability monitor and security score widget which can point you to any weaknesses in your system.

Though it’s important to note— there are limitations to the cyber-related data and notifications that you can receive from certain IIoT devices. That said, a unified approach will generally give you broader visibility of potential risks across your deployment.

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Consider cloud or hybrid-cloud deployment options

In many ways, the cloud has become a catalyst for IIoT. Cloud applications today provide powerful computing, data processing, and storage from the onset. This makes it easier for organizations to scale existing systems, launch new applications and expand connectivity to various IIoT devices and data.

At the same time, transitioning to a cloud or hybrid security model can further help enhance your cybersecurity posture. Modern cloud systems incorporate multiple layers of cybersecurity, protecting against both malicious actors and human error.

Additionally, sharing cybersecurity responsibilities with your cloud provider ensures that advanced security measures are in place. After all, trusted cloud technology vendors and top-tier cloud service providers have dedicated teams who invest significant amounts of time and resources in ensuring the highest levels of cybersecurity. All of this helps to safeguard your data and systems.

Cloud security solutions can also provide benefits such as improved scalability, flexibility, and disaster recovery capabilities, allowing your organization to adapt swiftly to emerging threats and operational changes.

A proactive approach to align cyber and physical security

Implementing preventative security measures is essential for protecting your organization against the growing threat of cyberattacks targeting IIoT devices. By partnering with reputable security providers, selecting a unified platform with built-in cybersecurity features, and adopting hybrid or cloud approaches, you can substantially enhance your cybersecurity posture.

As the landscape of cyber threats continues to evolve, staying informed and vigilant is crucial. By taking these steps, your organization will be better equipped to safeguard its assets, maintain operational integrity, and ensure compliance with industry standards.