Why You Should Protect Your Facility
Industrial Cybersecurity is a crucial aspect of modern business operations, and this is especially true for industries that deal with sensitive information and advanced technology. In today’s digital age, industrial facilities are becoming increasingly connected to the internet and automation systems, making them more vulnerable to cyberattacks. This is why industrial cybersecurity is so important.
Industrial facilities, such as power plants, water treatment facilities, and oil refineries, rely on complex systems to control and monitor operations. These systems, known as Industrial Control Systems (ICS), are responsible for managing and automating critical processes. However, as these systems become more connected to the internet, they also become more vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Tactics Used By Cyber Criminals
Cybercriminals can use a variety of tactics to exploit vulnerabilities in ICS systems. For example, they may use malware to gain access to control systems and manipulate them for their own gain. They may also use phishing scams to trick employees into giving away sensitive information. In some cases, cybercriminals may even use denial of service (DoS) attacks to shut down entire systems, causing widespread disruption and damage.
One of the most significant concerns with industrial cybersecurity is the potential for physical damage. For example, a cyberattack on a power plant could cause a blackout, while a cyberattack on a water treatment facility could contaminate the water supply. These types of incidents could have serious consequences for public health and safety.
Be Proactive and Neutralize Threats
To protect industrial facilities from cyberattacks, it is important to have robust cybersecurity measures in place. This includes implementing firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and security protocols to protect networks and systems. It also includes educating employees on the importance of cybersecurity and training them on how to recognize and respond to potential threats.
In addition, it is important to conduct regular security audits and risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and implement remediation measures. And it is also important to have incident response plans in place so that the facility is prepared to respond quickly and effectively in the event of a cyberattack.
Recent Statistics Behind Cybercrime in Industrial Environments
Cybersecurity is a growing concern for industrial facilities and the statistics reflect that. According to a report by Cybersecurity Ventures, cybercrime is projected to cost the world $6 trillion annually by 2021, and a significant portion of that cost will be borne by industrial companies.
The industrial sector is particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks as it has been reported that:
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In 2020, the oil and gas industry experienced a 300% increase in cyber attacks targeting operational technology (OT) systems.
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In the same year, the manufacturing sector experienced a 400% increase in ransomware attacks.
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In 2019, 60% of all Industrial Control Systems (ICS) cyber incidents affected the energy sector, with oil and gas being the most targeted sub-sector.
It is also worth mentioning that the consequences of a cyber attack in an industrial facility can be severe. For example:
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In 2017, the NotPetya malware attack caused a global shipping company to lose an estimated $300 million due to the disruption of its operations.
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A cyber attack on a German steel mill in 2014 resulted in physical damage to the facility and production being halted for a week.
These statistics highlight the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures and incident response plans. Without proper cybersecurity, industrial facilities are at risk of losing millions of dollars and potentially causing physical damage and disruption to critical operations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, industrial cybersecurity is a critical issue that requires attention and action. As industrial systems become more connected to the internet and automation systems, the potential for cyberattacks increases. By implementing robust cybersecurity measures, educating employees, and conducting regular security audits, industrial facilities can better protect themselves from cyberattacks and minimize the potential for physical damage.
We provide a complete industrial cybersecurity solution that comprises Claroty’s Continuous Threat Detection (CTD), Secure Remote Access (SRA), and Edge technologies. The platform seamlessly integrates with any industrial environment regardless of its scale, architecture, or the maturity of existing cybersecurity programs. Highly flexible and rapid deployment options enable The Claroty Platform to reveal and protect all OT, IoT, and IIoT assets within the network while automatically detecting the earliest indicators of threats to those assets via proprietary detection technologies. Claroty is the best comprehensive Operational Technology cybersecurity on the market. Contact a ValuTrack Specialist to learn more about how we can provide you unmatched visibility, protection, and threat detection across all cyber-physical systems.
Effective industrial cybersecurity starts with knowing the connectivity paths in your network as well as what needs to be secured. The Claroty Platform reveals and protects all OT, IoT, and IIoT assets within the network while automatically detecting the earliest indicators of threats to those assets via proprietary detection technologies. Claroty seamlessly integrates with any industrial environment regardless of its scale, architecture, or the maturity of existing cybersecurity programs.
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