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Cybersecurity for Industrial Control Systems

29 April 2021 ronnie Comments Off

Investing in cybersecurity has become a must for all industries. With the advancement of technology and the resultant rise in the frequency of cyberattacks, cybersecurity measures have needed to become more sophisticated and widespread to counter these threats. Even so, there are still IT areas where cybersecurity is not a priority. Industrial Control Systems (ICS) is one such area where, despite the rising levels of cyber threats, system users are reluctant to consider upgrading their cybersecurity measures, in fear they might negatively impact the system performance. Industrial Control Systems can include programmable logic controllers (PLCs), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), distributed control systems (DCS), and more. They are used in industrial operations for optimisation, to reduce human errors, and streamline business functions. 

Security Challenges Faced by ICS

Cybersecurity has become invaluable for industries, regardless of their size and scale. Although a majority of ICS were designed and have been in function since before the advent of the Internet of Things or Big Data, they have needed to adopt new technology like real-time data, enterprise network, and Cloud, among others, to maintain their efficiency. However, adopting this new technology has also brought in new threats that can adversely impact industries and their control systems. Some of these threats include:

– Operational disruption due to hacking and malware

– Damage to Intellectual Property (IP) due to political or terrorist cyberattacks

– Controlling access to the system for ex-employees and other vengeful insider elements

– Data breaches due to hacking of the ICS Cloud infrastructure

– Loss of money, time, and reputation due to human error

How Can Cybersecurity Solutions Help?

Industries need robust cybersecurity solutions for their control systems for several reasons. For any ICS, it must perform optimally at all times, to keep the operations as efficient as possible. With proper cybersecurity measures in place, industries can avoid any operational disruptions that may occur due to system breaches or hacking attempts, and also avoid the costs of rectifying them. 

Technology upgrades such as Cloud integration can often lead to challenges in controlling the access given to employees, especially if they are working from a remote location. With smart cybersecurity and Cloud security measures, you can ensure only the right people have access to your ICS. This not only helps protect against IP and data thefts but also helps you save on repair and re-installation costs. 

Cybersecurity also plays a crucial role in helping industries maintain their reputation. Any human error has the potential to disrupt vital operations and even cause serious injuries or damage to property and assets. Protecting your ICS with the right cybersecurity solutions can help prevent these risks associated with human errors. 

Since Industrial Control Systems are employed in almost all major industrial facilities such as thermal and nuclear power plants, production and distribution units, water treatment plants, and more, they must be protected with relevant cybersecurity measures. The team at SecureNet Communications can design and install the best security solutions for your business or industry. Simply give us a call or drop us a message to learn more about our services.