Manufacturing

Convergence of IT and OT security

Routine IT procedures, such as antivirus updates and software patching, can lead to significant production disruptions and have the potential to temporarily shut down entire production lines. To further complicate the already challenging task, software updates are not always available for Operational Technology (OT) assets, leaving critical operational and production assets susceptible to security vulnerabilities.

Interconnected risks from new technology

While new technologies have the benefit of increasing productivity, the complexity of such advancements also poses significant supply chain risks. Global malware events that impact supply chains may cause devastating widespread disruption and delay, often derailing the critical manufacturing processes.

Business interruption and domino impact

While the Internet of Things improves efficiency in manufacturing with network-connected devices, it also provides increased exposure to attacks that can cripple ICS or supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems. Such disruptions can grind ordinary business to a halt and force manufacturers to incur significant costs to get back online and resume operations.