Cybersecurity as Priority in Smart Manufacturing

Smart manufacturing and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has redefined the manufacturing industry. From real-time visibility that impacts business decision-making, to automation and predictive maintenance that minimizes disruption, businesses today are reliant on smart manufacturing technologies to stay competitive. 

Yet, the reality is that these technologies can be a double-edged sword. The same features that make smart technologies powerful is also what makes them vulnerable to cybercrime. As more devices and sensors are connected, their attack surface also expands. The integration of these new technologies with legacy systems can also result in unforeseen loopholes, and in day-to-day operations, real-time data exposure can further complicate the cybersecurity landscape.

The concerns around cybersecurity are reflected in the 10th annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report (SOSM), whereby 95% of Asia Pacific (APAC) businesses have indicated equipping employees with cybersecurity practices and standards are important.

These figures prove that cybersecurity has and needs to become a core business pillar. Instead of simply taking reactive measures, organizations must embed cybersecurity into every layer of their technology stack.

Tailoring cybersecurity solutions for bespoke outcomes

While there is growing recognition for cybersecurity to be included as part of organizations’ core strategy for growth and resilience, many organizations continue to suffer from cybersecurity breaches within their operational technology (OT) ecosystem. The SANS 2024 ICS/OT Cybersecurity Report states that 83% of OT leaders experienced at least one security breach in the past three years. And according to Palo Alto Networks, nearly 70% of industrial firms had an OT cyberattack last year.

While cybersecurity is a universal concern, every business faces different challenges that are unique to them. As modern factories move away from legacy systems, taking a consultative approach to OT cybersecurity has become more necessary. At Rockwell Automation, we work closely with industrial organizations to understand their unique risk landscape, regulatory requirements and operational needs, tailoring strategies across their product lifecycle that align with their current stage in the cybersecurity journey. Having the right tools alongside the right strategy and partner helps companies operate with confidence even as they scale and evolve over time. 

Working with partners for best-in-class cybersecurity practices

With an evolving threat landscape, complexity around OT infrastructure and shortage of skilled talent in cybersecurity, there is increasing demand for a service-centric model where manufacturers seek partners with dedicated end-to-end cyber expertise.

Establishing a strong OT cybersecurity foundation means building policies, governance, oversight and controls that actively manage technologies and guide workers to operate in predefined, secure, environments.

Recognizing this growing need in industrial operations, Rockwell Automation recently launched a new SecureOT™ solution suite designed specifically to help industrial organizations in need of cybersecurity offerings to deliver end-to-end protection for critical infrastructure and highly regulated industrial systems – from strategic advisory to asset visibility and managed security services.

We have been helping manufacturers improve their cybersecurity maturity across various industries. For example, we are working with a large metal producing company to perform risk assessment services periodically across three years following the implementation of a Rockwell Automation managed infrastructure for their OT environment.

In another project, we are helping a large multi-site, multinational semiconductor company bolster its cybersecurity practices by implementing our threat detection technology platform across its global operations, demonstrating tangible value and enhancing their ability to detect and respond to threats effectively.

No matter where businesses are in their OT security journey, having proper guardrails in place can potentially save manufacturers from costly cyber breaches that can disrupt operations overnight, and irreversible reputational damage. 

Ready to secure your OT environment? Learn more about our industrial cybersecurity solutions, and how we can help build resilience in your operations.