Protecting Your Manufacturing Facility from Cyber Attacks

Company networks and the internet connect to industrial control systems and operations technology. So, they are more vulnerable to cyber threats. These threats could disrupt or damage operations. Recent high-profile cyber-attacks, like Stuxnet and WannaCry ransomware, have shown that manufacturing is a prime target. Malicious actors want to infiltrate systems to steal data or cause destruction. 

For manufacturing facilities, the stakes of a cyber-attack are especially high. A breach could lead to loss of sensitive data. It could also let hackers manipulate or shut down production lines. They could compromise safety systems or damage equipment. The financial, legal, and reputational consequences of such an attack would be severe. It’s vital to take a proactive approach to defending your operations. That's why manufacturers must make cybersecurity a top priority.

The first step is to make a cybersecurity roadmap for manufacturing facilities. You must start by doing a thorough assessment. Look at potential risks and vulnerabilities. This involves auditing your facility's networks, systems, and policies. 

The objective is to find any weaknesses that could be used by threat actors.

• Audit your network architecture: Document all connections to external networks and between internal network segments. Identify any unsecured connections or legacy systems. Review firewall and router configurations to ensure proper network segmentation and access controls.
• Evaluate ICS security: Assess all industrial control systems and SCADA devices. Check for unpatched systems, default passwords, and unauthorized access. Identify any legacy devices lacking security features. Review ICS network segmentation from corporate systems.
• Analyze IT systems: Inventory all IT systems including workstations, servers, mobile devices, cloud services, etc. Check for the latest OS and software patches, malware protection, access controls, and encryption of sensitive data. 
• Review security policies: Examine policies for access control, change management, vulnerability management, incident response, and cybersecurity awareness training. Identify any policy gaps.
• Assess physical security: Inspect physical access controls at all entry points and high-value assets. Look for unrestricted access that could allow tampering with systems.

A full audit shows where a program is weak. It also tells what to improve first in cybersecurity. 

A strong cybersecurity program needs clear policies and procedures. They must align with the organization's goals and industry rules. These provide guidance to employees on expected cybersecurity practices and accountability measures. 

Some key policies and procedures manufacturing facilities should implement include:

Access Controls

• Require strong passwords and multi-factor authentication for all users. 
• Establish least privilege permissions so users only have access to systems necessary for their role.  
• Promptly revoke access when employees change roles or leave the company.
• Use access control lists, firewalls, and network segmentation to limit access.

Patch Management 

• Maintain a centralized inventory of hardware and software assets.
• Subscribe to vendor notifications about new patches and vulnerabilities.
• Test patches in a non-production environment before deployment.
• Schedule regular maintenance windows to install critical patches.
• Automate patch deployment when possible for efficiency.

Training

• Require cybersecurity awareness training upon onboarding and annually after.
• Educate employees on social engineering risks and safe internet usage.  
• Inform personnel about policies for password security, mobile device usage, and data handling.
• Conduct phishing simulation tests to identify gaps and further training needs.

Writing clear cybersecurity expectations in policies and procedures is essential. It helps govern user behavior and enable proactive security.

Many manufacturing facilities typically have a mix of IT and OT systems. Still, they must be properly secured. These measures should restrict access to critical infrastructure. This includes control rooms, server rooms, and network equipment. Only authorized individuals should have access to these areas.

Technical controls provide layers of protection for devices and networks. Firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and VPNs help monitor traffic and block threats. Splitting the network into zones by function helps limit access. It also limits damage if a breach occurs. 

For instance, the control system network should be air-gapped from the corporate network. Wireless access points should also be placed on separate network segments. By limiting communication between zones, lateral movement of threats is reduced.

More techniques harden endpoints. These steps include: turning off unneeded ports and services, applying security patches, and using antivirus software. They add depth to defense. Two-factor authentication mechanisms for remote access offer another barrier for cyber attacks.

Managing accounts and access is a critical part of any cybersecurity program. Apply the principle of least privilege. It means users get only the access they need to do their duties. 

Strong passwords should be required and regularly changed for all accounts. It's good practice. Multi-factor authentication adds security. It requires a second form of ID beyond just a password. 

Access to sensitive systems should be restricted to only authorized personnel. Review user accounts and access regularly. This is important to remove unneeded access. 

Session timeouts can automatically log users out after a period of inactivity. This prevents accounts from being left open and accessible when not in use.

Properly managing accounts and access can limit entry points. It reduces the risk of unauthorized access or malicious activity.

Factories should do regular audits and testing. These find weaknesses and check if security controls work as planned. 

This includes activities such as:

• Vulnerability scanning: Use network scanning tools to identify misconfigurations, missing patches, open ports, default accounts, and other vulnerabilities. Scan all systems connected to the network including workstations, servers, network devices, and industrial control systems.
• Penetration testing: Hire ethical hackers to simulate cyber attacks against your systems and networks. They will try to breach defenses to find weak points.
• Compliance audits: Assess whether security policies, controls, and practices meet internal requirements and industry regulations. Identify any gaps that need to be addressed.
• Physical security audits: Review physical access controls around the facility and critical systems. Look for ways an attacker could gain unauthorized entry.

You need regular audits and tests. They are vital for finding vulnerabilities. Vulnerabilities appear as technology changes. It provides assurance that defenses are adequate against current cyber threats. 

Be sure to fix any issues identified during audits to reduce risk exposure.

A cybersecurity roadmap is only as strong as the people implementing it. That's why ongoing cybersecurity training and education is a critical component. 

All employees should be trained on your cybersecurity policies, procedures, and tools. They need to understand the risks present and how to properly use the controls in place.

Annual cybersecurity training should be required for all staff. Make sure they know how to spot phishing emails. They should also know how to make strong password, how to report suspicious activity, and how to protect sensitive data. IT staff and those with high system access may need more training. Consider requiring certifications. They ensure that people stay up-to-date on the latest threats and defense tactics. 

Training exercises such as simulated phishing attacks can also be highly effective. They allow you to measure the effectiveness of your education programs. After each exercise, be sure to follow up with more training. It will address any weaknesses found. 

A knowledgeable workforce is your first line of defense against cyber threats. Providing ongoing education demonstrates your commitment to a culture of security. It's empowering your staff to make smart decisions. This will keep your manufacturing systems safe.

Manufacturing facilities contain critical systems and data that require protection from cyber threats. Implementing a cybersecurity roadmap provides a strategic approach to securing these assets. This involves assessing risks. 

It also means setting security goals, adding controls, and managing access. It also means doing audits, making incident response plans, and training staff. The steps outlined in this blog post are key. They will help you develop a custom cybersecurity strategy. 

But, the work doesn't stop there. Cybersecurity requires ongoing vigilance and continuous improvement as new threats emerge. Review your roadmaps often. Update them to stay safe.  Don't wait for a breach to occur before acting. Use this roadmap to get ahead of cybercriminals and implement proactive solutions. 

A strong cybersecurity posture is essential for manufacturing success in today's interconnected world. Contact Proconex today to learn about our trusted solutions for manufacturing facilities at every stage of your cybersecurity journey!