IIoT security refers to the procedures and safeguards set up to defend industrial IoT systems’ networks, devices, and data against online threats and intrusions. This includes safeguarding the integrity and accessibility of the data and used systems, as well as preventing illegal access, data breaches, and viruses. This is especially crucial because many industrial operations are extremely important and because a security event could have serious financial and safety repercussions. In order to increase efficiency, productivity, and safety in industrial settings including factories, power plants, and transportation networks, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) refers to the usage of connected equipment and sensors in these settings.
What is the Industrial Internet of Things examples?
- Predictive maintenance in manufacturing: In order to reduce downtime, predictive maintenance in manufacturing involves using sensors to track the operation of machinery and equipment and data analytics to foresee when maintenance or repairs would be necessary.
- Smart transportation and logistics: Using GPS and other sensors to track the location and condition of vehicles, cargo, and shipments in real-time and using data analytics to plan the best routes and delivery windows are examples of smart transportation and logistics.
- Smart energy management: Smart energy management involves the use of sensors to track energy production and consumption as well as the use of data analytics to enhance the efficiency of power plants, wind turbines, and other energy-generating machinery.
- Remote monitoring and control of industrial processes: Industrial process management using remote monitoring and control systems, such as regulating the temperature and pressure in a chemical plant, is known as industrial process management.
- Quality control and monitoring in food and agriculture: Monitoring and controlling the quality of food and agricultural products include employing sensors to keep an eye on the temperature, humidity, and other variables that can affect their quality as well as applying data analytics to optimize production and storage.
- Real-time monitoring of industrial assets: Real-time monitoring of industrial assets involves the use of sensors to keep track of the condition of infrastructure like pipelines, bridges, and other buildings as well as the use of data analytics to spot possible problems and foresee when maintenance is necessary.
- Infrastructure and smart cities: Using sensors and data analytics to improve the efficiency of city infrastructure, including waste management, public transportation, and traffic management.
- Real-time inventory management: Utilizing sensors and data analytics, real-time inventory management tracks inventory levels in real-time and optimizes replenishment and reordering procedures.
- Supply chain management: Improving logistics and shipping procedures by using sensors and data analytics to track the whereabouts and status of goods and commodities in real time.
- Environmental monitoring: Monitoring environmental conditions, such as the quality of the air and water, and predicting and preventing environmental incidents are all done using sensors and data analytics.
- Predictive safety in hazardous industries: Utilizing sensors and data analytics to identify potential safety risks in sectors like the oil and gas industry and take preventative measures before incidents happen
Top 21 industrial internet of things companies
- GE Digital
- Siemens AG
- Cisco Systems, Inc.
- IBM Corporation
- Intel Corporation
- Schneider Electric
- Honeywell International Inc.
- PTC Inc.
- ABB Ltd.
- Bosch Software Innovations
- Rockwell Automation, Inc.
- Hitachi, Ltd.
- Fujitsu Limited
- Accenture PLC
- Wipro Limited
- Emerson Electric Co.
- Deloitte
- Ericsson AB
- Microsoft Corporation
- Oracle Corporation
- SAP SE.
Note that as businesses develop and expand their technologies, this list may change. These are a few of the well-known businesses that offer IIOT solutions at the moment.
Top 21 IIoT benefits
- improved productivity and efficiency
- enhanced asset management and tracking
- monitoring and managing industrial operations in real-time
- Improved equipment uptime and preventative maintenance
- decreased energy expenses and use
- improved compliance and safety
- Enhanced product traceability and quality control
- Real-time data analysis improves decision-making and increases flexibility and scalability
- Industrial equipment monitoring and management from a distance
- improved logistics and supply chain management
- enhanced reliability and decreased downtime
- higher sales and profits
- streamlined production techniques
- increased client satisfaction and loyalty improved resource optimization
- improved security and risk-taking for IIoT security
- Remote maintenance and troubleshooting
- increased robotics and automation
- more sustainable environmental practices
- Collaboration and communication between teams are improved Agility and competition are increased
- skills for advanced analytics and machine learning
- more accurate forecasting and prediction abilities
- an increased return on investment (ROI).
What are IIoT and IoT? | Difference between IIoT vs IoT
The network of interconnected gadgets and sensors that may gather and share data online is known as the Internet of Things (IoT). These gadgets, which are used in a range of locations such as homes, businesses, and cities, can include smartphones, smart homes, and wearables.
A subset of the Internet of Things (IoT), the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) refers to the application of linked devices and sensors in industrial contexts, including manufacturing facilities, power plants, and transportation networks. In order to increase efficiency, productivity, and safety in these industrial environments, data is collected and analyzed using these devices and sensors.
The breadth and applications of the technology are the key distinctions between IoT and IIoT. While IIoT is focused especially on using these devices in industrial settings, IoT is a general term that refers to any connected devices. Additionally, the systems and data used in IIoT tend to be more vital and have greater potential repercussions in the event of a security incident, making security more crucial for IIoT security.
Define and explain IIoT architecture
The overall structure and arrangement of the many parts and technologies that make up an IIoT system are referred to as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) architecture. Several essential elements are frequently present, including:
- Sensors and actuators: Devices that gather information from the physical environment and regulate industrial processes are known as sensors and actuators. Temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and actuators that manage valves and other machinery can all be included.
- Edge devices: Edge devices are those that are closest to the sensors and actuators at the network’s outer edge. They are in charge of gathering and analyzing sensor data before sending it to the cloud or other data centers.
- Cloud or data center: The location where the data is kept, processed, and analyzed is the cloud or data center. It may also comprise other data centers, servers, and platforms like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.
- Application layer: This is where data is turned into useful insights and put to use to enhance business operations. Applications such as analytics software, machine learning techniques, and others may fall under this category.
- Network infrastructure: The IIoT system’s underlying network that connects all of its many components is known as network infrastructure. Gateways, wired and wireless networks, and other tools that allow for intercom between the various parts can be a part of it.
- Security: Security is an integral part of IIoT architecture that protect the networks, devices, and data involved in industrial IoT systems from cyber threats and attacks.
The IIoT architecture is designed to enable the collection, analysis, and use of data from industrial processes in real time, which can improve efficiency, productivity, and safety in industrial settings. The architecture is also designed to be scalable and flexible, allowing it to adapt to the changing needs of industrial operations.
How to Identify and prevent cyber attacks on IIoT devices and networks?
Organizations can take the following actions to recognize and stop cyberattacks on Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) networks and devices:
- Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing: Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing can help discover possible weak spots in IIoT networks and devices, allowing companies to take preventative action before an attack takes place.
- Implement strong authentication and access controls: Use multi-factor authentication and restrict access to IIoT networks and devices to those who truly need them as part of rigorous authentication and access restrictions.
- Keep software and firmware updated: Updating software and firmware on a regular basis can assist to guarantee that networks and devices are protected against known vulnerabilities.
- Use secure protocols and encryption: To safeguard data while it is at rest, you can use encryption as well as secure protocols like HTTPS, SSL, and VPN.
- Monitor network traffic: Network traffic should be monitored for any unusual behavior. To identify and stop cyberattacks, organizations should utilize firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and intrusion prevention systems.
- Train your staff: Employees must be aware of the dangers posed by IIoT networks and devices, as well as how to recognize and avoid cyberattacks. Employees should receive training on security best practices, including how to spot and report unusual activities.
- Have an incident response plan in place: Doing so can help firms respond to cyberattacks more swiftly and effectively while reducing their effects.
- Implementing security by design: By incorporating security considerations into the system’s architecture, or “security by design,” it is possible to prevent the addition of potential vulnerabilities at a later time.
By putting these steps in place, businesses can lessen the impact of potential cyberattacks while also defending their IIoT networks and devices.
The role of encryption in protecting IIoT devices and networks
Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices and networks are crucially protected from cyberattacks via encryption. Data that is in plain text format is encrypted so that it may be viewed only by those with the right decryption key. This can help prevent unauthorized parties from intercepting or accessing sensitive data.
To secure IIoT networks and devices, a variety of encryption techniques can be utilized, such as:
- Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS): These protocols can be used to encrypt data as it is being transferred between devices and networks, preventing unwanted parties from intercepting it.
- Advanced Encryption Standard (AES): Data at rest, such as information saved on IIoT devices, can be encrypted using the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), a popular symmetric key encryption technique.
- Public Key Infrastructure (PKI): Digital certificates and public-private key pairs are part of the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), a system that can be used to encrypt communications between networks and devices.
- Secure Shell (SSH): SSH stands for Secure Shell, a cryptographic network protocol that enables secure data transmission, remote command-line access, remote command execution, and other secure network services between two untrusted sites.
- Device-level encryption: By encrypting the firmware and storage of a device, encryption can also be used at the device level, making it more challenging for hackers to access or change the data on the device.
Organizations may safeguard sensitive data from being intercepted or accessed by unauthorized parties, protect their IIoT devices and networks from cyberattacks, and more by encrypting data in transit and at rest.
Additionally, it’s critical to remember that encryption is a continuous process that requires regular key rotation and updating with the most recent encryption algorithms.
What are the challenges of securing IIoT devices and networks?
Due to a number of circumstances, securing Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices and networks can be a difficult undertaking.
- The complexity of the devices and networks: The complexity of IIoT devices and networks makes it challenging to identify and address possible security risks and vulnerabilities. IIoT devices and networks are frequently extremely complex and diverse.
- Limited resources: It may be challenging to install and maintain appropriate security measures since many firms may lack the resources or knowledge necessary to safeguard their IIoT networks and devices.
- Systems that are legacy: Because many industrial systems are older systems that weren’t built with security in mind, it might be challenging to incorporate security measures without affecting business operations.
- Limited visibility: Many firms might not have full insight into their IIoT networks and devices, making it challenging to quickly identify and address security concerns.
- Lack of standardization: Because IIoT devices and networks are not standardized, it is challenging to make sure that they are all setup and managed in a uniform and secure way.
- Inadequate security by design: Lack of basic security features like secure boot, secure firmware update, and secure communication is a result of the fact that many IIoT devices and networks were not designed with security in mind.
- Limited scalability: It is challenging to adequately secure large IIoT networks since many security solutions are not scalable enough to satisfy their needs.
- Lack of security rules: Organizations find it challenging to determine the security measures they should put in place due to the absence of legislation and standards defining the security needs for IIoT devices and networks.
Organizations must incorporate security by design, security protocols, regular vulnerability assessments, and employee training on security best practices in order to fully secure IIoT devices and networks in order to address these issues. Organizations should also collaborate with manufacturers and industry associations to create security guidelines and standards for IIoT networks and devices for IIoT security.
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in securing IIoT devices and networks
Artificial intelligence (AI) can be highly useful in recognizing and preventing cyberattacks on Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices and networks. There are numerous ways AI can be applied to improve the security of IIoT networks and devices, including:
- Anomaly detection: AI algorithms can be used to evaluate data from IIoT networks and devices to find trends and abnormalities that can point to a cyber assault.
- Behavioral analytics: AI is capable of analyzing user, device, and network behavior to find anomalous behavior that might be a sign of a cyberattack.
- Intrusion detection and prevention: Artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to analyze network data in real-time in order to detect and stop cyberattacks.
- Vulnerability management: Organizations can use AI to identify and prioritize vulnerabilities in IIoT devices and networks so that the most serious flaws can be fixed first.
- Risk management: AI can be employed to prioritize security measures depending on the amount of danger and to analyze the risk of various attacks and vulnerabilities.
- Automation: AI may be used to automate numerous security-related operations, including patch management and incident response, which can help organizations respond to security threats more rapidly and effectively.
- Predictive maintenance: By evaluating data from the equipment, AI can be used to forecast equipment failure, enabling businesses to take preventive action before the equipment breaks down.
Organizations may more effectively recognize and stop cyberattacks by utilizing AI to analyze data from IIoT devices and networks, which also increases the overall security of their IIoT devices and networks. It’s crucial to note, too, that AI security solutions need to undergo ongoing training to stay abreast of the most recent security risks and weaknesses for IIoT security.
The impact of IIoT on industrial control systems (ICS) and operational technology (OT) security
Industrial control systems (ICS) and operational technology (OT) security may be significantly impacted by the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). When compared to conventional IT systems, ICS and OT are often used to operate and monitor industrial operations including manufacturing, electricity generation, and transportation.
IIoT can have both positive and negative effects on ICS and OT security. On the one hand, IIoT can enhance ICS and OT security by enabling real-time monitoring, industrial process control, and preventive maintenance capabilities. As a result, enterprises may be able to identify security issues more promptly and efficiently.
However, because of the complexity and growing interconnection of ICS and OT, IIoT can potentially pose new security vulnerabilities to these systems. The IIoT’s sensors and gadgets are frequently less secure than conventional IT systems and could be targets of cyberattacks. Furthermore, many ICS and OT systems were not built with security in mind when they were designed, which can make it challenging to incorporate security measures without affecting operations for IIoT security.
Organizations must have a thorough strategy for safeguarding these systems in order to reduce these risks and fully benefit from IIoT on ICS and OT. This strategy should include:
- frequent penetration testing and vulnerability checks
- putting in place reliable authentication and access controls
- updating software and firmware via encryption and safe protocols
- keeping track of network traffic
- teaching staff about security best practices
- having a plan for responding to incidents
- putting security by design in practice
- always keeping an eye on and protecting the systems and networks
By putting these safeguards in place, businesses may lessen the impact of potential cyberattacks and safeguard their ICS and OT systems.
The use of security information and event management (SIEM) systems in identifying and preventing cyber attacks on IIoT devices and networks
Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) networks and devices can be protected from cyberattacks using Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solutions. SIEM systems gather, examine, and correlate security-related data from various sources, including IIoT networks and devices, in order to quickly identify and address security issues.
There are various approaches to employing SIEM systems to improve the IIoT security devices and networks, including:
- Detection of abnormalities: SIEM systems may examine data from IIoT networks and devices to find trends and anomalies that might point to a cyber assault.
- Behavioral analytics: SIEM systems can evaluate user, device, and network behavior to find unusual behavior that might be a sign of a cyberattack.
- Intrusion detection and prevention: SIEM systems are able to analyze network data in real time to find and stop intrusions and cyberattacks.
- Monitoring for compliance: SIEM systems can keep an eye on IIoT networks and devices to make sure they are adhering to security guidelines and standards for IIoT security.
- Response to incidents: SIEM systems can offer capabilities for quick and efficient responses to security issues for enterprises.
- Automation: SIEM systems are capable of automating a variety of security-related operations, including incident management and incident response, which can help organizations respond to security threats more rapidly and efficiently.
- Correlation: SIEM systems may combine security-related data from several sources, enabling the system to identify sophisticated threats that point solutions would overlook.
Organizations may more effectively detect and stop cyberattacks as well as increase the overall security of their IIoT devices and networks by employing SIEM systems to analyze data from IIoT devices and networks. However, it’s crucial to remember that SIEM systems should be installed and maintained effectively and require a substantial volume of data in order to be relevant for IIoT security.
The role of incident response planning in IIoT security
Planning for incident response is essential for maintaining the security of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) networks and devices. A company might follow a series of policies and processes known as an incident response plan to respond to security issues promptly and efficiently while reducing their impact.
Several major elements make up incident response planning’s role in IIoT security:
- Identification: Incident response planning aids businesses in swiftly identifying security incidents and figuring out the extent and implications of those occurrences. This may involve determining the incident’s type, the affected devices and systems, and the potentially compromised data.
- Containment: Security incident containment is made possible by incident response planning, which takes action to stop an issue’s spread and minimize future harm.
- Eradication: Incident response planning assists organizations in eliminating security issues by taking action to get rid of the incident’s root cause and get things back to normal.
- Recovery: By putting systems and devices back in working order and restoring any potentially affected data, incident response planning assists organizations in coming out of security incidents.
- Lessons learned: By performing post-event reviews and identifying areas for improvement in their security operations, incident response planning assists companies in learning from security occurrences.
An efficient incident response strategy can assist organizations in responding to security issues more quickly and efficiently, reducing their effects, and enhancing the overall security of their IIoT networks and devices. A thorough security strategy that incorporates security by design, risk management, incident detection, and incident response should also include incident response planning for IIoT security.
The impact of IIoT on supply chain security
The security of the supply chain could be significantly impacted by the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). The term “supply chain security” describes the precautions that businesses take to safeguard their goods, services, and data against theft, loss, or disruption along the whole supply chain.
Supply chain security may benefit or suffer as a result of IIoT. One way that the IIoT can help is by giving real-time visibility and control over the whole supply chain. As a result, enterprises may be able to identify security issues more promptly and efficiently.
On the other side, because of these systems’ increased connectedness and complexity, IIoT might also provide fresh security concerns to the supply chain. The IIoT’s sensors and gadgets are frequently less secure than conventional IT systems and could be targets of cyberattacks. It can also be challenging to deploy security measures without affecting operations because many supply chain systems were not developed with security in mind.
Organizations must have a thorough strategy to secure their supply chains in order to reduce these risks and fully benefit from IIoT’s positive effects on supply chain security:
- frequent vulnerability evaluations and penetration testing of supply chain-related equipment and systems
- putting in place secure authentication and access restrictions for the supply chain’s devices and systems
- Updating the systems and devices used in the supply chain’s devices with the latest firmware
- implementing secure protocols and encryption for data in transit and at rest on supply chain participants’ devices and systems
- keeping track of the supply chain’s devices and systems’ communication and network traffic
- teaching staff the finest security and supply chain management methods
- Utilizing an incident response plan to address supply chain security events
The use of security analytics in identifying and preventing cyber attacks on IIoT devices and networks
Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) networks and devices can be protected against online threats by using security analytics to detect and stop assaults. Organizations utilize security analytics, a collection of technologies, instruments, and methods, to examine and interpret substantial amounts of security-related data, including logs, network traffic, and sensor data.
To improve the security of IIoT devices and networks, security analytics can be applied in a number of ways, including:
- Detection of abnormalities: Security analytics can examine data from IIoT networks and devices to find trends and anomalies that might point to a cyberattack.
- Behavioral analytics: Security analytics can evaluate user, device, and network behavior to find unusual behavior that might be a sign of a cyberattack.
- Intrusion detection and prevention: Security analytics can monitor network data in real time to find and stop intrusions and prevent cyberattacks.
- Predictive analytics: Security analytics can be used to forecast potential security threats in the future based on historical data and patterns.
- Machine learning: Security analytics can make use of machine learning algorithms to learn from the data, spot trends, and anticipate potential attacks in the future.
- Automation: Security analytics may help organizations respond more rapidly and effectively to security threats by automating numerous security-related operations, such as incident response and incident management.
- Correlation: Security analytics can correlate security-related data from several sources, enabling the system to detect sophisticated attacks that point solutions could overlook.
Organizations may more effectively detect and stop cyberattacks as well as increase the overall security of their IIoT devices and networks by employing security analytics to analyze data from IIoT devices and networks. Security analytics must be configured and maintained effectively, and a large volume of data is necessary for them to be relevant.
The role of security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR) systems in identifying and preventing cyber attacks on IIoT devices and networks.
Cyber assaults on Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices and networks can be recognized and prevented with the help of security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR) systems. The security incident management process is automated and streamlined by SOAR systems, a collection of technologies and procedures.
There are various approaches to employing SOAR systems to improve the security of IIoT devices and networks, including:
- Anomaly detection: SOAR systems are able to examine data from IIoT networks and devices to find trends and anomalies that could be signs of a cyberattack and then notify the security team.
- Automation of incident response: SOAR systems are capable of automating incident response processes including isolating and containing infected devices and elevating incidents to the security team.
- Incident Management: SOAR systems can offer incident management features like tracking, prioritizing, and reporting of incidents.
- Correlation: SOAR systems can combine security-related data from several sources, enabling the system to identify sophisticated threats that point solutions would overlook.
- Integration: SOAR systems can work with other security programs like SIEM, firewalls, and antivirus programs. This enables the system to gather data from these programs and use it for incident response.
- Security task automation: SOAR systems are capable of automating security tasks including threat intelligence, vulnerability monitoring, and patch management.
Organizations may more efficiently recognize and stop cyberattacks by employing SOAR systems to automate and expedite the incident management process. This also increases the overall security of their IIoT devices and networks. Organizations may benefit from SOAR systems for the response.