Momentum Talks is a show about Smart Factories. In this episode, we dive deep into the topic of cyber security and share insights and tips for securing your Smart Factory against cyber threats.
Manufacturing is becoming more computerized – there’s no turning back. Integrated production improves flexibility, efficiency and sustainability, but it also opens the door to cyber threats. How to optimize your Smart Factory to ensure uptime, technical knowledge and, ultimately, human safety? Read our recap of Momentum Talks or watch the highlights below!
Momentum Talks is hosted by Amanda Teir. The guests in this episode are:
- Robert Karlsson, Manager of Global Platform Software, Atlas Copco
- Klas Albons, Business Area Security Officer, Atlas Copco
- Ludwig Seitz, OT Security Specialist, Defensify
Why do we need more digitalization in manufacturing?
It’s an exciting time in manufacturing. Thanks to digitalization, we can improve productivity by making real-time adjustments to production, reduce the number of defects by closer integration with quality systems, and increase uptime with things like advanced preventive maintenance. All these benefits will also make production more sustainable.
In addition, hyper-flexibility is becoming a key trend for manufacturing. Factories increasingly need to be able to switch what they produce, or produce more variants on the same production line – for example, car manufacturers producing internal combustion engines and electric vehicles on the same production line. This also drives the need for more flexible automation, and digitalization and digital tools are key to making that work.
However, there is a risk involved: the more software we use and the more connections we have, the more exposed the factory environment becomes to cyber attacks.
Cyber security in Smart Factories
Manufacturers are increasingly connecting information technology (IT) with operational technology (OT). The convergence of IT and OT comes with a ton of benefits: we’re now better able to collect, transport, and analyze data, and create, for example, digital twins of factories.
However, integrating IT and OT makes the operations vulnerable to cyber attacks. We see this especially with older OT systems.
In an IT security incident, the risks are typically about the disclosure or corruption of data and business system downtime. In an OT environment, on the other hand, a cyber attack could lead to production downtime, damage to equipment or even harm or injury to operators.
The most important measures to take when setting up cyber security in an OT environment are:
- People: security awareness among personnel
- Processes: establish roles and responsibilities
- Technology: firewalls, antivirus and network monitoring
Collaboration between OT and IT experts is very important in securing your Smart Factory. Having a mix of IT and OT experts within your team increases the exchange of information and boosts mutual understanding.
Finally, patches are crucial for cybersecurity – they reduce the vulnerabilities that make cyber attacks possible. In a Smart Factory, manufacturers are able to implement the patches in a test environment first, preventing downtime caused by careless patch application.
What is the right level of security for your operations?
With the rise of Smart Factories, manufacturing companies are having to assess cyber threats and find the right level of security for them. In addition to the general risks, there are other areas in their unique infrastructure where security controls can be implemented to mitigate risks.
Luckily, there are standards to help you find the right level of cyber security for your operations. ISA/IEC 62443 is a series of standards that defines different levels of cybersecurity.
- Level 0: No violations – no extra security needed
- Level 1: Unintentional violations – suitable for small companies
- Level 2: Intentional attacks – suitable for small and medium-sized companies
- Level 3: Malicious attacks – suitable for medium-sized and large companies
- Level 4: International attacks – suitable for areas of national importance such as defense organizations and the energy sector
At Atlas Copco, we work together with manufacturers to deeply understand their cyber security needs and ensure they have the right tools and processes to secure their operations.
Software requirements for Smart Factories
Devices used in manufacturing have been sending out data for some time now – but the way they communicate has changed. The traditional way devices are connected to the environment around them is characterized by one-way communication, where devices only send data in one direction. In Smart Factories, however, real-time communication happens between devices and systems and data can also be used to make changes in production in real time. This means that the protocols carrying the data need to be more secure than before.
The most crucial aspect of securing a smart factory is collaboration. Make sure to discuss cyber security with your partner network and your vendors, and involve both IT and OT to get their unique perspectives and ensure buy-in. Through collaboration we can get the best, sustainable results.
7 tips for a more cyber secure Smart Factory
- Don’t wait with digitalization
- Raise awareness of OT security
- Keep updated on cyber threats
- Set up a test environment for OT patches
- Use industry standards as framework
- Estimate your security level
- Collaborate between IT and OT
Realize the potential of Industry 4.0 with Smart Integrated Assembly
Smart Integrated Assembly is Atlas Copco’s concept for industrial manufacturers looking to transform and implement Smart Factories. The offering includes smart connected assembly tools for factories and field operations, fully integrated assembly line solutions from design to production, as well as a unique set of data driven services.
This holistic approach helps you develop quality-assured and ergonomic operator-friendly production while minimizing waste, materials and energy consumption. This leads to reduced costs while also cutting down on climate changing emissions.
Read more about Smart Integrated Assembly