How to protect Manufacturing Technology and Innovation?

By CIOReview | Tuesday, April 3, 2018

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Lately, owing to the boom of the umbrella term Internet of Things (IoT) almost every appliance—television sets, refrigerators, and air conditions—is getting connected to networks. IoT is transforming lifestyles across the world and is making it more convenient. For example, we can now have a refrigerator at home, equipped with all kinds of high-tech features that can help us have a look at what’s inside the fridge while shopping for groceries. Not only home appliances, but IoT is transforming nanotechnology, cloud computing, and manufacturing processes too. These technological advancements are enabling manufacturers to become more productive, efficient, innovative, and globally competitive. Computers, the internet, and digital devices, connected together are positively impacting communication, operations and product developments.

Though this sounds revolutionary and can be perceived as a boon, there are a lot of drawbacks as well. One of the main concerns of IoT possesses is ever increasing the threat of data security breaches. The connected devices produce a huge amount of data that has to be protected, but many enterprises fail to have a robust cyber security system keep their businesses safe.

Especially in the manufacturing industry, IoT has been widely adopted, and enterprises have become reliant on computer systems and Information Technology. Being frequent targets of hackers, they should have strong data protection systems and strategies. But they are failing to defend their company’s vital data and information, prevent theft or damage to infrastructure, avoid disruptions to operations and delivery products, protect employee’s personal information and shield their organization from negative publicity.

Though there is no quick fix in cybersecurity, there are different things that enterprises can do to improve your cybersecurity posture. These are the following things that can be done:

1.    Be proactive about prioritizing cybersecurity initiatives
2.    Prepare for the worst
3.    Communicate with employees and vendors