From Safety to Security: Protecting Your Machinery in the IoT Era

As machinery becomes increasingly interconnected through IoT (Internet of Things) technologies, potential vulnerabilities multiply. A single breach can lead to not only operational disruptions but also severe safety hazards on the manufacturing line. This is why security has become an integral part of machinery safety, reflecting the evolving landscape of risks faced by manufacturers and operators. With the rise of sophisticated cyberattacks targeting industrial systems, ensuring robust industrial security is no longer optional. It is now mandatory to implement technical and organisational Industrial Security Measures for CE Compliance, as part of the EU Machinery Regulation. The message is clear: There is No Safety without Security.

Industrial Security is no longer just a theoretical concept but has evolved into a crucial defence mechanism that safeguards your plants and machinery from human threats. Achieving comprehensive machinery safety now requires strong industrial security measures that safeguard against cyberattacks, misuse, and manipulation. But what are the actual risks of attacks on individual machinery? How do these attacks impact workplace health, safety, and productivity? And what strategies are effective in mitigating security vulnerabilities?

This is where Pilz’s Industrial Security Portfolio comes into play.

Pilz’s Industrial Security Portfolio

For decades, Pilz has been a trusted partner in safety. Now, it extends that trust to security, providing peace of mind in an increasingly complex industrial environment. From specialist knowledge and expertise in normative and legal requirements to tailored security services and specific product solutions, Pilz offers a comprehensive solution for your Industrial Security needs.

Industrial Security Products

Industrial security encompasses a wide range of practices and technologies, all beginning at the ground level. Preventing unauthorised access and mitigating the risk of data breaches are fundamental aspects of cybersecurity. Identification and Access Management (IAM) plays a crucial role in this by managing user identities and their access to resources, ensuring that only authorised individuals have access to the right resources at the right times. By implementing robust IAM practices, organisations can significantly enhance their overall cybersecurity posture.

Pilz offers a comprehensive IAM portfolio that addresses critical aspects of industrial security. This portfolio includes solutions for user authentication, operating mode selection, data and network security, and access management. By covering these areas, Pilz ensures robust protection against unauthorised access and data breaches, significantly enhancing the overall cybersecurity posture of industrial environments.

ISCS – Industrial Security Consulting Service

Introducing the new Industrial Security Consulting Service (ISCS) by Pilz. This comprehensive service begins with a thorough analysis of security vulnerabilities in machinery. It assesses individual hazards and their likelihood of occurrence, formulates appropriate solution steps, and verifies the effectiveness of the measures implemented. The ISCS enhances cybersecurity and ensures compliance with normative and legal specifications, helping to mitigate and prevent security incidents.

The service is made up of four modules that build on one another. After performing the individual steps, a regular re-evaluation of the Industrial Security status of the machinery is required in accordance with the moving target principle, in order to continuously counteract the latest cyber attack methods or vulnerabilities.

Here’s how it’s done:

By regularly re-evaluating and updating security measures, you can stay ahead of emerging threats and maintain a secure operational environment. Investing in robust Industrial Security measures is not just about compliance; it’s about safeguarding your business, your employees, and your future.

Industrial Security Training: CESA – Certified Expert for Security in Automation

After gaining insights from experts and implementing the recommended measures, how do you ensure your systems remain compliant and secure? How do you instil industrial security awareness within your company culture? What specific demands are placed on you? How can you minimise the risk of industrial cybersecurity incidents?

Having personnel knowledgeable in Industrial Security is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of people and machines, as well as meeting legal cybersecurity requirements.

That’s why Pilz offers a holistic approach to Industrial Security through the “CESA – Certified Expert for Security in Automation” qualification. The normative basis for these training courses is the international standard series IEC 62443, “Industrial communication networks – Network and system security.” IEC 62443 currently provides the best guidance for plant operators and device manufacturers.

By correctly applying the IEC 62443 standard, operators, integrators, and manufacturers can demonstrate that their industrial automation systems meet modern cybersecurity standards.

Conclusion

Investing in robust industrial security measures is not just about compliance; it’s about safeguarding your business, protecting your employees, and securing the future of your operations in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. By prioritising industrial security, you not only adhere to regulatory requirements but also build a resilient foundation that can withstand the evolving landscape of cyber threats.

Top image credit: iStock.com/ipopba. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.