Info-Tech Research Group has officially published a new research resource, which reveals that the IT and OT environments in manufacturing are facing significant cybersecurity challenges, from managing intricate networks of interconnected systems to defending against sophisticated cyberattacks. Named Understand Modern Cybersecurity Solutions for Manufacturing IT & OT, the resource is basically designed to help CIOs in the manufacturing industry access advanced tools and strategic insights, all for the purpose of bolstering defenses, safeguarding critical assets, and maintaining a competitive edge in the increasingly digital industrial landscape.
More on the same would reveal how Info-Tech’s newly published resource highlights the critical need for the manufacturing industry to secure and retain personnel with specialized cybersecurity skills. Apart from that, like we referred to, it also details the role of CIOs in leading proactive cybersecurity strategies and integrating advanced software solutions. These solutions, on their part, will enable manufacturing firms to safeguard their assets, strengthen their market position, and build trust with investors and customers through measurable security improvements.
Talk about the solution covered in Info-Tech’s report, we begin from asset discovery and management. These asset discovery and management solutions will enable continuous identification and inventory of all connected devices to maintain an up-to-date asset register.
Next up, the report has solutions concerned with vulnerability management. Here, automated tools are envisioned to regularly scan for vulnerabilities across IT and OT environments, prioritizing remediation efforts. Then, there is a prospect of incident detection and response. This particular prospect will help quickly detect and respond to security incidents, minimizing operational disruptions.
“Technologies such as IoT, AI, machine learning, AR/VR/XR, big data analytics, and digital twins are revolutionizing manufacturing by enabling increased automation, connectivity, and efficiency,” said Shreyas Shukla, principal research director at Info-Tech Research Group. “However, a rapid advancement in technology, combined with the presence of legacy systems, has created a landscape fraught with cyber-vulnerabilities. Legacy systems, and most factories, were never designed for connectivity or cybersecurity in the first place.”
Moving on to network segmentation, the solutions attached to that will basically prevent the lateral movement of threats between IT and OT systems. Another detail worth a mention talks to identity and access Management (IAM), which made the cut because IAM software can control and monitor access of sensitive data and systems to prevent unauthorized access.
Anomaly detection also appeared on the scene, leveraging machine learning to detect abnormal behavior patterns that may indicate a security threat. Beyond this, Info-Tech’s report included compliance management in the mix, as compliance software can ensure adherence to industry regulations and standards, thus reducing the risk of penalties.
Among other things, the solutions in question also touched on security awareness training. You see, training platforms can provide regular sessions to educate employees on recognizing and preventing cyber threats.
Finally, our last piece of highlight is inspired by supply chain security. Here, having advanced solutions can help secure the supply chain and protect against third-party risks through enhanced monitoring and management.
“Recent incidents underscore the rising cybersecurity risks in manufacturing: a leading forklift and truck manufacturer suffered a crippling cyberattack, a major aerospace company became the target of a sophisticated cyber-espionage campaign, and a top automotive manufacturer faced a ransomware attack that halted production,” said Shukla. “These three examples highlight a growing trend where the innovations driving progress are also introducing significant cybersecurity risks.”
Founded back in 1997, Info-Tech’s rise up the ranks stems from being one of the world’s leading research and advisory firms. At present, the company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. Info-Tech’s excellence in what does can also be understood once you consider it presently serves well over 30,000 IT and HR professionals.
