FEATURE Cybersecurity
An intelligent approach to threat
uses by Walmart and Target to order products. was ransomware, the fallout, particularly the operational downtime, is consistent with other ransomware attacks. The breach also cost Clorox $356 million due to a 20% decline in sales, based on lower production volumes due to the attack.
Chris Jacob, vice president, Threat Intelligence Engineering, ThreatQuotient, explains how manufacturers should take a data-driven approach to threat intelligence
I
n today’s modern digitised environment, the manufacturing industry faces multiple challenges that can have a serious impact on their overall performance and sustainability. These challenges include supply chain raw materials and components. Likewise, keeping up with rapidly evolving Industry 4.0 technologies such as automation, But with low tolerance for downtime, operations that cross international borders, and servers full of valuable information, cybersecurity threats are an ever-present risk. As manufacturing processes become more connected through the Internet of Things (IoT) and other cyber-physical technologies, the industry becomes more vulnerable to cyber threats. It is estimated that 29 billion devices will be connected by 2030, therefore protecting sensitive data and ensuring the security of interconnected systems is crucial. Unfortunately, however, globalised supply chains exacerbate the problem as they allow attacks to spread between organisations. Legacy systems that may contain vulnerabilities and other security gaps also present a challenge. Using outdated technology increases the risk of security breaches due to the absence of the latest security features. Such systems are
40 November 2024 | Automation
frequently unsupported by their original developers, leaving them without essential security patches and updates. Relying on outdated technology not only jeopardises data but may also result in additional expenses, either through paying criminals or losing customers. All the while, manufacturers are trying to maintain and reduce production costs, so while opting for older technology may seem like a cost-saving measure, it could ultimately expose the manufacturer to Implementing robust risk management, investing in technology and innovation, and fostering a skilled and adaptable workforce are key components of staying competitive. This is easier said than done when you look at how targeted the industry is by cyberattacks. According to Statista, in 2023 manufacturing saw the highest share of cyberattacks among the leading industries worldwide. The sector encountered nearly a quarter of the total cyberattacks and manufacturing was the industry most targeted by ransomware attacks (638 in 2023). Additionally, supply chain attacks are often employed by cybercriminals to manipulate a company’s manufacturing processes through interference with both hardware and software. One such example in 2023 is major American goods manufacturer, Clorox, which a ransomware attack. According to an SEC
And it is not just ransomware that manufacturers need to defend against. Extensive phishing campaigns enable their perpetrators to gather various forms of sensitive information, including, but not limited to, bank account details, social security numbers, and credit/debit card information. Given the rise of targeted cyberattacks on the manufacturing sector, continuous monitoring and threat intelligence is vital to protect against these ongoing and emerging threats. To do this, manufacturers should take a data driven approach to threat intelligence. This is where a threat intelligence platform can help. Serving as the hub of intelligence operations for many industries, the ThreatQ Platform aggregates and combines unstructured and structured data from any source, internal and external. There’s no need to alter existing security infrastructure work seamlessly with the open architecture. Likewise, the no code/low code automation eliminates repetitive, time-consuming tasks so security analysts can focus on high- priority and strategic work. The platform also intelligence, advisories and reports, with a range of internal and external stakeholders. This helps harden the supply chain against attacks.
Ultimately, we’re helping manufacturers,
who are looking to automate more of their environment, build robust data driven threat intelligence programmes that safeguard their operations, intellectual property, and compliance standing, while ensuring continuous and secure production environments.
ThreatQuotient
www.threatq.com
automationmagazine.co.uk
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