If you’re in Louisville’s manufacturing industry scene, you’ve probably noticed the incredible growth we’re experiencing.
Our city’s industrial sector is booming, with over 1,300 facilities calling Kentucky’s largest city home. From automotive parts to our world-renowned bourbon, we’re seeing manufacturers expand their operations and embrace new technologies every day. However, with all this growth and technological advancement comes the task of keeping your operational technology (OT) networks secure and visible — something you cannot afford to overlook. Increased and fortified network security for manufacturing organizations should be a top priority this (coming) year.
Why OT Security Is a Must-Have for Manufacturers
Think of OT as the brain and nervous system of your factory. Basically, it’s all the software and hardware that run your control and monitoring systems, from the robots and production lines to power grids and building automation.
There’s the catch, though — unlike traditional IT networks, which you probably give the most attention to, OT systems often use specialized protocols and devices. This is why the protective solutions you typically use to secure your manufacturing IT grids won’t cut it. Doing so might give you momentary security, but your OT networks become sitting ducks waiting for opportunistic hackers to detect the blind spots.
Just imagine that a malicious actor has managed to infiltrate your internet-exposed OT network management services, causing a malicious malfunction in a crucial machine in your production line. Your daily grind, and your manufacturing network security, comes to an abrupt halt. Finding and uprooting the digital weed is your only saving grace, but it will cost you time and money to get you up and running.
Scary, right? Well, just check out why being stingy with control or visibility of your OT is nonnegotiable in this day and age:
- Cyberattacks are on the rise — and they don’t discriminate: Have you noticed the recent surge in cyberattacks beginning late 2023? It seems as though OT hackers are putting in the work to find any crack in your systems, and when they do, they will not hesitate to take you on a ride of their choosing. There have been disruptions to utility systems globally, the most recent being from groups like the pro-Russia hacktivists, suspected Ukranian Blackjack and the Cyber Av3ngers from Iran. The threat is real, even if you’re just starting. After all, 43% of these attacks are aimed at small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with OT vulnerabilities to exploit.
- Downtime – the silent revenue killer: Downtime is a slow poison to any industry. It kills you stealthily, and too much of it is the enemy of progress. Even worse, revenue loss is the number one cost stemming from downtime. However, strong OT security lets you identify and address issues before they snowball into major problems.
- You need to meet industry regulations: Almost every sector is governed by specific, strict rules regarding data security. You just have to know which laws are applicable to your type of business and invest in managed network services to keep you up to date with those standards.
More Than Just Keeping an Eye Out: Take Control of Your OT Network With Mirazon
OT network visibility is great, but having and maintaining control is even better. A dependable managed services provider like Mirazon can help you take charge of your OT network by making it possible to:
- Segment your network: Imagine being able to create and easily manage multiple zones in your factory to serve different purposes. This would optimize your processes and functions to give you that elusive super-growth boost – which is exactly what network segmentation does for your OT network. Partitioning your systems limits damage if a breach occurs.
- Patch vulnerabilities: Just as it’s common knowledge that patching a leaky roof is the only way to stop rainwater from dripping through the ceiling, our team will help you identify and patch vulnerabilities in your OT setup before hackers notice them. It’s like having a personal guard on watch 24/7.
- Develop a security strategy: There’s a reason why Cinderella’s lost slipper only fits her foot in the whole village. Our team will work with you to create a customized OT security strategy that fits your specific needs and budget.
Integrate IT and OT for Enhanced Security
Here’s something interesting — 85% of CEOs acknowledge they need to take drastic cybersecurity measures within the next three years if they intend to expand and grow. A quick way of getting there involves merging your IT and OT systems to work together securely. This is because your OT network doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It interacts with your IT network, where all your office computers and business data live.
IT and OT have traditionally been siloed. Most people prefer to treat them as separate, each with its own budget. However, with cyberattacks at an all-time high, you should integrate these two networks for better security and efficiency.
Wondering how to achieve this? No need to worry. We’ll do the heavy lifting for you:
- Develop a unified security strategy: We’ll assess your current network to tailor a security strategy that covers your IT and OT networks, ensuring there are no weak links in the chain.
- Optimize data flow: We ensure there’s seamless communication between your IT and OT systems so you enjoy smoother data flow and better decision-making.
The Challenges of Monitoring OT and IT — and How We Make It Easier
Simultaneously keeping track of OT and IT networks isn’t a walk in the park. It takes a lot of work — and constant vigilance. That’s because most OT systems don’t have the built-in security features the way IT systems do. Attempting to DIY patch them without interrupting production can be an uphill task. That’s where we come in.
The Mirazon team has the skills, tools, and know-how to monitor your entire network. We’ll stay on top of potential threats and keep everything running smoothly so you never have to worry about breaches.
Take Control of Your Future: Secure Your OT Network With Mirazon
Ready to gain complete visibility and control over your OT network? Let Mirazon be your trusted partner. We offer an array of managed network services designed to meet your specific needs and business goals.Check out our website today for a free consultation. With Mirazon, you’re not just getting a service — you’re getting a partner who’s always looking out for you.