What is IIoT?
“Industrial Internet of things” (#IIoT) refers to the expansion and implementation of the Internet of Things (IoT) in industrial sectors and applications (Schneider, 2016). Machine-to-machine communication (M2M), big data, and machine learning all play a role in the IIoT’s capacity to improve businesses’ and industries’ operational efficiency and dependability. Automation, medical devices, and software-defined manufacturing processes are part of the IIoT.
It extends beyond the ordinary user gadgets and internet working of physical objects connected with the Internet of Things (IoT). The combination of IT and operational technologies (#OT) sets it apart. It refers to the integration of operational methods with industrial control systems (ICS), such as HMIs, SCADA, distributed control, and programmable logic control systems (PLCs), to improve operational efficiency.
- IT + OT convergence. What sets IIoT apart is the merging of information technology with operational technology, joining production and non-production areas.
- Industrial control systems. Integration with ICS — HMIs, SCADA, distributed control and programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
- Smart sensors and actuators. Remote access and control make it simpler to monitor and operate physical infrastructure in industrial activities.
- Data at scale. M2M communication, big data and machine learning collect and analyze larger volumes of data more quickly and precisely.
The industry may benefit from increased supply chain and logistics visibility, automation, and optimization thanks to the convergence of IT and OT. Smart sensors, actuators, and remote access and control make it simpler to monitor and operate physical infrastructure in industrial activities, like farming, health care, manufacturing, conveyance, and utilities.
Businesses may collect and analyze larger volumes of data more quickly by using linked and smart devices. In addition to improving scalability and performance, this may help bridge the gap between production and non-production areas. Overall, the Industrial Internet of Things may help industrial organizations better understand their operations and make better business choices.
IIoT Security Challenges
The absence of fundamental security controls in the IIoT is to blame for many of its security issues. Risks are exacerbated by security holes, such as open ports, poor authentication methods, and antiquated software. It is more dangerous when the network is directly linked to a public network like the Internet. Cybercrime or malware infection may significantly affect a company’s IT infrastructure. Some of IIoT security risks are described below.
40%
of all industrial sites are connected to the Internet
50%+
of key infrastructure operations rely on outdated Microsoft software
Many firms currently have inadequate or insufficient security in place, putting pressure on IoT suppliers that offer both services and devices. Over half of key infrastructure operations rely on outdated Microsoft software, and 40% of all industrial sites are connected to the Internet. As smart sensors multiply, machine infiltration becomes a major concern, implying that competent hackers may potentially obtain access to a complete facility and seriously disrupt or destroy production capacity for an extended period of time. As a direct or indirect outcome of an incursion, it may potentially create physically hazardous situations.
Open ports
Unnecessary exposed ports widen the attack surface, especially when the network is directly linked to a public network like the Internet.
Poor authentication
Weak authentication methods and default credentials let attackers walk in unchallenged.
Antiquated software
Outdated software — over half of key infrastructure runs legacy Microsoft systems — leaves known holes unpatched.
No shared standards
Without established standards and processes, security is built ad hoc, encouraging competing “local” protocols.
It is also difficult to develop security in a coordinated manner when there are no established standards and processes within the company or when it involves an area such as IIOT that is rapidly evolving. Standard and process setting for all IoT development is expected to be done by IoT service providers joining together and self-regulating. For the client, this is the most cost-effective choice and avoids the possibility of competing “local” protocols. Ad hoc security is encouraged by the lack of standards until then, and clients’ present security systems are valued even if they include weaknesses.
IIoT Security Best Practices
Malware or brute force attacks are involved in more than 40% of all security breaches. There are, of course, an endless number of other kinds of invasions. There are four levels of security — device, communication, cloud, and lifecycle management — all of which are necessary because of the large number of possible entry points to a company’s equipment and systems.
In light of the sector’s fast development, there is no one-size-fits-all answer for security. Before complete end-to-end solutions are developed, however, service providers and organizations may take certain activities.
- Segment the IT/OT network. Isolate anything that controls equipment from the rest of the network to contain lateral movement.
- Lockout and default credentials. Lock the web interface after a number of failed tries, and force default credentials to be changed on activation.
- Strong passwords and two-factor auth. Enforcing strong passwords and two-factor authentication may also help prevent unauthorized access.
- Port blocking and buffer overflow. Maintaining buffer overflow protection and blocking ports while not in use reduces the number of points of entry.
- Mobile interface parity. Apply the same password, lockout and default-password policies to mobile device interfaces.
- Disciplined firmware upgrades. A more disciplined approach to developing and deploying firmware upgrades helps keep systems running smoothly.
- Apply industry and open standards. Shared standards let vendors and manufacturers interoperate, ensuring greater interoperability within the ecosystem.
- Establish basic security “floors”. Define and enforce a baseline architecture that protects both service providers and purchasers.
The first step to addressing security concerns in the IIoT ecosystem should be to apply industry standards and norms (including open standards). This would allow vendors and manufacturers to use similar standards. And it would ensure greater interoperability within the ecosystem.
Service providers and their programming teams would be freed from minor security worries by defining and enforcing a basic architecture for many of the issues mentioned and standardizing and mandating their inclusion. Basic security “floors” should be established for all systems to protect both service providers and purchasers when systems are installed in companies with inadequate or weak security practices.