Industrial networks are durable, reliable, and last for a considerable amount of time; however, they are still vulnerable to attackers. Fortunately, there is a way to help prevent such incidents and protect the critical infrastructures that such systems run. By securing industrial networks, you can prevent harmful security breaches that threaten the reliability and availability that industrial networks should provide. Doing so will require a thorough assessment and realignment of current security practices based on the ever-evolving threats. To learn more about the importance of securing industrial networks, continue reading.

Evolving Methods of Attack

The severity and complexity of threats against industrial systems have intensified over the years. Just as the industrial systems themselves evolved, so too have the methods of attackers. Today, modern cybersecurity threats have become far more frequent and difficult to detect. As attackers continue to adopt new, more intelligent ways to infiltrate industrial network systems, prioritizing security is becoming increasingly important.

Changing Motives

Modern cybersecurity attackers are not only looking to steal information by targeting data and IT systems. Today, the motives for attacks include industrial sabotage and the disruption of crucial operational and safety infrastructure. By attacking the network’s infrastructure, the effects of a breach can be particularly harmful. For example, an attack may cause machinery malfunction and the sudden shutdown of critical systems. This can result in potential physical and environmental damages and expensive production downtime. Due to these substantial risks, securing industrial networks is vital.

Increased Availability of Criminal Services

There has been a rise in criminal cyber services that allow individual groups or corporations to hire attacks on industrial networks. They facilitate such attacks through anonymous systems and pay for them with anonymous digital currencies which make them nearly impossible to track. Due to this trend of increasingly-available hacking services, industrial networks are under more threat than ever. As such, industrial network owners and operators need to protect their network against these specialized attacks.

Antaira is a leading networking community and technology manufacturer. Our cutting-edge industrial communications technology includes a range of products such as unmanaged Etherenet switches, managed Etherenet switches, media converters, SFP modules, and other industrial networking solutions. While our products are durable and extremely reliable, it’s still vital to secure your industrial network to minimize the threat of potential attacks.