What Cybersecurity risks should Concern Me? Manufacturing HSEQ environment

Cybersecurity is applicable to more than just IT departments and office environments. With the increased reliance on connected tools, cloud platforms, and smart systems on-the-ground staff of construction sites, plant personnel, everyone must be aware of potential cyber threats. The risks are real and dangerous to companies, as they evolve faster than the awareness of employers/employees.

What Risks Increase the Chances of a Cyberattack?

Manufacturing is amid a digital transformation. The modern plant is more connected than ever. While this innovation fuels productivity, it does leave the door open to potential cyber threats. These pose the risk of hampering operations, endangering personnel, and ultimately impacting end-product quality. These modern risks include: 

    • Tampered quality control systems resulting in faulty/unsafe products
    • Clicking on suspicious links that can lead to ransomware attacks, which can that freeze production lines
    • Use of outdated software that have weaker defences against modern cyber attacks

Case Study: Norsk Hydro

Let’s explore a real-life example of the impact of cybersecurity failures in a manufacturing setting.

In 2019, global aluminium producer Norsk Hydro experienced the repercussions of a major ransomware attack that disrupted operations across multiple countries. Hackers were able to encrypt files and force a shutdown of operational systems, before forcing the company into paying the ransom. Here are some of the consequences:

    • Multiple production sites forced to operate manually
    • Significant financial losses
    • Reputational damage to the brand
    • Loss of client confidence

There are several contingencies that can be incorporated to reduce the likelihood of a similar occurrence happening:

    • Staff training to recognize potentially malicious emails, and a process for reporting them
    • Backing-up systems to a secure cloud-based software regularly, which minimizes the level of documentation and data held offline
    • Having processes in place to report potential threats so they can be contained, allowing for a rapid restoration once addressed

To learn more about this case study: DNV Cyber

Not just an IT problem; Inter-departmental spread of threats

Cyber threats don’t just impact data; They can halt production, impact the end-product, and even put staff in physical danger if plant is not operating correctly. Downtime is money, and bad product batches not only impact operations, but also brand reputation.

By conducting comprehensive cyber-risk assessments, and ensuring systems are up to date to combat cyber threats, businesses in the manufacturing industry can grow their operations in the knowledge that they have done their cyber due diligence.

To find out how our FlexManager system can help you with adapting to latest age of technology, please get in touch with our team through our Contact section on FlexManager.com.

Authored by Gearoid Noone

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