Assessing Cybersecurity Today to Improve and Protect Tomorrow's Manufacturing Operations

Rhea-AI Summary

Emerson emphasizes the urgent need for organizations to enhance their cybersecurity measures amid increasing connectivity and vulnerability to cyber threats. Highlighting common missteps, Emerson advocates for a comprehensive cybersecurity risk assessment to identify and eliminate system vulnerabilities. Key recommendations include prioritizing cybersecurity initiatives, recognizing that no single solution can address all risks, and ensuring proper funding for cybersecurity programs. This proactive approach aims to safeguard control systems and maintain operational goals in an evolving threat landscape.

Positive

• Emerson recommends a structured cybersecurity risk assessment to identify and prioritize vulnerabilities.
• The emphasis on cybersecurity highlights Emerson's commitment to maintaining operational safety and stability.
• Proposed strategies provide a roadmap for organizations to enhance their defense systems effectively.

Negative

• Increased connectivity raises security risks, necessitating urgent improvements in cybersecurity measures.
• Limited funding for cybersecurity initiatives can overwhelm small teams and exacerbate vulnerabilities.

DUBAI , United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Process plant automation systems are engineered over a long period to ensure repeatable, reliable, available, and safe operations. However, increased connectivity to business systems has also increased the vulnerability of control systems to cyber-attacks.

Safeguarding operations from cyber threats to meet operational goals. Courtesy: Emerson

Organizations are now pushed to prioritize cybersecurity so that their systems remain secure, stable, and protected. But how and where do they even begin their cybersecurity journey?

Emerson recommends a cybersecurity risk assessment to evaluate gaps in currently implemented strategies, technologies, and policies and procedures. The output of the assessment will provide a roadmap for identifying, prioritizing, and eliminating vulnerabilities.

To begin, operations technology (OT) and information technology (IT) teams must be aware of three common missteps:

• Assuming the team already knows and understands all the risks
  Cybersecurity is not a set-and-forget solution. It is constantly evolving, and antivirus software and firewalls are no longer sufficient to secure and protect a system. A cyber risk assessment can help teams identify, document, prioritize and build a roadmap around the highest threat vulnerabilities. This roadmap provides a guide for creating solutions and the required framework to protect the plant.

• Believing in a single solution to fix all risks and threats
  Cybersecurity is not a single solution. There are no shortcuts, especially when dealing with cyber security on an industrial scale. Cybersecurity requires constant testing and evaluation of systems and solutions on their compatibility and effectiveness to a plant's process.

• Assigning the cybersecurity program as a low priority with limited funding
  Cybersecurity should be a priority. The simplest example of inaction is assigning a small department handling IT and OT on a limited budget. It is easy for such a team to become overwhelmed because there are so many vulnerabilities to address with their limited resources and funding. Not every problem needs to be fixed at once. Organizations can start with individual solutions and build toward a comprehensive, in-depth strategy to manage budget and resource concerns. A good cybersecurity risk assessment will allow businesses to prioritize what they most need to build an effective first defense system at a reasonable cost.

Increased connectivity to business systems launches businesses forward, but it also raises the relevance of cybersecurity protection to maintain the safety and security of control systems. A cyber risk assessment is one of the most practical ways to begin approaching cybersecurity. This lays the groundwork for a sustainable and robust cybersecurity system that can help future-proof businesses.

To learn more about cybersecurity, read the full article at https://www.controleng.com/articles/assessing-cybersecurity-today-to-improve-tomorrows-manufacturing-operations/.

About Emerson

Emerson (NYSE: EMR), headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri (USA), is a global technology and engineering company providing innovative solutions for customers in industrial, commercial, and residential markets. Our Emerson Automation Solutions business helps process, hybrid, and discrete manufacturers maximize production, protect personnel and the environment while optimizing their energy and operating costs. Our Emerson Commercial and Residential Solutions business helps ensure human comfort and health, protect food quality and safety, advance energy efficiency, and create sustainable infrastructure. For more information visit Emerson.com.

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*Source: AETOSWire

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220228005378/en/

Danielle Aychouh

Senior Marketing Manager – MEA

Emerson Automation Solutions

T. +971 4 811 8303

E. Danielle.Aychouh@Emerson.com

Source: Emerson

FAQ

What cybersecurity measures does Emerson recommend for companies?

Emerson recommends conducting a cybersecurity risk assessment to identify and address vulnerabilities.

How does increased connectivity affect cybersecurity according to Emerson?

Increased connectivity elevates the risks of cyber-attacks, making robust cybersecurity measures essential.

What are the common cybersecurity missteps highlighted by Emerson?

Common missteps include assuming all risks are known, believing in a single solution, and underfunding cybersecurity initiatives.

What is Emerson's approach to prioritizing cybersecurity?

Emerson advises companies to assess risks, prioritize vulnerabilities, and adopt a phased approach to improve cybersecurity.

What is the potential impact of inadequate cybersecurity on control systems?

Inadequate cybersecurity can lead to serious vulnerabilities, threatening the safety and stability of control systems.