Honeywell Cybersecurity Research Reports Significant Increase In USB Threats That Can Cause Costly Business Disruptions

Rhea-AI Summary

The Honeywell Industrial USB Threat Report, published on June 22, 2021, reveals a significant rise in USB-based threats impacting business operations. Threats using removable media surged to 37%, nearly doubling from 19% in 2020. Furthermore, 79% of cyber threats linked to USB devices could lead to critical disruptions in operational technology. With a 30% increase in USB device usage in production facilities, organizations are urged to adopt robust cybersecurity measures, including Honeywell's Secure Media Exchange (SMX) technology, to safeguard against these evolving risks.

Positive

• Significant insights from the USB Threat Report underscore the rising need for advanced cybersecurity solutions.
• Honeywell's Secure Media Exchange (SMX) provides essential threat detection for critical infrastructure.

Negative

• 37% of threats specifically designed to utilize removable media indicate a growing vulnerability.
• 79% of USB-related threats could result in critical business disruptions, highlighting potential risks.

ATLANTA, June 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a report released today by Honeywell (Nasdaq: HON), USB-based threats that can severely impact business operations increased significantly during a disruptive year when the usage of removable media and network connectivity also grew.

Data from the 2021 Honeywell Industrial USB Threat Report indicates that 37% of threats were specifically designed to utilize removable media, which almost doubled from 19% in the 2020 report. The research also highlights that 79% of cyber threats originating from USB devices or removable media could lead to a critical business disruption in the operational technology (OT) environment.  At the same time, there was a 30% increase in the use of USB devices in production facilities last year, highlighting the growing dependence on removable media.

The report was based on aggregated cybersecurity threat data from hundreds of industrial facilities globally during a 12-month period. Along with USB attacks, research shows a growing number of cyber threats including remote access, Trojans and content-based malware have the potential to cause severe disruption to industrial infrastructure.

"USB-borne malware was a serious and expanding business risk in 2020, with clear indications that removable media has become part of the playbook used by attackers, including those that employ ransomware," said Eric Knapp, engineering fellow and director of cybersecurity research for Honeywell Connected Enterprise. "Because USB-borne cyber intrusions have become so effective, organizations must adopt a formal program that addresses removable media and protects against intrusions to avoid potentially costly downtime."

Many industrial and OT systems are air-gapped or cut off from the internet to protect them from attacks. Intruders are using removable media and USB devices as an initial attack vector to penetrate networks and open them up to major attacks. Knapp says hackers are loading more advanced malware on plug-in devices to directly harm their intended targets through sophisticated coding that can create backdoors to establish remote access. Hackers with remote access can then command and control the targeted systems.

The 2021 report includes data from Honeywell's Secure Media Exchange (SMX) technology, which is designed to scan and control USB drives and removable media. To reduce the risk of USB-related threats, Honeywell recommends that organizations utilize several layers of OT cybersecurity software products and services such as Honeywell's Secure Media Exchange (SMX), the Honeywell Forge Cybersecurity Suite, people training and process changes.

Honeywell's Secure Media Exchange (SMX) provides advanced threat detection for critical infrastructure by monitoring, better protecting and logging use of removable media throughout industrial facilities. The Honeywell Forge Cybersecurity Suite can monitor for vulnerabilities such as open ports or the presence of USB security controls to strengthen endpoint and network security, while also ensuring better cybersecurity compliance.

Read the full report here and visit Honeywell Forge for more information on Honeywell products and services that can help improve cybersecurity.

About Honeywell:

Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 technology company that delivers industry-specific solutions that include aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings and industry; and performance materials globally. Our technologies help aircraft, buildings, manufacturing plants, supply chains, and workers become more connected to make our world smarter, safer, and more sustainable. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom.

Media                                                                                      
Jennifer Marsh
(404) 859-2506
Jennifer.marsh@honeywell.com      

 

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SOURCE Honeywell

FAQ

What did the Honeywell USB Threat Report reveal about USB-based threats on June 22, 2021?

The report indicated a rise in USB threats, with 37% of threats designed to use removable media, nearly doubling from the previous year.

How has USB device usage changed in production facilities according to Honeywell's report?

There was a 30% increase in the use of USB devices in production facilities, reflecting a growing dependence on removable media.

What cybersecurity measures does Honeywell recommend to mitigate USB threats?

Honeywell recommends utilizing layers of cybersecurity software, including their Secure Media Exchange (SMX) technology and the Honeywell Forge Cybersecurity Suite.

How many USB-borne threats could lead to business disruptions based on Honeywell's findings?

79% of cyber threats associated with USB devices could lead to critical disruptions in operational technology.

What year did Honeywell report a significant increase in USB threats?

Honeywell reported a significant increase in USB threats in their 2021 report released on June 22, 2021.