Industry 4.0 Foundations: Cybersecurity

Through our weekly Industry 4.0 Foundations blog series, we’ve explored how the many Industry 4.0 technologies – including Big Data, Internet of Things, System Integration, Cloud Computing, Robotics & Automation, Augmented & Virtual Reality, Additive Manufacturing and Simulation – can assist manufacturers in all types of improvement initiatives. In this final installment of the series, we’ll discuss how establishing Cybersecurity can ensure these technologies, and the critical information they carry, stay secure and protected.

WHAT IS CYBERSECURITY?
As interconnectivity and the use of electronic data collection, storage and transmission increase, so too does the risk of cyber-attack. With increased Industry 4.0 adoption and a growing number of organizations being targeted each day for cyber theft, damage or disruption, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be ignored.

Cybersecurity encompasses all measures taken to protect a company from the unauthorized use of electronic data. By safeguarding all hardware, software and information from internal and external threats, manufacturers can stay protected and prosperous while capitalizing on the benefits of the Internet of Things, interconnectivity and other technologies.

CYBERSECURITY AFFECTS BUSINESS SUCCESS
Is your business: Fearful of valuable information being stolen? Competing in or trying to gain access to an industry where cybersecurity is a requirement? Recovering from a recent cyber-attack, and looking for ways to prevent another from occurring in the future?

Cybersecurity can help by:

• Protecting your data from threats. The first step to establishing cybersecurity is to understand what types of risk your data is facing. This involves identifying which information is valuable to your organization and locating weak points of security in your systems. With this information, potential breaches can then be predicted – or even prevented – to minimize the damage associated with an attack.
• Increasing your ability to detect, react and recover. Having an incident response plan in place for how to react to any type of attack, whether it be malware, phishing or social engineering, can heighten your company’s chances of survival. Although different risks will be present for each type of technology, it is important to have response plans in place to ensure all bases are covered prior to an attack.
• Boosting your competitive advantage. Cybersecurity has become a major factor in acquiring and retaining business. As data breaches continue at a rapid rate, companies want to make sure they are doing business with an organization that is protected, providing them with the assurance that your company can be trusted to keep their information safe.

As manufacturing becomes increasingly dependent on technology, cybersecurity will only grow in importance in the years to come. Safeguard your information and get ahead of the competition today by establishing safe cyber practices at your facility.

GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR INVESTMENTS WITH HELP FROM THE CENTER
Whether your company is well into its Industry 4.0 journey or just getting started, The Center’s experts can help ensure you achieve the maximum return on all investments. To assist Michigan’s manufacturers with understanding and adopting Industry 4.0 technologies, The Center has partnered with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Automation Alley to drive awareness of the many uses and benefits of these innovations. From conducting an initial Technology Opportunity Assessment to identifying and applying relevant technologies, The Center guides manufacturers through technological implementations in a way that makes sense for their businesses.

Learn more about how The Center can support your company’s Industry 4.0 journey by contacting inquiry@the-center.org or visit the-center.org.

Since 1991, the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center has assisted Michigan’s small and medium-sized businesses to successfully compete and grow. Through personalized services designed to meet the needs of clients, we develop more effective business leaders, drive product and process innovation, promote company-wide operational excellence and foster creative strategies for business growth and greater profitability. Find us at www.the-center.org.