Networking and automating industrial production can have enormous benefits for businesses, but it also presents new IT security challenges, says Deutsche Telekom. In its new white paper “Security for the Industrial Internet of Things” the telecoms firm describes where the risks lurk and how companies can protect themselves against them. The 28-page document was published during HANNOVER MESSE, the industrial trade fair, on the risks and possible security strategies to ensure the safe usage of connectivity and cloud services.
A third of all businesses experience the unwanted attention of cyber-criminals several times each week. Only half of all companies have implemented special security measures.
Achieving the highest possible level of security is often hindered by the various components of an industrial IoT solution, as well as the necessity to open networks and systems to customers, suppliers, and partners. Of course, absolute security is as unrealistic as the desire to implement protective measures once and then forget about them. In order to be properly prepared, it is important for companies to first start with a risk analysis that can then be used to develop a comprehensive security concept.
True security management begins with the selection of equipment, devices, systems, and network components. Businesses should make sure manufacturers have integrated security measures into their products. This also applies to connectivity and cloud services. Reliable providers, such as Deutsche Telekom, regularly have their extremely high security standards tested and certified.
For greater protection, Telekom recommends companies develop a comprehensive security concept using a defence-in-depth approach. This divides IT architecture into various layers that are then each outfitted with the appropriate security measures. This ensures intruders will simply face another “closed door” should they manage to penetrate one layer of security. Deutsche Telekom was also presenting a new Cloud of Things solution at the event.
