Operating technology (OT) networks of manufacturing companies and critical infrastructures depend heavily upon automation systems. These systems often use legacy hard- and software. Hence, they carry several security flaws. Despite the weak security posture of OT networks, the number of cyber-attacks against manufacturing industries has historically been low.
The advent of the fourth industrial revolution encourages traditional OT networks to be opened up to the Internet. This will turn legacy automation systems into Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). The digital transformation of manufacturing industries sets them up for significant business growth in the future. At the same time, it opens them up to whole array of cyber risks. Attacks of the recent past against IT networks with severe business impact will now become much relevant for manufacturing industries and critical infrastructures.
