Due to the convergence of several technologies, such as reliable embedded systems, widely available sensors, wireless network systems, etc. The area of smart appliances has advanced. The network of physical objects that can link to other systems and devices to exchange data is known as the internet of things. It comprises sensors, software, security, and other technologies. In contrast to a system that relies on human involvement, the Industrial IoT ecosystem and the Internet of Things intends to have devices that self-report real-time data, increase efficiency, and expose crucial information more rapidly.
Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
IoT has many advantages for the manufacturing, transport, and oil and gas sectors. The Industrial IoT Internet of Things (IIoT) is the application of intelligent sensors and actuators to improve industrial and manufacturing operations. It is frequently referred to as industry 4.0 or industrial internet. The power of smart machines and real-time analytics take advantage of the data produced by the machines. These smart machines are better than humans in capturing and analyzing real-time data and also communicating important information. This is the driving philosophy behind the IIoT. It is used to drive faster and more accurate business decisions. Connected sensors and actuators identify the problems much quicker, thus saving time and money. IIoT excels in sustainability, quality control, and overall supply chain efficiency. IIoT is essential to industrial ecosystem activities, including asset monitoring, energy management, and predictive maintenance.
In the consumer sector, Industrial IoT technology is synonymous with products that feature the idea of smart appliances and devices, such as thermometers, security systems, cameras, etc. IIoT is a network of smart devices to form systems that collect, monitor, and analyze data. IIoT ecosystems consist of connected devices that can sense, communicate, and store information, analytics, and apps that can derive business information from data and storage for data generated by IIoT devices. Industrial robots and IIoT is used extensively by the automobile industry to maintain their systems and identify potential problems proactively. IIoT is also used in the agro-industry to collect data about soil nutrients, moisture, etc. IIoT is also vital to the oil and gas industry to use visual and thermal imaging to detect potential threats in the pipeline.
Security in IIoT
Many believe that IIoT is not secure, given little regard for its security. We shall now consider this question broadly whether it is safe or not to use IIoT devices. The biggest challenge associated with IIoT is that of security. Many IIoT devices use default passwords and transmit data as explicit texts, making them prone to security breaches. An attack can be launched against other network resources by taking over an insecure IIoT device. Hence, people responsible for the organization’s IIoT devices must be vigilant in security matters. Organizations adopting more IIoT devices must be able to positively identify IIoT devices. which avoid the use of rogue devices also replace the failed ones. The risk of data breaches grows as hackers get more sophisticated.
Following are the locations for security concerns within a factory or its connected systems:
1) Insecure Web Surfaces: Issues such as inadequate default passwords, lockout, and session management are the concerns where users interface with IIoT devices.
2) Insecure Network Services: Open ports and buffer overflows are some access points where hackers can get into your network.
3) Weak Encryption: Intruders can gather data between devices with weak encryption or no encryption during an exchange.
4) Insecure Mobile Interfaces: Mobile interfaces suffer the same issues of encryption and authentication as companies offer field services as an extension to their manufacturing operations.
5) Legacy Securities: Legacy equipment can be retrofitted with IIoT devices for longer lifecycles and avoid expensive capital equipment purchases. But which devices can be secured within a system must be considered carefully to prevent security lapses.
6) Lack of Industry Standards and Protocols: IoT service providers have to self-regulate to develop standards and protocols for development that would eliminate chances of overlapping local protocols and would be cost-effective for the client. Thus the security of IIoT devices would not be hampered.
Solutions for IIoT security challenges:
Most of the security threats are malware attacks; however, there are other intrusion types through which a company’s data can be accessed. Security solutions sometimes get complicated because of the speed at which the industry is growing and having no clear-cut security solutions. Segmenting the IT network is one of the steps to enhance security. Anything that controls the equipment is maintained in a separate network from the rest of the IT infrastructure.
Another step would be to ensure basics like credential lockout after a small number of tries, and default credentials must be changed after activation to ensure the web interface has secure access. We also have to ensure that our services are not vulnerable to buffer overflow. Also, the ports are closed when not in use to avoid intrusion. Self-regulation in developing industry standards and protocols to define a base architecture for various issues would be a decisive step in addressing the security concerns of IIoT.
Conclusion
The use of IIoT has led to many positive changes in the business field though it has some security concerns. This article gives insights into IIoT, its security challenges and solutions, and the importance of securing the IIoT ecosystems.
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