How to Enhance Operational Resilience with Cyber-Physical Security Solutions

As the leader of a manufacturing facility, you’re likely aware of the increasing convergence between operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT).

As the manufacturing world continues to evolve, operational resilience becomes even more of a necessity. Although the integration comes along with numerous benefits, it also brings along new vulnerabilities that can severely impact your operations.

So, how can cyber-physical security solutions help build a more resilient manufacturing environment?

THE GROWING THREATS:

In the UK alone, 50% of businesses experienced cyber-attacks in 2024. A percentage which has risen from 39% in 2022. Around the globe, cyber-attacks have increased by 44% in the 2024 year alone, costing businesses an average cost of £3.8 million.

On 19th July 2024, cyber-security company CrowdStrike experienced problems with their software leading to a massive IT outage. The impact was significant, causing approximately 8.5 million Window devices worldwide. A variety of services experienced disruptions to their services, such as Airlines, Hospitals, and Banks. The financial damage inflicted by this problem is estimated to be in the billions.

THE IMPACTS:

Caused by cyber-attacks, services can experience devastating impacts that can hinder business opportunities and service operations. But what can these disruptions include?

• Production Halts: Production halts are just one of many disturbances caused by cyber-attacks. This causes temporary or prolonged shutdowns on all your machinery and electrical devices. This problem comes along with many side effects. For example, they can hinder your ability to meet both new and returning customers on time and in full targets.
• Financial Losses: Alongside the costs of the immediate attack – businesses are often plagued with regulatory fines and indirect costs of getting ‘back to normal’.
• Reputational Damage: A security breach can significantly break customer trust particularly when it comes to losing customers personal data or even their Intellectual Property. This can also lead to a weariness on choosing your company in the first place. In the long term, this can really result in multiple lost business opportunities.

Other blogs you may be interested in:

• How to Resolve Production Interruptions Without Stress
• Why is Operational Resilience Crucial for Manufacturers During Global Instability
• What are the Risk of Using Outdated Machinery in Manufacturing

How Can You Build Operational Resilience?

Implementing cyber-physical security solutions significantly advances your operational resilience. Here’s a couple ways that you can do it:

HOLISTIC THREAT MANAGEMENT

By focusing on a “whole system” approach, rather than specific areas or isolated risks, you can manage threats and identify vulnerabilities, assessing the impacts that potential risks can have on your organisation both internally and externally. Taking this approach can benefit your operations in many ways:

• More effective identification and mitigation of threats that span both physical and digital domains.
• Improved readiness to handle complex, multi-faceted security incidents.
• Enhanced visibility into potential vulnerabilities across your entire operation.

PROTECTING CRITICAL ASSETS

Safeguarding your valuable assets is easily solved by implementing Cyber-physical security solutions:

• Intellectual Property: By securing all your designs, sensitive information, and digital assets from external threats and insider risks you implement extra security to give you peace of mind.
• Operational Technology: It’s important protect PLCs, SCADA systems, and other critical OT infrastructure from cyber-attacks that could lead to equipment malfunction or production halts.
• Physical Infrastructure: Implementing advanced access control and monitoring systems is crucial in preventing any unauthorised entry and potential sabotage.

Other blogs you may be interested in:

• Top Strategies to Reduce Crime in Your Manufacturing Facility
• 7 Cutting Edge Cyber-Physical Security Solutions for Uninterrupted Manufacturing Operations
• Effective Security Solutions to Prevent Theft & Vandalism in Manufacturing

ENHANCING INCIDENT RESPONSE

Responding to security issues rapidly and effectively is made possible by a unified security approach:

• Real-time threat detection is essential alongside automated response mechanisms to be implemented into your security practices.
• It’s important to address both physical and cyber threats by regularly testing comprehensive incident plans that address any possible scenarios.
• Ensure your security and operations teams can work seamlessly together during a crisis.

ENSURING REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

With increasingly strict regulations, cyber-physical security solutions can assist you in:

• Meet evolving compliance standards across various industries and regions.
• Avoid potential fines and penalties associated with security breaches or non-compliance.
• Demonstrate a proactive approach to security, which can be a differentiator when bidding for contracts or entering new markets.

Other blogs you may be interested in:

• Making the Right Choice: Why Core Values Matter in Your Security Partner
• Choosing the Right Security Partner for Your Manufacturing Expansion
• Key Factors to Consider When Selecting a Security Partner for Manufacturing

FUTURE-PROOFING YOUR OPERATIONS

Cyber-physical security solutions offer a basis for the safe integration of new advances as industrial technologies continue to advance:

• Integrate AI-powered technologies and IoT devices into your business processes in a safe manner.
• Secure implementation of 5G-enabled manufacturing processes.
• Maintain a robust industrial environment by adjusting to new risks and technological developments.

In addition to safeguarding your assets, a proactive approach to cyber-physical security helps you create a manufacturing operation that is more resilient, competitive, and prepared for the future. Keep in mind that security is a strategic investment in the long-term stability and profitability of your business, not just a cost centre in the connected world of today.

Are you looking to increase your operational resilience across your manufacturing facility? Our PREPARED methodology offers a comprehensive cyber-physical security solution tailored specifically for manufacturing environments. Find out more here.

This content has been generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI). While AI technology was used to draft and develop the initial content, it has been thoroughly reviewed, edited, and fact checked by Luke to ensure accuracy and relevance. We strive to provide high-quality and trustworthy information, but please be aware that AI-generated content may contain errors or omissions. We take full responsibility for the final content presented here and are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in our use of AI technology.