IoT devices are constantly connected to other machines and outside networks. There can also be a lot of them in any given business. Should they be left unsecured, they pose potential security risks for that business, including malware, unauthorised access, downtime and data breaches.
With automation, real-time data, and machines talking to machines, businesses are seeing huge gains in efficiency and insight.
But there’s a catch. The more connected you are, the more exposed you become. Cyber threats, data leaks, and system hacks aren’t hypothetical. The risk grows with every new device on your network.
Pat Rodgers, Managed Networks Product Manager at Nasstar, says: “To stay protected, businesses need strong, layered security. That means systems to prevent and detect threats. It also means having a plan in place if something goes wrong.”
In this guide, we’ll unpack the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) security landscape. We’ll explore what you’re up against, what’s at stake, and how to protect critical infrastructure without slowing you down.
What is the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)?
IIoT is a network of connected industrial devices, sensors and systems inside any given business. These devices collect, exchange and analyse data to optimise manufacturing processes, supply chains, and operational technology.
In modern industry, these IIoT devices play a crucial role. They help improve efficiency, allow for predictive maintenance and bring opportunities for automation. However, their connectivity to networks and cloud platforms, plus the sheer number of devices, brings potential safety concerns.
That means, without proper security controls, IIoT devices can quickly become vulnerable to cyber attacks. IIoT security must address risks, including:
Protecting against unauthorised access
Preventing malware
Minimising disruption to industrial processes
IIoT devices differ from traditional IT infrastructure. They are part of an Operational Technology (OT) stack of hardware and software that detects or causes changes through direct monitoring of industrial and building management equipment at the network edge.
These devices interact with Industrial Control Systems (ICS), including Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, and Building Management Systems (BMS), such as Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems and Energy Management systems. They control physical devices, processes, and events in the industrial or building environment. As industrial organisations adopt new technologies, Machine-to-Machine IIoT networks have become enormous.
To understand how to improve IIoT security, it’s first important to learn how we use these devices today.
What are some industrial applications of IIoT solutions?
Across industrial workflows, IIoT solutions are commonly used for many purposes.
Real-time connectivity
IIoT networks allow for instant communication between machines, helping to bring response times and operational efficiency to a level previously impossible. Now, businesses use real-time data to detect failures in equipment, optimise schedules and make data-informed decisions.
Pat Rodgers, Managed Networks Product Manager at Nasstar, says: “Contextual connectivity is important here. You should check that the IIoT devices and systems being interconnected are what they say they are, and if they should be interconnected before establishing the connection. Continuously review the data being transferred between IIoT devices and systems to ensure it is only data relevant to that specific operational process.”
Data collection
As a world, we collect vast amounts of data. IIoT sensors can help companies gather almost any type of information, from output to critical infrastructure health. With efficient data processing, businesses can analyse trends and identify anomalies in industrial processes, making them more efficient in the long run.
Predictive maintenance
Once companies gather high-quality, real-time data, they can use it for advanced analysis. One example is artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in industry. By studying data from multiple sensors, companies can predict when equipment may need servicing, allowing them to provide a timely fix before downtime hits.
Access control
IIoT devices aren’t just data providers. They also offer their own security measures. For example, a modern smart factory might use IIoT devices to prevent unauthorised access to the premises and sensitive equipment.
On this, Pat said: “Use a Zero Trust Access framework. Never assume trust for anyone or any device, continuously verify user and device access rights and risk posture.”
Supply chain overview
IIoT solutions also help off-premises. Between supplier and factory, they can track assets, monitor shipments, and provide greater visibility into logistics. Where possible, end-to-end tracking also improves inventory management, reducing disruptions and helping forecast inventory.
Digital transformation
Integrating IoT security controls and advanced analytics creates opportunities to make workflows more efficient, take mundane tasks away from workers and reduce errors through long-term digital transformation. Over time, this results in a streamlined, future-ready company.
Why is IIoT security important?
IIOT security is highly important for businesses today. While IIoT devices have many uses, they need to be protected to ensure security. Fundamentally, IIOT devices massively increase the number of potential entry points into a business network for cyber criminals.
Without strong security measures, these connected devices become targets for:
Malware & ransomware
Data theft
Unauthorised access
Securing your IIOT devices should be a top priority, alongside a good IIoT security strategy that considers a number of key factors.
Pat said: “IIoT devices and systems are unsecure by design. A fully interconnected IIoT/OT stack increases the attack surface and risk to operations without a secure OT network infrastructure solution, a cyber threat detection and response service, and a continuous security improvement plan.”
Minimising the attack surface
The more devices connected, the greater the risk. Proper security controls will help reduce exposure to cyber threats. Implementing security solutions like firewalls, access controls, and network segmentation all help to limit risk, reducing vulnerabilities in industrial processes.
Weak authentication and outdated firmware? Both create security gaps for hackers to exploit. That’s why it’s so important to run routine security updates, vulnerability assessments and configuration reviews to strengthen overall defences.
Addressing cyber threats
Industrial organisations should always be aware of new threats. Then, change security control systems to meet them. Tools like threat intelligence platforms and security analytics also help identify malicious activities before they cause harm.
Protecting company reputation, finances and compliance
Strong IIoT security protects the company as a whole. The potential cost of a data breach is over four million dollars - that’s without calculating reputational damage, customer loss and legal fines under regulations such as GDPR.
What are the benefits of secure Industrial IoT?
A well-protected IIoT system strengthens business operations, builds resilience against cyber attacks, and enables businesses to reap several other benefits.
Avoid downtime
Depending on a company’s size and sector, downtime can cost thousands of pounds per hour. But secure IIoT systems help prevent these disruptions. Operational resilience - keeping supply chains and production flowing - allows for business continuity, reducing the financial impact of cyber incidents.
Safeguard critical infrastructure
Strong security measures protect essential services. A modern industrial company is a convergence of many services into one ecosystem - think cloud computing, on-prem services, data centres, networks and the energy grid. Protecting IIoT devices connected to these critical services shields the business as a whole.
Maintain compliance
Meeting security standards is vital to business success. That’s especially true in highly regulated sectors, such as healthcare with critical infrastructure. IIoT devices are essential parts of modern industrial processes, so they must align with legal requirements. For the business, this minimises financial penalties and strengthens trust with stakeholders.
Pat said: “Network infrastructures implemented for secure IIoT and OT connectivity should be Industry-certified with industry-compliant solution architectures. They must also have centralised auditing and management systems for monitoring and reporting that meets industry standard cyber security compliance.”
Protect sensitive data
IIoT devices might collect sensitive data which, if breached, could harm individuals or competitive edges. Secure data collection prevents unauthorised access to this proprietary and operational information. Measures like encryption, anonymisation, and access controls all contribute to strong industrial IoT security.
What are the challenges of IIoT security?
While IIoT security brings many benefits, there are also a number of challenges to consider and mitigate.
Protecting all connected devices
The sheer number of devices used today can pose a problem. IIoT networks consist of thousands of devices - some may use tens of thousands. Each of them is a potential security risk. As such, managing security across a large network requires automated monitoring, access controls and security frameworks so no device is left out.
Legacy equipment
It’s important to keep equipment up to date. Many industrial environments use older systems or outdated firmware, which often lack modern security controls. That’s why patching and upgrading infrastructure should be a regular task in reducing vulnerabilities.
Monitoring services
Any unsecured IIoT networks could allow unauthorised access. At the same time, cyber criminals might target even the strongest IIoT networks with malware, ransomware, and denial-of-service attacks. For these reasons, having ongoing network monitoring services is vital.
Access to cyber security expertise
Proactive IIoT security is a huge part of protecting information technology. And it requires strong expertise to get right. For many smaller industrial companies, accessing the right cyber security expertise can be challenging since hiring the right people can cost both time and money.
Often, it’s a good idea to consult outsourced cyber security managed services firms for cost-effective access to the right expertise.
How you can increase Industrial IoT security
If you’re looking to secure IIoT devices, here are some good first steps:
Restricting access based on zero trust architecture principles prevents unauthorised users from infiltrating networks.
Centralising security management helps monitor and control access across the entire IIoT environment, not just parts of it.
Using multi-factor authentication for all employees significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access.
Applying network segmentation and/or micro segmentation can help limit the spread of cyber threats should they occur, minimising risk exposure.
Carrying out regular firmware and software updates patches vulnerabilities and protects IIoT devices from new threats.
Implement a cyber threat detection and response process to deal with attacks and threats.
Operate a periodic security improvement plan that includes security testing, reporting and results in threat migrating changes to systems and/or processes.
How Nasstar can help
IIoT security is a key part of running successful industrial processes. These devices help save time, money and effort, but can also be a threat if left unsecured. Security measures like safeguarding devices, preventing unauthorised access and a cyber threat detection and response service, and a continuous security improvement plan all contribute to a healthy, productive IIoT network infrastructure, both today and into the future.
Nasstar has extensive experience and managed services for securing IIoT devices and systems through IT/OT network infrastructures. Are you looking to improve your industrial security posture? Speak to a specialist to learn more.
