IoT
07.02.2017

Anti-Virus Protection a Must for Production Robots

  • Interconnected production systems require new IT-security concepts for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
  • Internet of Things (IoT) offers new possibilities for security service providers and insurance companies

IoT-interconnected production facilities independently control the production process and react in close to real time. “In more and more SMEs, systems are evolving into smart production facilities. For this reason, we need security concepts that effectively protect against external threats,” according to Dr. Bettina Horster, Director of Mobile at eco – Association of Internet Industry.

Plant security for SMEs

Risks arise as a result of cyber criminals, who immediately start searching for vulnerabilities, as soon as production facilities are connected with the Internet. “Operational security and production continuity have the highest priority. This means that IT strategy for Industry 4.0 must fulfil high security requirements,” says Markus Bartsch from TÜV Informationstechnik GmbH. However, many SMEs lack the expertise and possible solutions to even detect web-based attacks. And yet, equipping production facilities and production robots with firmware updates and anti-virus software is often not feasible.

High demand for IoT security from experts

“The segmentation of network areas by means of firewalls is a simple and effective way to create more security,” states Professor Till Hänisch from the Dualen Hochschule Baden-Württemberg. “In particular, enterprises with a manageable number of machines can achieve a higher level of security by simply using firewalls on the application layer,” says Hänisch. He also recommends a greater degree of standardization, for encrypted remote access to facilities, for example, and calls for realistic risk assessment by the people in charge.

New business areas for insurance companies

Guaranteeing security for the entire production process is a complex task which the SMEs should leave to specialized service providers. Together with insurance companies, service providers could provide attractive service packets. “In this way, there could be financial compensation for damage caused by cyber criminals – which can still occur despite every precaution,” according to Hänisch.

Dr. Bettina Horster
Contact Person

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