In a previous post, we explained why manufacturers are the No. 1 target of cybercriminals. IT/OT convergence is a primary cause: Operational technologies, which often have weak security controls, are now connected to the IT network, creating vulnerabilities that put the IT environment at risk. Manufacturers also have valuable intellectual property that makes them lucrative targets, and are inclined to pay when hit by ransomware.
Addressing these threats requires a well-defined strategy and a comprehensive, layered security approach. That said, manufacturers can boost security significantly by addressing common gaps and pain points. Patching and monitoring should be at or near the top of the list.
Many manufacturers still rely on manual patching processes. Because these processes are time-consuming and labor-intensive, manufacturers often lag in patching systems. This delay creates significant security vulnerabilities that cybercriminals actively exploit. Many manufacturers also lack effective security monitoring due to the complexity of IT/OT convergence, legacy technology and a shortage of skilled staff.
Why Patch Management Is Challenging
Manufacturers understand the critical importance of effective patch management. However, applying patches, especially to complex or critical systems, carries the risk of operational disruption, system crashes or software conflicts. Extensive testing is required to ensure compatibility and stability, a time-consuming process that slows down deployment. Organizations may not have enough dedicated cybersecurity staff or IT resources to evaluate, test and deploy patches in a timely manner.
Many OT and production systems run continuously. Even short downtimes for updates can be very costly in terms of safety and throughput, leading to delays as IT and operations teams struggle to find a maintenance window.
In addition, IT teams often lack a complete inventory of all endpoints and IoT devices, making it easy to miss assets that require updates. The operations team can purchase and install network-connected sensors or devices without the knowledge or approval of the IT department. This “shadow IoT” environment is not properly secured, monitored or included in patching schedules.
The Benefits of AI and Automation
Automation can relieve these bottlenecks. While manual patching is labor-intensive, automated tools can rapidly identify, assess and apply software updates across thousands of machines and devices. Automation also ensures consistent execution of security tasks and eliminates mistakes common in manual processes.
Automated systems improve security visibility by collecting, correlating and analyzing vast amounts of data from across complex manufacturing environments. They secure the complex, interconnected production lines by monitoring IoT sensors and managing secure remote access, preventing cyber-physical attacks. They can also detect and respond to threats in seconds, minimizing damage before humans can even react.
AI takes that a step further, enabling manufacturers to move beyond simple monitoring to intelligent, predictive security. AI-powered tools can analyze historical and real-time data to predict and mitigate risks before they become incidents. AI also prioritizes alerts and enriches data, so security analysts aren’t overwhelmed, allowing them to focus on complex threats.
Advanced Skills Are Needed
In a recent Rockwell study, 61 percent of IT and cybersecurity professionals in the manufacturing sector said they planned to adopt AI and machine learning for security in the next 12 months. However, many manufacturers lack the in-house skills to take full advantage of AI-powered security tools. To be successful, AI must work within a security framework that includes human oversight and continuous model maintenance. Excessive trust in AI can lead to a false sense of security or overlooked human errors.
Cerium has the expertise to help manufacturers select and implement the right AI and automated security tools for their environment. More importantly, our managed security services combine AI and automation with around-the-clock monitoring and threat response. These services allow manufacturers to benefit from the latest tools without major investments or steep learning curves.
By handling high volumes of data and repetitive tasks with speed and precision, AI and automation create a more resilient, efficient and proactive defense for complex manufacturing environments. Cerium can help manufacturers utilize these tools to enhance their security postur
