Industrial Security for machinery and industrial plants

New technologies come with opportunities and risks. Probably the most important new technologies in our industry at the moment are the extreme networking of industrial plants via the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and robotics. However, the networking of companies and machinery also increases the risk that vulnerabilities in information technology systems are exploited and that economic losses and physical harm occur.

Industrial Security (OT security) describes the protection of production and industrial plants from manipulation, whether intentional or unintentional, or cyber attacks. This can prevent safety measures for functional safety, which ensure the safety of employees, from being compromised or disabled.

Experience shows that the production area in the company relies on the company’s IT department in the event of questions regarding OT security and only deals with the topic peripherally. A rethink is urgently needed here, as the machinery used in production is part of the company's security concept. Some interplay is needed here, particularly with the networking of machinery at operational level (OT) with information technology (IT). To be able to correctly implement the overall concept, the interfaces and requirements for the individual IT zones must be defined and implemented down to the machine levels in the company.

Objectives of Industrial Security

The objective of Industrial Security is to guarantee the availability of plant and machinery, as well as the integrity and confidentiality of machine data and processes. Attackers often use existing vulnerabilities to penetrate control networks or disrupt processes. To prevent attackers accessing the control network, potential vulnerabilities must be detected and remedied promptly. If an attacker succeeds in exploiting a vulnerability, the consequences for the company can be devastating, These range from production standstill to risk to humans if safety measures are targeted for manipulation or are compromised.  

Pilz's cyber security portfolio offers a step-by-step solution to prevent this from happening and ensure machinery is manufactured and operated in accordance with compliance requirements.

• CERT VDE web site

At Pilz we treat Safety and Security holistically, to ensure safe machinery and industrial plants. Specifically on Security, but always in connection with Safety, our in-depth expert know-how and specialist knowledge of specific standards such as IEC 62443, guidelines and regulations are passed on to our customers in training and courses. With our cyber security services we support practical implementation directly on-site. Pilz's product-based security solutions are an essential, well-rounded component for making your machinery completely secure in accordance with the applicable Industrial Security requirements.

Your holistic Industrial Security portfolio from Pilz – Secure machinery, step-by-step! Click on the animation to explore the other sections.