Security in Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)

Short answer: Industrial IoT devices are exposed to threats such as worms like Stuxnet, malware like Industroyer that exploits legacy industrial protocols, device hijacking and permanent denial-of-service attacks. The main defences are network segmentation, strong password management, firmware security, mutual authentication, end-to-end encryption, security lifecycle management and continuous monitoring.

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) or Internet of Things (IoT) in general have become the most talked about topics in recent years, along with globalization and digitization. Somewhere all these terms are linked to one another.

Though there is no denying that IIoT and IoT in large have changed the face of how we look and use the internet today, providing great opportunities and helping businesses flourish and take things to the next level. There is also no denying that at the end of the day, there are still security and cybersecurity challenges that prevail, which in turn create a hindrance for businesses to achieve their full potential.

That is our topic for discussion today. Keep in mind that IIoT is a sub-category of a much large phenomenon called IoT. Understanding the current state, challenges, and threats of IIoT along with the steps we ought to take to be safe.

What are the main IIoT security threats?

IIoT undoubtedly is increasing productivity, but devices connected to the internet are always at a risk of being subject to cyber threats. Some of the current threats or challenges are as follows –

• Stuxnet – Stuxnet is a computer worm which spreads throughout the entire computer network and specific programs. A hidden virus, individuals will think their device is working just fine, but it introduces rootkits, making them infect the device, without the users realizing that the operations are hampered with.
• Industroyer – Industroyer a malware is known to exploit legacy industrial protocols, which in the first place are designed without thinking about cybersecurity. In turn, when the in contact with the internet, this malware affects the entire system.
• Device Hijacking – Hijackers get control of the devices, in a way such that it may get difficult to detect. In turn, compromising data and the device as well.
• Permanent Denial of Service ( PDoS) – It is also known as phlashing, an attack which damages the device in a way that it needs to be either replaced or reinstalled.

How can you protect IIoT devices?

When dealing with the internet, there is always the risk of being attacked by viruses or having various other threats that can hamper the business continuity and affect the organization’s functioning. There is no running away from this, but there are always ways to prevent such attacks.

• Device connectivity layer segmentation
• Strong password management
• Advanced firmware security functions
• Mutual authentication
• End-to-end encryption
• Security lifecycle management
• Monitoring and analysis

What is next for IIoT security?

The future for IIoT is bright and one which will bring in many opportunities for business advancement. But at the same time, the scare and risk of jeopardy always looms. Keeping a check on the security measures that are being taken is a constant process and one which will help minimize threats. Nexapp’s gateways and routers always prioritize security, making sure the data that is being transferred is safe from such risks.

Related: secure IoT and M2M connectivity, network security for manufacturing plants and post-quantum cryptography on Nexapp routers.

Frequently asked questions

What are the biggest security threats to IIoT?

Key threats include worms such as Stuxnet, malware such as Industroyer that targets legacy industrial protocols, device hijacking and permanent denial-of-service (PDoS) attacks that damage devices until they must be replaced or reinstalled.

Why are industrial protocols vulnerable?

Many legacy industrial protocols were designed before internet connectivity and have little built-in security. When those systems are connected to the internet, malware such as Industroyer can exploit them.

How can I secure IIoT devices?

Segment the device network, manage passwords properly, use firmware security features, require mutual authentication, encrypt data end to end, manage security across the device lifecycle and monitor traffic continuously.

How does Nexapp secure industrial routers?

Instaroute routers run NexappOS with signed firmware, carry IEC 62443 certification and support IPsec IKEv2 tunnels. Nexapp also offers post-quantum encryption across its routers and SD-WAN.

To find out more about Nexapp and its security measures, see Nexapp’s IoT and M2M solutions.