Safeguarding the Manufacturing Industry Against Robot-Related Threats

As robotics and the Internet of Things (IoT) become increasingly popular in manufacturing, several new security threats are surfacing. Manufacturers must take extra precautions to safeguard their networks from the cyber threats facing robots. How can they protect their data, employees, and property from robot-related cyber attacks?

Robot-Related Cybersecurity Threats

Robots present a variety of unique cybersecurity threats, ranging from data interception to device hijacking. Many of these are due to a lack of native cybersecurity features in robotic equipment and related technologies, such as the IoT. Cybersecurity strategies tend to focus primarily on servers and computers, but robots can be high-profile targets for hackers, as well.

Botnets and DDoS Attacks

One of the most common reasons cyberattacks target robots are their use in a botnet. A botnet is a network of compromised devices a hacker can remotely control to launch various attacks.

For instance, a hacker could force all the devices on a botnet to access the same web address simultaneously, triggering a DDoS attack on that website. Botnets can do many other things, like autonomously installing malware, spreading a botnet virus to other devices, or exporting data.

A robot may not show noticeable behavioral differences while infected by a botnet virus. Usually, the hacker is using only a portion of the device’s computing power, although it is possible to hijack a device completely. However, all the robots in a manufacturing facility could potentially be infected by a botnet for months before someone notices.

Device Hijacking

Device hijacking is somewhat similar to botnet viruses but more severe. This type of attack poses a dire threat to manufacturing since hijacked robots could cause physical harm to employees.

Hijacking attacks are complicated for hackers to carry out but often abuse one or two critical vulnerabilities. For instance, in 2022, hackers hijacked a fleet of hospital robots using compromised interfaces and APIs. The hackers abused a lack of privilege limitations to take complete control of the robots once inside the hospital’s system.

Situations like this can happen to any industrial robot without adequate protection. Once a hacker has control of a robot, they could force it to misbehave, halt production, destroy property or goods, or injure employees.

Unauthorized Data Access

Robots can also be used as doorways into a manufacturer’s network. Hackers aren’t always interested in causing physical damage — they may want to steal data or hold it for ransom. A robot with weak security and a connection to a manufacturer’s larger network can be an easier target than a typical computer or laptop.

IoT devices like sensors or cameras are particularly vulnerable to this attack. These devices are commonly used in robotics automation and monitoring. They often lack robust native security features while also acting as highly connected nodes in manufacturers’ networks.

How to Secure Manufacturing Robots

The security threats associated with industrial robots may seem daunting, but it’s possible to defend against them. Manufacturers should always start by implementing basic network security measures, such as strong encryption and firewall protocols. Beyond that, a few key strategies can go a long way toward mitigating the risks of robot-related cyber attacks.

Use Cybersecurity Standards and Frameworks

Cybersecurity standards and frameworks are valuable guides for improving security measures. Rather than viewing standards as frustrating regulatory rules, use them as roadmaps and benchmarks for building strong security strategies.

There are a wide variety of cybersecurity standards and frameworks designed for manufacturers. For instance, ISO 27001 outlines information security management and includes valuable risk-management guidelines.

Security frameworks are similar to standards but function more like guidebooks. These voluntary programs often collect many standards and best practices into one cohesive strategy for organizations. The NIST framework is today’s leading security guidance for private-sector businesses and receives annual updates.

Collaborate With Vendors

It’s important to remember vendors and partners play a significant role in cybersecurity. The company that makes a manufacturer’s robots can help or hurt security efforts. So, manufacturers should consider collaborating with vendors on security protocols within the robots and on a business-wide scale.

A perfect example of the importance of vendors is the 2013 Target data breach. While this cyber attack did not involve robots, it was caused by a vendor’s security vulnerabilities, which allowed the hacker to get into Target’s network. Working closely with vendors is vital for strong security.

The vendor is responsible for any native security features an industrial robot has. They also have the knowledge to help manufacturers implement custom security features more effectively. Collaborating with vendors can lead to stronger onboard security features in industrial robots. It can also allow vendors and manufacturers to implement shared cybersecurity protocols, helping prevent situations like the Target data breach.

Implement Network Segmentation

Network segmentation should be in every manufacturer’s cybersecurity toolbox. This simple strategy can go a long way toward protecting sensitive data in the event of a cyber attack. It acts as a last wall of defense that minimizes the potential damage a hacker can do.

Network segmentation involves splitting a network into isolated chunks or silos. Each segment is an island, inaccessible through any of the other segments. This means if a hacker successfully breaks into a manufacturer’s network, they can only operate in one segment.

Manufacturers can isolate robots on their own segment of the network to ensure a bare minimum amount of protection. This is particularly helpful for manufacturers just getting started with robots or using a new model for the first time. Network segmentation allows the robots to be “quarantined” while technicians test them for security vulnerabilities.

Protecting Robotics and Manufacturing Data

Robots and IoT devices are becoming commonplace in the manufacturing industry. While they come with many benefits, they also present a set of unique cybersecurity threats. Robot-related cyber attacks can endanger employee safety, manufacturers’ property, sensitive data, and more. Manufacturers can safeguard their robots, team members, and data from hackers by implementing a few key security strategies that eliminate and minimize risks.