Tag: Internet-of-things

The Crucial Role of Security in IIoT Solutions

Posted on November 15, 2023 by - Digital Transformation, IIoT, IOT, SCADA

Written by Jordan Deville, Sr. ICS Consultant | OT Consultant

 

As the world continues to embrace digital transformation, industrial settings such as chemical plants and manufacturing facilities are not exempt from this transition. The emergence of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technology has paved the way for enhanced automation, improved operational efficiency, and increased productivity in these environments. However, it is essential to address the critical aspect of security in IIoT implementations to ensure the protection of valuable assets and data.

In this blog post, we will explore the significance of security in IIoT and highlight the measures necessary to safeguard your industrial operations.

Physical Security

At the sensor level, physical security plays a crucial role in IIoT systems. Ensuring the separation of IIoT sensors from control system sensors is imperative to prevent unauthorized access or data manipulation. By implementing physical separation, damage to the overall integrity and reliability of the system, both control and IIoT, is minimized.

Network Security

Layered network security is vital in protecting IIoT systems. While general IT network security is typically layered on top of IIoT, it is essential to consider that IT network security systems are primarily designed for conventional data flow and authentication. In contrast, IIoT requires specific configurations that focus on control system data flow standards. IT network security systems may be updated every two to three years, while IIoT systems often span 15 to 20 years between updates. As such, there are many complexities that must be accounted for anytime the IT system needs an update. Therefore, it is crucial to bridge the gap between the two and ensure the security of both systems.

Cloud / Local Hybrid Infrastructure

Many IIoT systems require both cloud and on-premise server infrastructure to process and integrate data effectively. However, this integration introduces the challenge of establishing secure network tunneling between the different types of infrastructure. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) or authentication using Transport Layer Security (TLS) certificates are both valid options. However, the latter requires more advanced configuration and regular IT maintenance. By implementing these measures, you can secure the data flow between cloud and on-premise servers in your IIoT system.

Data Security

The security design of a standalone IIoT system primarily involves focusing on user and system access control to prevent unauthorized entry. Additionally, the tag-level security provided and supported by most IIoT and Control System manufacturers can offer an added layer of protection. Integration with third-party systems, especially for data analysis, must be carefully controlled to ensure critical data remains adequately protected and does not fall into the wrong hands.

Control System Adjacent System Architecture

Well-designed architecture connecting an IIoT system with the primary control system is crucial to maintaining data security. It is essential to ensure that data is only produced by the control system and consumed by the IIoT system to prevent accidental data leakage or unauthorized data control. Likewise, data should not be allowed into the control system from the IIoT system. By implementing robust security measures, you can have full control over the data flow between these interconnected systems without compromising their integrity.

Why Choose RED Group for Your Secure IIoT System

RED Group, certified as an IIoT expert by Cirrus Link, has successfully deployed IIoT solutions for multiple customers. Not only do we possess extensive expertise in the IIoT field, but we are also specialists in control systems and OT network systems for industrial cybersecurity. Our unique qualification allows us to design and implement highly secure IIoT systems tailored to your specific needs.

Conclusion

Security is an indispensable aspect of any IIoT system, ensuring the protection of valuable assets and data in industrial settings. By prioritizing physical security, layered network security, secure cloud/on-premise hybrid infrastructure, data security, and control system adjacent system architecture, you can safeguard your operations from potential threats. As an IIoT-certified firm with expertise in control systems and OT network systems, RED Group stands ready to assist you in designing and implementing secure IIoT solutions. Reach out to us today and let us help you navigate the path to a secure IIoT future.

 

Jordan Deville, Sr. ICS Consultant and OT Consultant of RED Group’s Houston office, has nearly a decade of experience in Industrial Control systems design and implementation. He has spent the past several years building and refining control system network systems especially focusing on cybersecurity and network safety.

Stay Ahead, But Don’t Get Swept Away, by the Industrial IOT Wave

Posted on May 19, 2021 by - IOT

Stay Ahead, But Don’t Get Swept Away, by the Industrial IOT Wave

The advent of internet of things (IOT) technology represents a new era for industry and manufacturing.

The growth of industrial IOT (IIOT) connections is explosive; by 2025, there will be more than 36.8 billion connections, according to a 2020 report by Jupiter Research. This figure is more than double the current IOT adoption.

Although most industry decision-makers recognize the value of industrial IOT and have expressed a desire to shift, several barriers have impeded progress, especially in regard to architectural challenges, security concerns, and lack of qualified partners to help navigate the transition.

This article will briefly outline the benefits of industrial IOT, explain some of the challenges, and provide a solution for overcoming these obstacles.

IIOT: Transformational Potential

The multiplicative growth of IIOT is largely due to its efficiency benefits. The technology gives organizations access to increased amounts of data to feed analytics, AI, and cognitive learning systems which can transform operations through automation and high rate decision making. The result is boosted productivity and streamlined functions.

For example, sensors on machinery monitor performance constantly, gathering data on operations that can be used to optimize performance. Some of the data gathered can also be used for equipment maintenance and can trigger alerts when machines require attention.

There are a myriad of other uses for IIOT, such as safety. IIOT empowered environments can also keep workers safer by alerting entire facilities when accidents occur. In a split second, operations can be halted, and team members can intervene to mitigate the incident. Simultaneously, sensors will mine data to generate insight into what caused the incident and how it can be prevented from reoccurring.

IIOT Challenges Are Significant, Yet Surmountable

The industrial IOT takeover seems imminent, yet many decision-makers are still hesitant to master the new technology. The slow starters hesitate at their peril, as being early adopters to IOT technology can be a significant competitive advantage in the long run.

In general, some common obstacles holding the business back from realizing the benefits of industrial IOT follow one of these themes:

Primary Process Control System (DCS, etc.) Integration Challenges

Where primary process control systems are concerned, there are already many complexities to manage, for which sensors might create one more pain point. Decision-makers are often overly cautious to implement new technology, out of concerns for cost, cybersecurity, network challenges, and user access. If overall system architecture and safe operations are considered in implementing industrial IOT technologies, these technologies can exist within or along side existing control system architectures.

Pilot Projects Are Daunting

In 2020, IndustryWeek reported that many IOT initiatives end up stuck in “pilot purgatory,” leading to frustratingly slow progress and causing some industrial organizations to delay their migration to IOT. Some obstacles include complexity of assets, lack of willingness to participate in an IOT program, “ugly baby syndrome” or a reluctance to see that current processes are insufficient.

Critical Data and Systems Are Challenging to Access by Design

IOT projects often need additional data to view and analyze, but it can be tricky to execute control systems integrations. Often, engineering projects are required to pull in the necessary components, such as those in the DCS.

How to Overcome Challenges and Enhance Benefits: RED Alert in IIOT

Industrial IOT programs have transformational potential, but successful deployment requires both expertise and technology. With the right partner, you won’t need to worry about stalled pilot programs, primary process control system concerns, or stubborn data and systems siloes.

RED Group provides consultative management, dedicated specialists, and proprietary software that will facilitate successful IIOT initiatives. Our best-in-class control systems technology is perfect for a variety of uses and industries.

For our clients, RED Group consults on sensor and instrumentation selection and engineering. We also provide additional programming and consultation as required. There is no need to fuss over the tech stack since we provide all the hardware, software, installation, and commissioning.

The work doesn’t stop when the data is collected. Once enough raw intelligence has been generated, we activate our RED Alert SCADA. Analytics at the edge or in the cloud?  RED Alert can provide both.  Our technology allows us to forward data and integrate it into other systems as well.

Why should you trust RED Group? For one, our track record of partnership is a testament to our effectiveness. We consistently lower CapEx costs, deploy in less time than our competitors, and have superior expertise in engineering and integrating IIOT assets.

Don’t Fall Behind the IIOT Curve—Get in Touch With RED Group Today>>>