5 Key Strategies for Protecting Your OT Infrastructure

The Security Imperative for Industrial OEMs in IoT Adoption

As Tier 2 OEMs increasingly embrace IoT technologies to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve efficiency, they must also confront the growing threat of cyberattacks. According to Gartner, by 2025, 75% of IoT security breaches will originate from inadequately secured IoT devices. For Tier 2 manufacturers operating with leaner resources and legacy systems, the risks are even higher.

Data security in IoT is no longer just an IT concern—it’s a critical business priority. A successful cyberattack can not only disrupt operations but also lead to significant financial losses, damage to reputation, and legal repercussions. This blog will explore the most pressing security challenges for Tier 2 OEMs in the industrial space and provide actionable strategies for securing IoT deployments. We'll also highlight the importance of selecting a robust IoT platform that prioritizes data security from the ground up.

IoT Security Threats faced by Industrial Smart Equipment manufacturers

1. Device Vulnerabilities The exponential growth of connected devices in industrial IoT has introduced new security risks. A single compromised device can serve as an entry point for attackers to access critical systems. According to HP, 70% of IoT devices are vulnerable to cyberattacks due to outdated firmware, weak passwords, and unsecured communications. For Tier 2 OEMs, securing these devices is particularly challenging, as many operate legacy equipment that was not designed with IoT connectivity in mind.

• Example Threat: A hacker could exploit a weak point in an industrial sensor, gaining access to a larger network and potentially causing production disruptions or stealing proprietary data.

2. Data Interception and Tampering Industrial IoT systems rely on vast amounts of data being transmitted between devices, sensors, and central platforms. Without proper encryption, this data is vulnerable to interception by cybercriminals. A report by McKinsey estimates that over 50% of IoT traffic is unencrypted, leaving sensitive information such as operational metrics, production data, and even customer information at risk.

• Example Threat: In a manufacturing environment, unencrypted data from sensors monitoring machine performance could be intercepted, altered, or stolen, leading to incorrect decisions or production delays.

3. DDoS Attacks and Network Disruption Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, which flood networks with traffic to disrupt operations, are a growing threat in IoT environments. In 2020, Cisco reported that 33% of all IoT attacks were DDoS-related. For Tier 2 OEMs, a successful DDoS attack can shut down operations, leading to lost production time and revenue. With smaller IT teams and limited resources, Tier 2 OEMs are particularly vulnerable to these types of attacks.

• Example Threat: A DDoS attack on a factory’s IoT network could paralyze operations, preventing machines from communicating and halting production for hours or even days.

4. Insider Threats Insider threats—whether intentional or accidental—pose a significant risk to IoT environments. Employees with access to IoT systems may inadvertently download malware, expose sensitive data, or bypass security protocols. According to Verizon’s Data Breach Investigations Report, 30% of data breaches in manufacturing are the result of insider actions, underscoring the importance of access control and employee training.

Best Practices for Securing IoT Deployments

1. Implement Strong Device Authentication and Access Control To mitigate the risks associated with device vulnerabilities, Industrial OEMs must implement strong authentication protocols. Every IoT device in the network should have a unique, secure identity, and access to sensitive systems should be restricted based on the principle of least privilege. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) can provide an additional layer of security.

• Example Solution: Ensuring that each connected sensor or machine has a unique digital certificate and requiring MFA for access to critical operational systems can reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

2. Encrypt Data End-to-End Data transmitted between IoT devices, gateways, and cloud platforms must be encrypted to prevent interception. End-to-end encryption ensures that data remains secure at every point of transmission, from the edge to the cloud. According to Accenture, encryption can reduce the likelihood of a data breach by 45%, making it a crucial defense against data interception and tampering.

• Example Solution: Implementing encryption protocols such as TLS (Transport Layer Security) for data in transit and AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) for data at rest ensures that sensitive production data remains protected from unauthorized access.

3. Segment IoT Networks Segmenting IoT networks from other business systems can help contain any security breach. By isolating IoT devices on a separate network, OEMs can prevent attackers from using compromised devices as a gateway to access critical business systems. According to Forrester, network segmentation can reduce the risk of lateral movement by 35%.

• Example Solution: Implementing VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) and firewalls to create isolated segments for IoT devices limits the spread of potential threats across the entire network.

4. Regularly Update Firmware and Software Many IoT devices in industrial environments are vulnerable to attacks due to outdated firmware. Ensuring that all IoT devices are regularly updated with the latest security patches is critical. According to Ponemon Institute, 57% of companies fail to patch IoT vulnerabilities in a timely manner, leaving them exposed to known threats.

• Example Solution: Establishing a regular update schedule for all IoT devices and enabling automatic updates where possible ensures that vulnerabilities are patched before attackers can exploit them.

5. Conduct Employee Training and Awareness Programs Given the prevalence of insider threats, it’s essential that Tier 2 OEMs educate employees on cybersecurity best practices. Regular training sessions should cover topics such as identifying phishing emails, the importance of strong passwords, and the correct handling of IoT devices.

• Example Solution: Implementing regular cybersecurity training programs and simulated phishing attacks helps employees stay vigilant and reduces the risk of insider-related breaches.

How Flex83 AEP Enhances IoT Security for Industrial OEMs

For Tier 2 OEMs navigating the complexities of IoT adoption, selecting a secure IoT platform is critical. Flex83 AEP is specifically designed to address the security challenges faced by smaller manufacturers, offering a robust, scalable solution that prioritizes data protection.

1. Built-in Device Authentication Flex83 AEP offers secure device onboarding with built-in authentication protocols, ensuring that only authorized devices can connect to the network. This prevents unauthorized access and mitigates the risk of rogue devices infiltrating the system.

2. End-to-End Encryption Flex83 AEP employs end-to-end encryption for all data transmitted within the IoT ecosystem, from edge devices to cloud storage. This ensures that sensitive operational data is protected from interception, whether it’s in transit or at rest.

3. Secure Cloud-Edge Convergence With its cloud-edge convergence model, Flex83 AEP enables secure data processing both at the edge and in the cloud. This dual approach ensures that real-time data processing remains secure, even in remote or resource-constrained environments.

4. Comprehensive Monitoring and Analytics Flex83 AEP provides comprehensive monitoring tools that allow OEMs to detect potential security breaches in real-time. The platform’s AI-driven analytics can identify anomalies and alert IT teams before any damage is done, ensuring proactive protection against emerging threats.

5. Compliance with Industry Standards Flex83 AEP is fully compliant with major industry security standards, including ISO 27001 and NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) cybersecurity frameworks. This ensures that Tier 2 OEMs can maintain regulatory compliance while benefiting from a secure IoT deployment.

Securing the IIoT Future with Flex83

As IoT adoption accelerates among Tier 2 OEMs, data security must remain a top priority. The threats facing industrial IoT deployments, from device vulnerabilities to data interception and DDoS attacks, are growing in complexity and scale. By implementing best practices such as strong device authentication, encryption, and network segmentation, Tier 2 OEMs can safeguard their operations from these risks.

Flex83 AEP offers a secure and scalable platform tailored to the needs of Tier 2 industrial and commercial equipment manufacturers. With built-in security features such as end-to-end encryption, secure device onboarding, and real-time monitoring, Flex83 AEP enables OEMs to embrace IoT without compromising on data security. As the digital transformation journey continues, Flex83 AEP is a trusted partner in ensuring that Tier 2 OEMs can navigate the complexities of IoT securely and efficiently.