Artificial Intelligence: The Future Of Cybersecurity? Posted on : Sep 23 - 2021

A technology-led revolution, dubbed Industry 4.0, is gathering pace in the industrial world where traditional processes and legacy technologies are being replaced by smart devices, automated machines and advanced forms of computing. The rise of Cyber Physical Systems (CPS), owing to exponential growth in technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), cloud, robots, drones, sensors, etc., is helping manufacturers improve efficiencies, productivity and the autonomous operation of production lines. Businesses are pouring billions of dollars in AI and automation, and the Industrial IoT (IIoT) alone is set to become a $500 billion market by 2025.

IT/OT convergence could spell disaster for industries.

As smart factories and supply chains connect the production line to the outside world via IIoT, digitally connected industries are becoming increasingly appealing to cybercriminals, who now have the opportunity to hijack high-value targets. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) has warned of a rising barrage of ransomware attacks resulting from IT/OT convergence — the integration of information technology systems with operational technology (OT) systems — and the resultant expanded threat surface. Last year, 41% of all ransomware attacks targeted OT. IoT attacks soared by 700% (registration required) during the pandemic, while infected IoT devices grew 100%.

What makes IoT and OT attractive targets?

There are several reasons why IoT and OT devices are attractive targets for cybercriminals. Here are the top five:

1. OT lacks adequate security: OT and IoT devices lack stringent security (security is often an after-thought), making them an attractive target for ransomware attacks. More than half of manufacturers believe OT assets are vulnerable to cyberattacks.

2. Absent updates and software patches: Researchers estimate there are millions of unpatched IoT and OT devices. Legacy devices also lack the ability to update their firmware, and this puts IoT devices at permanent risk of exploitation. Security teams often struggle to secure IoT and IIoT devices.

3. Growing skill and resource gap: I've observed that there is a huge shortage of people with skills and knowledge of OT security. Security teams can be overwhelmed with security data, and the workload often exceeds staff capacity. View More