Transport businesses need to better secure IIoT deployments

Although the majority of businesses in the transport and logistics sector recognise they must strengthen their cyber defence capabilities, they are not taking the practical steps to safeguard their Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) deployments, research has revealed.

A survey of 125 transport businesses, undertaken on behalf of mobile satellite communications company Inmarsat, found 64% reported that their processes to combat cybersecurity threats could be stronger, and 66% said more could be done to protect against data mishandling.

Half of respondents stated the risk of external cyber attack was the biggest security challenge associated with the use of IIoT solutions, while poor network security (44%), misuse of data by employees (44%) and insecure data storage (42%) followed closely behind.

Tara MacLachlan, Vice-President for Industrial IoT at Inmarsat Enterprise, said the research shows the transport and logistics sector is unprepared for the security risks of IIoT, both in terms of skills and technology.

Only 38% have invested in new security technologies, 39% have partnered with security specialists for assistance and 59% reported that they lacked staff with cybersecurity skills to deliver their IIoT deployments. According to the study, 45% of businesses are focusing on training employees on IIoT to address security concerns.

“A network is only secure as its weakest point and, with Industrial IoT increasing the potential surface area for cyber attacks, transport businesses must ensure that they harden every element of their IoT deployments. Without secure Industrial IoT networks, businesses may leave themselves open to cyber attacks designed to cripple transport and logistics infrastructure, ransomware or industrial espionage.

“Truly secure Industrial IoT deployments must have security built-in from the ground up. This must include secure access management, secure execution environments, enhanced data encryption, and smart validation and authentication between sensors, gateways and the software orchestration platform.

“Businesses need to collaborate with specialist providers who can offer a fully managed IoT service that considers security at every stage, from the edge sensors, to the gateways and orchestration platforms, to the connectivity and networks themselves,” MacLachlan said.

To download the full report, visit: http://research.inmarsat.com/

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