Initially focusing on the optimization of operational efficiency and rationalization/automation/maintenance, with an important role for the convergence of IT and OT, the Industrial Internet of Things opens plenty of opportunities in automation, optimization, intelligent manufacturing and smart industry, asset performance management, maintenance, industrial control, moving towards an on demand service model, new ways of servicing customers and the creation of new revenue models, the more mature goal of industrial digital transformation
With IIoT implementations, three areas need to be focused on: availability, scalability, and security. Availability and scalability may already be second nature to industrial operations, since they could already have been established or in the business for quite some time. Security, however, is where many can stumble when integrating the IIoT into their operations. For one thing, many businesses still use legacy systems and processes. Many of these have been in operation for decades and thus remain unaltered, thereby complicating the adoption of new technologies.
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Software vulnerabilities that can be exploited to attack systems.
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Publicly searchable internet-connected devices and systems.
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Malicious activities like hacking, targeted attacks, and data breaches
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System manipulation that can cause operational disruption or sabotage processes
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System malfunction that can result in damage of devices and physical facilities.
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OT systems held for extortion, as compromised through the IT environment.