Keywords: Cyber Security, Industrial Cyber Security, Industrial Control Systems (ICS), Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP), Cybersecurity, Automation, Process Control, Industrial Automation, NIST Framework, IEC-62443
ARC Advisory Group, the leading global research and advisory firm for manufacturing, industry, and infrastructure, announces a new Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Cyber Security Global Market Research Report.
Indications that nation-states have been responsible for recent industrial cyber-attacks and devastating attacks on large, sophisticated companies have added urgency to the need for better protection of industrial plants and critical infrastructure. This will stimulate significant growth in the market for industrial cyber security products and services. The emergence of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) adds to this growth. Combined, this will create unique opportunities for industrial cyber security product and service suppliers that understand and prepare for these developments.
“Industrial control system cyber security is complex and demands unique solutions. This expands the market opportunities for ICS system suppliers and opens new markets for conventional cyber security solution providers,” according to ARC Vice President Sid Snitkin, the principal author of ARC’s “ICS Cyber Security Solutions Global Market Research Study.
Industrial Cyber Security Gains Global Attention
The Stuxnet attack on Iran’s uranium enrichment facility in 2010 showed that persistence can overcome sophisticated defenses and that cyber attacks have become weapons in nation-state arsenals. Recent research indicates that such use of cyber-warfare is not unique and that many nations are developing the capabilities to exploit cyber weaknesses. Attacks on industrial business networks, like Shamoon in the Middle East, cyber-espionage efforts against the US defense contractors, and politically motivated cyber-crimes like the recent Sony event provide further evidence that these threats are real and serious. This will drive strong growth across all sectors in the market for industrial cyber security products and services.
Dynamic Threats Demand Ongoing Investments
While many industrial plants already have basic security provisions in place, recent developments show that cyber security threats and vulnerabilities are very dynamic and demand ongoing investments in defensive strategies and more sophisticated technology. The global hacker community is also fueling this need for ongoing investments by openly selling malware and access to established footholds that enable less-skilled people to overcome sophisticated defenses.
Industrial Cyber Security Requires Different Solutions
In industrial facilities, maintaining system availability and integrity are paramount and requires suppliers that understand industrial control and cyber security.
Organizations cannot achieve industrial cyber security by simply installing conventional firewalls and anti-virus software. Industrial cyber security requires solutions that understand the unique features of industrial IT systems. This creates opportunities for industrial control system suppliers and industrial cyber security specialists alike.
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