In the age of Industry 4.0, manufacturing has become increasingly digital.
From smart connected assembly solutions that remain in sync to where you store your most vital files, we are becoming more digitally dependent, which poses pros and cons. For instance, it can streamline production, enabling you and your operators to work faster and with greater accuracy than ever before. However, it can also increase vulnerability to cyber-attacks – an ever-growing threat to your assembly, productivity, and profitability.
But first, what is data integrity?
Data integrity goes hand-in-hand with the safety and security of your most vital information. Files about design specs, product, customer, or financial information, collected data from software solutions, and other crucial data need protection from prying eyes. Since many of these documents are becoming more digital, it is easy to forget that they should be kept in a sort of digital safe, just as you would store tangible documents in a physical safe. With that in mind, and to whom you grant access to these files, you can find yourself in trouble if your information becomes compromised.
Why is it important?
It goes without saying that the information you store about your company, customers, and products should be kept safe. If any of this information is targeted and retrieved by outside sources, your reputation and profit are at risk. Furthermore, some companies need to be aware of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliance which may come with hefty fines if not followed accordingly.
For example, if your product information is compromised during a cyber-attack, it can be used for all sorts of unfortunate scenarios. Not only is that information (much like any of your intellectual data) worth plenty of money for things like research and development, but it can mean the difference between you or a rival company making an innovative product first. This could set you back months of development, but that’s not even the worst of your data that could be at risk.
What if your customer data became compromised? Other companies may seek out your customers and win sales, your reputation may tank due to the news of your cyber-attack, and lawsuits could be in your future.
But, you can do something about it!
While the threat of cyber-attacks may seem intimidating, you still have time to make a change! Before your intellectual property is compromised, you need a game plan to protect, or at worst case, fully recover and restore your assembly processes. While this may not help you stop a cyber-attack, it will describe the process your smart factory will follow to be up and running. This recovery plan should cover everything you need to get your facility running again, but the most crucial thing your plan should cover is how to protect your most critical tools, data, and applications.
To sum it up
Manufacturing is becoming increasingly digital, and it shows no signs of slowing down. While this is meant to optimize your operations, the threat of cyber-attacks is a new obstacle that needs to be avoided. While you may not be able to completely stop a cyber-attack from happening, you can be aware of the threat and prepare for the worst.
Atlas Copco wants to see our customers succeed. Whether you need new tooling or software solutions, we are here to help no matter your company size or manufacturing milestone. If you would like to know more about protecting your intellectual property, contact your local RSM today!