Years and decades of reliable service make legacy equipment and systems familiar, but it doesn’t make them cybersecure. In fact, older devices are typically more vulnerable than newer ones, which makes it especially important for them to be part of any cybersecurity risk assessment process.
To address cybersecurity issues jointly faced by users, their upstream contractors, downstream customers, and other partners, users need to conduct a cybersecurity risk assessment and get a third-party intrusion test, which identifies their vulnerabilities and shows where they need to upgrade and protect their devices and networks.
In the Control Global article “Risk Assess What’s Old and Likely Vulnerable,” Andrew Harris, I&C MI Team Lead | Director of Business Development – Controls, discusses the importance of conducting risk assessments, emphasizing risk assessment benefits, and minimizing cybersecurity issues and vulnerabilities.
“The biggest turning point we’re seeing is that many companies are realizing they don’t have cybersecure equipment bridging their IT and OT networks. They’re also learning it’s easy to add managed switches to serve as firewalls and protect new devices, but the biggest danger is old machines that have been in place since the 1960s,” says Harris. “It’s crucial to address these weakest links, even if they’re located in support equipment like HVAC and building management systems.”
With extensive experience in upgrading and modernizing automotive test facilities, ACS’ focus is on integrating advanced technologies like PLCs, DAQ systems, and emissions testing solutions. Phased upgrades minimize disruption while enhancing testing capabilities, reliability, and operational capacity. Network security is strengthened through advanced Ethernet switches and comprehensive cybersecurity risk assessments, ensuring secure communication between machines and plant systems. This expertise in systems integration and the cybersecurity risk assessment process ensures tailored, future-ready solutions for complex industrial projects.
Read the full article here.