cyber security

Functional safety (safety) and cyber security (security) are key aspects of modern industry and technology. Safety aims to minimize risks posed by system malfunctions. This includes measures to protect people and the environment from failures and errors within systems. Security focuses on protecting systems and networks from digital attacks. The primary security objectives include ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability. A joint consideration of safety and security is essential for the future of the process industry, as both the physical safety and digital integrity of modern systems must be ensured. In industrial practice, this creates a field of tension: measures to enhance security can negatively impact safety and vice versa. This article analyzes relevant standards and regulations, presents key approaches for the integrated consideration of safety and security, and highlights areas of further research.

Every day there are cyber attacks in the industrial sector − only the most spectacular incidents make the headlines. Like the attack on the automotive supplier Continental last summer or on the commercial vehicle supplier SAF-Holland in March this year. The financial damage caused by such attacks and the loss of trust among customers and employees are enormous. As protection against cyber attacks, the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) now recommends that companies use a browser with so-called virtualised instances for the first time. This is because most attacks enter company networks via the internet. Such a browser can systematically keep attackers out of the network and is therefore a particularly effective protection.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can make a major contribution to the future viability of our economy and society—whether by improving existing processes or new products and services that promise greater efficiency, more robust structures and more climate protection. At present, however, SMEs in particular are still reluctant to use AI systems. The frequently cited reason is that data protection hurdles appear to be too high. This article discusses the opportunities of data-based value creation. The central question is how AI applications in industry can generate economic added value from data while maintaining data protection and security.

Manufacturing companies of all sizes have been a popular target for hackers and cyber criminals for years - and the trend is rising. In addition to security gaps in the IT systems, OT systems, i.e. operational technology, are increasingly being targeted by attackers in the course of digitalisation and networking. The consequence: companies should secure themselves as quickly as possible. Hans-Peter Bauer, Senior Vice President Cyber EMEA at BlackBerry, explains how this is possible. (Only in German)

What do new technologies and the increasing cyber threat hold in store for business and production in 2016? How should organizations be preparing themselves? What should IT security leaders be doing as a priority in the coming year? These are the questions of leading security analysts and consultants at TÜV Rheinland to tackle. The year 2016 will see an increasing number of attacks and the emergence of new targets. The complexity and sophistication of attacks, initiated by increasingly capable and technically well-equipped cyber criminals, will continue to rise. Industrial Control System Security (ICS) and Incident Response is more important than ever.