In the era of Industry 4.0, factories are increasingly using smart sensors, robots and IoT devices to streamline production and increase efficiency. However, with increasing automation comes new vectors for cyberattacks. Even one unsecured device can open a gateway for hackers into the entire OT infrastructure. That’s why security solutions such as OPSWAT are becoming the foundation for protecting industrial IoT networks.
Key findings
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IoT devices are increasingly being used as an entry point for attacks on industrial networks.
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OPSWAT offers advanced mechanisms for detecting and neutralizing threats in the OT environment.
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Security must cover not only the network, but also end devices and applications.
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Effective protection is a combination of automatic analysis, segmentation and the Zero Trust principle.
Table of contents
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Why IoT in factories is a target for cyberattacks
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Challenges in securing OT infrastructure
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How OPSWAT works in an industrial environment
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Examples of protection scenarios
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Summary
Why IoT in factories is a target for cyberattacks
IoT in industry includes sensors, PLCs, robots, cameras and monitoring systems. Their advantage is accessibility and ease of integration into production lines. Unfortunately, they are also vulnerabilities – many of these devices lack security updates, use default passwords or run on outdated software. Hackers exploit these vulnerabilities to get into key control systems.
Challenges in securing OT infrastructure
Unlike classic IT systems, OT infrastructure must work continuously. Stopping production even for an hour can generate huge costs. Therefore, protection solutions must be transparent, fast and non-intrusive. An additional problem is the lack of standardization – IoT devices come from many manufacturers and are not always compatible with typical IT Security solutions.
How OPSWAT works in an industrial environment
OPSWAT ‘s solutions are based on three pillars:
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Multi-layered file and device analysis – the system scans data sent by IoT devices in real time, detecting even previously unknown threats.
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Threat isolation – potentially infected devices are automatically disconnected from the network before an attack escalates.
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Zero Trust principle – every device must pass verification before accessing the OT network.
This provides the organization with immediate protection, without the need for complex infrastructure reconfiguration.
Examples of protection scenarios
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Implementing a new manufacturing robot: OPSWAT automatically analyzes firmware and credentials before the device is allowed on the network.
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Detect suspicious network traffic: the system isolates the device and sends an alert to the security team.
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Software updates: each update package is scanned for malicious code, preventing supply chain infections.
FAQ
Does OPSWAT only work with modern IoT devices?
No. The solution supports both modern and legacy systems, allowing them to be integrated into a security strategy.
Does the implementation of OPSWAT affect production?
No, the system is designed to operate without disrupting industrial processes.
Can OPSWAT replace classic firewalls and antiviruses?
It does not replace them, but provides an additional layer of protection specialized for IoT and OT.
Summary
IoT security in industrial environments today is not a luxury, but a necessity. OPSWAT combines advanced threat analysis with instant isolation and access control to create a comprehensive protective shield for factories. At a time when attacks on industrial infrastructure are becoming more sophisticated, this solution is a viable answer to the growing risk.
