Industrial connectivity offers significant competitive advantages, but it also introduces numerous security challenges for the companies that have implemented it. International standards like ISO 27001 demonstrate the effectiveness and reliability of solutions, such as those offered by Ewon by HMS Networks.
ISO 27001 is an internationally recognized standard for information security. It involves identifying and quantifying the risk level associated with 3 key subjects:
- Confidentiality
- Integrity
- Information availability
The next step is to identify all the assets that could be exposed to the defined risk level, identify their weaknesses, and take actions to strengthen them.
The number of connected industrial devices is increasing globally, recently highlighted by the milestone of 500,000 connected Ewon gateways.
It's true that, in today's world, remotely-accessible tools provide substantial savings. Industrial remote access, data collection and analysis are integral to modern industrial activity.
However, embracing modern technology doesn't mean compromising on security. This is where ISO 27001 comes into play.
IIoT involves the connection of numerous devices, each opening to potential cyber risks.
ISO 27001 provides a systematic framework for identifying, analyzing and managing these risks. It defines an information security policy, and sets out procedures for operational monitoring and management.
Other specific standards, such as IEC 62443 for Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS), also contribute to the overall security of an industrial connectivity solution.
The European Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) further reinforces the protection of users of connected solutions.
The main vulnerabilities in cybersecurity do not depend on the machines or tools themselves, but on the way humans use them. The use of default passwords, insecure communication protocols and faulty data storage are among the most frequently encountered causes of security incidents.
According to the CNIL, the French commission in charge of information technology and the protection of civil liberties, 20% of data breaches are caused by human error within the companies concerned. There is therefore considerable room for improvement.
ISO 27001 outlines requirements that are regularly monitored to guarantee optimum protection over time, emphasizing the need for comprehensive awareness and involvement of all employees.
At Ewon by HMS Networks, ISO 27001 is at the heart of everything we do and is a great asset for your IIoT projects. Our employees are regularly audited and must follow a security-oriented training program.
The ISO 27001 standard requires the implementation of a risk management system, which foresees the performance of a risk assessment and the implementation of risk treatment solutions. Within our organization, each risk is assessed and dealt with effectively and according to this requirement.
The way ISO 27001 framework is structured makes it very helpful for organizations, which need to comply with new regulatory or operational requirements, to adapt to these changes in a rapid and flexible way.
For example, the introduction of the GDPR standard within the European Union in 2018 required companies to adopt or reinforce measures to protect personal data. At this level, the framework provided by ISO 27001 certification served as a backbone for companies to understand how to classify and protect their data in a proper way.
ISO 27001 provides guarantees of efficiency and security, aligning perfectly with Ewon by HMS Networks' values of "Easy & Secure." Balancing security with ease of use and productivity is essential, especially in an IIoT environment where threats evolve rapidly. A continuous improvement approach is at the heart of Ewon by HMS Networks' culture.