28 November 2024: HYSEA Thought Leadership Council’s ER&D Forum hosted an exclusive roundtable discussion titled “Industrial Shield: Enhancing Cybersecurity in the Operational Technology Environment,” in collaboration with Bosch. The event brought together leading industry experts from companies like Hyundai Mobis, Titan, Stellantis, IIITH, Plume, PWC, HFS Research, Honeywell, Eastman, Thermo Fisher Scientific, ZF, and Micron to address the growing cybersecurity challenges facing Operational Technology (OT) in the context of Industry 4.0.

The roundtable discussion focused on identifying critical challenges and exploring solutions to safeguard industrial operations from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. A key takeaway from the event was the urgent need for integrating IT and OT security strategies to create a comprehensive and robust cybersecurity posture.

The participation of such a diverse group of industry leaders underscores the widespread concern and the need for collaborative action to address the evolving cybersecurity landscape in the manufacturing sector.

Key areas of focus for the roundtable likely included:

• Identifying vulnerabilities and threats: Understanding the specific risks associated with OT systems in the context of Industry 4.0, including the increasing use of connected devices, cloud computing, and data analytics.
• Developing effective security controls: Implementing appropriate security measures, such as access control, data encryption, and intrusion detection systems, to mitigate identified risks.
• Building a culture of cybersecurity: Fostering awareness and training among employees to ensure they understand their role in maintaining cybersecurity.
• Collaboration and information sharing: Encouraging collaboration between industry stakeholders, government agencies, and cybersecurity experts to share best practices and intelligence.

The roundtable’s findings and recommendations provided valuable insights for manufacturers seeking to strengthen their cybersecurity posture and protect their industrial operations from cyber threats.