Security in an increasingly connected world

Traditionally, fluid power systems have concentrated on power transmission; but today they are more about motion control, with a focus on moving things in a more precise and predictable fashion. This can involve electro-hydraulic or electro-pneumatic actuation, which in turn is part of a network by which many of the individual components within the system are able to communicate with each other.

So, with all this increased motion control and communications know-how many modern fluid power systems have grown to become part of a much wider network, which is very much part of the Industry 4.0 revolution.

The overriding benefits of having easy access of information, often in real-time or near real-time, are many: sensors within a system can automatically inform a maintenance engineer when a component has malfunctioned or is due for replacement; the maintenance engineer can remotely interrogate equipment within the system in order to, for example, change its function or investigate its operational history.

However, with all these benefits, important choices and decisions need to be made, and some of the most important of these revolve around security. Careful thought needs to be given about who should be allowed to access the system, or parts of the system, and be able to make decisions in terms of operating or maintaining or making changes to the system and the wider network.

And while only certain people may have been given the authority to do certain things, or have access to certain types of information, without careful control and monitoring of communication protocols, information kept within the system could be open to infiltration or malicious abuse by other parties.

I believe the biggest concern is that if people were able to maliciously intercept these communication systems it may not be long before a serious injury or even a fatality results; it could be due to motion equipment in a bottling plant becoming unstable, robotic arms flailing in precarious ways, or a shock from a power transmission system. In the wake of a serious injury or death, the subsequent court case could then set a precedent whereby a whole new level of cyber policing is put in place. If this were to become a reality, it could potentially stop the development and deployment of Industry 4.0-related systems technology in its tracks.

Robust systems

Therefore, it is important to understand how robust a company’s data communication systems are. Some systems are likely to be more resilient than others. For example, in a manufacturing plant a radio-frequency (RF) wireless transmission system could prove to be more reliable and robust than Wi-Fi, which is more open to being intercepted or corrupted. So, although we all want change for the better there also comes a time to reflect on what the implications could be if we change too rapidly without thinking about the possible consequences.

It is also worth ensuring any computer software used as part of the system is secure, and that proven encryption technology is deployed to make it as hard as possible for malicious hacking to take place. Additionally, companies should make sure that immediate IT-related help and advice is at hand in the event of a security breach occurring. And from a system design perspective, I believe it is important that systems are thoroughly beta- tested ‘in the real world’ in order to monitor their performance and resistance to security abuses.

Thankfully these security issues are being addressed by information network providers and the like who have realised that the consumer internet and existing wireless platforms are not fully suitable for industry. In fact, such is the speed of change that I advise those interested to keep a watchful eye on new government guidelines and news from trade associations such as the British Fluid Power Association (BFPA).