|
In recent years, with the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), many traditional factories have adopted IoT technologies to enhance factory efficiency and ensure safety of workplace. Traditional factories aim to achieve automation and intelligence through information technology, to improve production yield, shipping efficiency, and facility security. These are the primary goals of most factories undergoing transformation. The advanced sensor technology in IoT has led to the deployment of numerous sensors in factory environments. These sensors collect data from various equipment and operation technology (OT) deployed in the factory and transmit data over the network to information technology (IT) systems for analysis. This infrastructure forms the foundation of a smart factory, where the convergence of OT and IT plays a crucial role in factory automation and intelligence.
In the past, traditional factories mainly relied on manual labor or operated in closed systems. In such closed environments, information security and network security risks were not significant concerns. However, as factories adopt digital transformation and become smarter, the traditional manual operation environments evolve into digital operation environments. These digital operating environments, enabled by networked devices, further transition into intelligent operation environments. With the proliferation of sensors for data collection and control, the industrial IoT operation environment emerges. Traditional closed factory operation environment is now connected to external information networks, allowing factories to enjoy the benefits of automation and intelligence. However, this connection also exposes the factory to various information security risks brought by network security threats. As the operation environment changes and OT/IT converge, information security becomes a vital concern for transforming smart factory.
The main objective of this study is to investigate the IT/OT convergence information security architecture in smart factories. Through in-depth interviews and literature review, the study analyzes the elements of smart factories, applications systems in smart factories, information technology (IT) architecture, and operation technology (OT) architecture. Based on the findings, the study examines the associated information security risks and designs an IT/OT convergence information security architecture for smart factories to address these risks.
This study adopts a case study approach focusing on the smart factory of Company A. Four information security experts are interviewed to analyze the key elements of the smart factory, smart factory application systems, and the information technology (IT) and operation technology (OT) architectures. The study aims to identify the information security risks and threats associated with these elements. By designing corresponding information security architectures, the study seeks to enhance the smart factory's capability to identify and protect against information security risks, thereby reducing potential harm. This, in turn, ensures the smooth operation and efficiency of the smart factory while increasing the company's competitiveness.
|