Mining businesses vulnerable to cybersecurity risks by failing to secure their Industrial IoT deployments

Businesses in the mining sector recognize their approaches to cybersecurity must be strengthened but are not yet taking the practical steps to safeguard their Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) deployments, according to a study undertaken on behalf of Inmarsat, the world leader in global, mobile satellite communications.

The study, which surveyed 125 businesses across the mining industry, revealed that 87% of respondents reported that their processes to combat cybersecurity threats could be stronger, and 84% said more could be done to protect against data mishandling.

However, despite recognizing the enhanced security threats of Industrial IoT, just 22% have invested in new security technologies and only 31% have partnered with security specialists for assistance, indicating that not enough is being done to secure operations. One driver for this response is a lack of relevant skills, with 70% of respondents reporting that they lacked staff with cybersecurity skills to deliver their Industrial IoT deployments.

Vast majority of companies agree that they must strengthen their cyber defense capabilities, but say they lack the skills and technology

Commenting on the findings, Tara MacLachlan, Vice-President for Industrial IoT at Inmarsat Enterprise said: “While Industrial IoT presents immensely exciting possibilities for businesses across the mining sector, it also increases the risk that they will face cybersecurity issues, and our research suggests that they are unprepared for these risks.

“A network is only secure as its weakest point, and with Industrial IoT increasing the potential surface area for cyberattacks, businesses must ensure that they harden every element of their IoT deployments. Without secure Industrial IoT networks, mining businesses may leave themselves open to cyberattacks designed to cripple extraction and processing machinery, ransomware or industrial espionage.

“Truly secure Industrial IoT deployments must have security built-in from the ground up. This must include secure access management, secure execution environments, enhanced data encryption, and smart validation and authentication between sensors, gateways, and the software orchestration platform.

“As we have seen from the results of this study, not every mining business has the skills or technology capabilities to ensure an IoT solution is secure from end-to-end. Businesses need to collaborate with specialist providers who can offer a fully managed IoT service that considers security at every stage, from the edge sensors, to the gateways and orchestration platforms, to the connectivity and networks themselves.”

Inmarsat is a leading provider of managed Industrial IoT services across the global supply chain. With its unrivalled track record of operating the world’s most reliable and secure commercial mobile satellite networks for almost 40 years, and advanced capabilities and experience with IoT technologies, Inmarsat is well placed to help organizations secure and make a success of their IoT initiatives. Security is embedded in Inmarsat’s IoT solutions and throughout its core network and operations, which are protected by a dedicated cybersecurity team monitoring and counteracting threats 24/7/365.

To view the research microsite and download the full report – ‘Industrial IoT on Land and at Sea’ – visit: http://research.inmarsat.com/

About Inmarsat

Inmarsat is the world leader in global, mobile satellite communications. It owns and operates the world’s best global portfolio of satellite networks, specifically designed for customer mobility, and holds a multi-layered, global spectrum portfolio, covering L-band, Ka-band and S-band, enabling unparalleled breadth and diversity in the solutions it provides. Inmarsat’s long established global distribution network includes not only the world’s leading channel partners but also its own strong direct retail capabilities, enabling end to end customer service assurance. The company has an unrivalled track record of operating the world’s most reliable global mobile satellite networks, sustaining business and mission critical safety & operational applications for almost 40 years. It is also a major driving force behind technological innovation in mobile satellite communications, sustaining its leadership through a substantial investment and a powerful network of technology and manufacturing partners. Inmarsat operates across a diversified portfolio of sectors with the financial resources to fund its business strategy and holds leading positions in the Maritime, Government and Aviation satcoms markets, operating consistently as a trusted, responsive and high quality partner to its customers across the globe.

About Inmarsat Enterprise

Inmarsat Enterprise is the leading global provider of satellite-enabled managed connectivity services for land-based organisations. We are enabling the Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) and helping transform business outcomes across a diverse set of sectors, including agriculture, aid and NGO, media, mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, transport and utilities.

About Industrial IoT

Industrial IoT describes the application of networked sensors, which provide data and transparency across the global production and supply chain. The global supply chain is increasingly reliant on mobile, global and reliable connectivity to ensure data is provided at all points, ensuring the continuity of mission critical business processes. Inmarsat’s geostationary satellite network delivers continuous mobile coverage, eliminating downtime when switching between satellite networks, to ensure continuous data collection across the global supply chain.