Discover how to protect your cyber-physical systems (CPS) in industry, connected device manufacturing, and healthcare. Best practices, risks, and solutions.
Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) are at the heart of Industry 4.0 and critical environments: smart industrial networks, production of connected objects, medical devices. These systems, which combine the physical and digital worlds, bring innovation and efficiency. But this interconnection also creates a major challenge: cybersecurity. An attack on a CPS can have physical, economic, and human consequences.
What is a CPS and why are they strategic?
A CPS is a system in which software and hardware interact in real time with the physical environment. They are found in:
- Industry: automated production lines, collaborative robots.
- IoT: factories manufacturing connected objects, smart devices.
- Healthcare: connected medical equipment, robotic surgery.
These systems are essential for competitiveness and business continuity, but they increase the attack surface.
The risks: when cyber impacts the physical world
Unlike purely IT systems, an attack on an ICS can cause:
- Production stoppages and financial losses.
- Massive failures in industrial or hospital networks.
- Risks to human health and safety.
Cybercriminals are now exploiting OT and IoT environments with sophisticated attacks: ransomware, exploitation of IoT vulnerabilities, intrusions via AI and 5G.
Why is CPS security so complex?
- System heterogeneity: coexistence of old and modern equipment.
- Long lifespan of OT equipment, which is rarely updated.
- Lack of visibility: incomplete inventory of connected assets.
- IT/OT convergence: increased interconnection increasing risks.
How can these risks be reduced?
Here are the essential best practices:
✔ IT/OT segmentation to limit the spread of attacks.
✔ Asset visibility and management.
✔ Risk analysis related to these assets.
✔ Continuous monitoring and anomaly detection.
✔ Compliance with standards (IEC 62443, NIS2).
✔ Secure by Design approach from the outset.
Why is this essential?
Because the continuity of industrial operations, the reliability of connected objects, and patient safety depend directly on the protection of CPS. By investing in securing these systems, you will be able to:
- Reduce the risk of intrusion, sabotage, and ransomware.
- Ensure regulatory compliance (IEC 62443, NIS2, etc.).
- Protect human health and life in medical environments.
At Shinka IT, our team of network infrastructure and cybersecurity experts will help you secure your systems and raise awareness among your teams.
Quick checklist
✅ Isolated OT network?
✅ Complete and up-to-date inventory?
✅ Detection of anomalies and deviations?
✅ Clear view of security gaps?
✅ Patches applied?
✅ Response plan tested?
Conclusion: anticipate to better protect
CPS are pillars of Industry 4.0, IoT, and connected health. Their security must be integrated from the design stage and throughout their entire lifecycle.
Would you like to assess the security of your industrial, IoT, or medical environments?
Contact Shinka IT to discover our support solutions and learn how to protect your critical infrastructure.