Cybersecure by Design: Safeguarding Machine Networks in the Age of Industrial IoT

Executive Summary

As manufacturing systems become more connected, they also become more exposed. The convergence of IT and OT, along with the expansion of Industrial IoT (IIoT), introduces significant cybersecurity risks. This white paper presents a framework for securing industrial networks, with a focus on how Artisan Edge delivers built-in protections that support modern operations without compromising safety or uptime.

The Rising Threat Landscape

Industrial environments are increasingly targeted by threat actors aiming to disrupt operations, exfiltrate sensitive data, or install ransomware. Unlike IT systems, many OT systems were not designed with security in mind.

Key vulnerabilities include:

Flat networks with no segmentation between IT and OT
Unmonitored endpoints, i.e. legacy PLCs, HMIs, and sensors
Insecure remote access tools used for maintenance and updates
Manual firmware updates via USB or technician laptops

The result is an attack surface that is both broad and difficult to manage.

Principles of Industrial Cybersecurity

To effectively defend critical systems, security must be:

Proactive – Prevent threats before they reach critical assets
Layered – Employ multiple safeguards across device, network, and application levels
Autonomous – Operate independently of central systems when necessary
Visible – Provide traceability and auditing for all data, access, and events

Artisan Edge: Security by Architecture

Artisan Edge was designed with security as a core requirement, not an afterthought. Its defense-in-depth architecture includes:

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Granular permissions for users, services, and devices
Network Segmentation: Enforces isolation between cloud, control network, and edge logic
Encrypted Communications: All data in transit uses TLS 1.3 with rotating keys
Audit Logging: Immutable event history for all access and data actions
Remote Update Management: Secured OTA firmware updates with integrity checks

Use Case: Protecting Multi-Site Manufacturing

A global automotive supplier implemented Artisan Edge across six plants to improve OT visibility. Cybersecurity improvements included:

Blocked unauthorized device access across VLAN-segmented control networks
Eliminated USB update risk with managed OTA pipeline
Centralized user provisioning and deprovisioning to prevent orphaned access

As a result, the organization passed its third-party cyber audit with no major findings.

Compliance Alignment

Artisan Edge supports alignment with common standards and frameworks:

NIST SP 800-82: Guide to Industrial Control Systems Security
ISA/IEC 62443: Security for Industrial Automation and Control Systems
CISA Best Practices: Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency guidelines

The Cost of Security Breach

A single OT breach can cost millions in downtime, remediation, and reputational harm. Delayed detection often leads to:

Compromised safety systems
Production delays or stoppages
Compliance violations
Loss of competitive IP

Cybersecure architecture is not optional—it is essential.

Conclusion

Modern manufacturing cannot scale without security. Artisan Edge provides a foundation of trust by integrating industrial-grade cybersecurity into its core architecture. It enables manufacturers to connect more without compromising safety, empowering confident digital transformation.

To schedule a cybersecurity readiness review or technical demo, contact sales@artisantec.io or visit www.artisantec.io