The Emergence of IIoT and its Cyber Security Issues in Critical Information Infrastructure

Abstract

The emergence of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) can transform and improve industrial domain processes. This is achieved by IIoT’s ability to collect and process vast amounts of data using technology such as sensors. IIoT capabilities can improve the manufacturing processes of these sectors and contribute to the improved functioning of critical information infrastructure. In addition, current trends - such as the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) - use IIoT to realise specific goals. While the emergence of IIoT systems does introduce many benefits, such as improved efficiency and sustainability, it can also introduce security concerns. These security concerns pose a significant threat to the industrial domain, including critical information infrastructures. The resulting threats emphasise the need to implement solutions to secure IIoT systems. The paper aims to discuss the emergence of IIoT and its cyber security issues within the context of critical information infrastructure. The research paper follows a theoretical research methodology to provide an improved understanding of the emergence of IIoT and its cyber security issues in critical information infrastructure. The paper contains an exhaustive discussion of what is IIoT. A discussion on where IIoT fits within the context of critical information infrastructure and its impact on 4IR is also highlighted in the paper. Due to the many vulnerabilities that IIoT systems can contain, the paper also discusses security concerns surrounding the emergence of IIoT. The security concerns make IIoT systems attractive targets for cyberattacks. Therefore, different approaches that can be applied to secure IIoT systems is also provided. Since IIoT capabilities can impact the critical information infrastructure of businesses and nations, the authors’ stance on how IIoT systems could transform the current understanding of critical information infrastructure is also discussed.

The Impact of Edge Computing on the Industrial Internet of Things

“…The deployment of malicious software in edge computing environments and the unintentional disclosure or deletion of sensitive data are two examples of threats in this category. Training personnel to carry out their responsibilities appropriately and securely is one measure to prevent internal hazards (Bhaiyat and Sithungu, 2022). Another measure is behaviour analysis and risk profiling (Gaidarski and Minchev, 2021).…”

“…Mitigation strategies include using Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS) to detect and prevent network attacks (Parikh et 2019). Furthermore, systems in the edge computing environment should be isolated to avoid lateral movement by threat actors (Bhaiyat and Sithungu, 2022).…”

“…Edge computing is essential to operating critical infrastructures that cannot afford downtime. Furthermore, edge computing is used in environments that run legacy systems not built with security in mind (Bhaiyat and Sithungu, 2022). Edge nodes are thus vulnerable to cyber-attacks.…”

“…As IoT expanded from human-centric applications to control industrial processes, the "Industrial Internet of Things" (IIoT) came into existence. A subset of IoT called IIoT is focused on the security and efficiency of industrial processes (Bhaiyat and Sithungu, 2022). The development of the IIoT has the potential to enhance critical infrastructure sectors, including manufacturing and utilities' management and operation.…”