Rockwell Automation has alerted its customers about increasing geopolitical tensions and the escalating risk of cyber threats worldwide. The company strongly recommends that any devices connected to the public internet be inspected and disconnected if not intended for such use. This measure is intended to reduce the exposure to potential cyber attacks, ensuring the safety and integrity of their systems. The company emphasizes that devices designed for cloud and edge computing should not be connected directly to the public internet, as this could increase their vulnerability to cyber threats.
Rockwell Automation was founded in 1903, and it specializes in industrial automation and digital transformation. The company offers a broad range of services and products aimed at improving operational efficiency and hardware reliability. Its continuous focus on innovation has established it as a leader in the field of industrial automation, providing robust solutions to industries worldwide.
In recent years, there have been numerous instances of companies facing significant challenges due to cyber attacks. These attacks have ranged from data breaches to ransomware, severely impacting operations and costing companies millions. Rockwell Automation’s advisory is timely, as it aligns with increased global awareness about the need for stringent cybersecurity measures. Comparatively, this advisory is more proactive, urging immediate action rather than reactive measures post-incident.
There have been similar advisories from other major industrial and tech companies in the past, highlighting a growing trend towards enhanced cybersecurity protocols. These advisories often come after significant breaches, learning from those incidents to prevent future attacks. Rockwell Automation’s move to preemptively mitigate risks by encouraging customers to secure their devices is a crucial step in safeguarding important industrial infrastructure.
Guidance for Enhanced Cybersecurity
Rockwell Automation, along with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), has issued several resources to help customers identify and disconnect exposed devices. These resources include advisories on searching tools that identify internet-connected industrial devices and guidelines on reducing exposure to operational technology and control systems.
Steps for Immediate Action
Customers are advised to follow best practices outlined by Rockwell Automation, which includes shutting down any unnecessary internet connections. In cases where disconnecting is not feasible, the implementation of robust security measures is recommended. Ensuring these security protocols can significantly reduce the risk of cyber threats.
Monitoring and Mitigation
To further support their customers, Rockwell Automation has provided a list of common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs) that should be monitored. Customers are encouraged to apply necessary patches and mitigations to protect against these known vulnerabilities. This proactive approach can help deter potential attacks and secure their operations.
Concrete Actions for Users
– Regularly audit all devices connected to the public internet.
– Immediately disconnect devices not intended for public internet use.
– Follow provided guidelines and resources to enhance cybersecurity measures.
– Monitor and apply patches for listed CVEs to mitigate vulnerabilities.
The necessity of robust cybersecurity in today’s digital landscape cannot be overstated. Rockwell Automation’s advisory underscores the critical importance of disconnecting non-essential devices from the public internet to mitigate the risk of cyber attacks. This approach not only protects individual systems but also contributes to the overall security of the industrial network. Customers are urged to take swift action as advised, incorporating the provided resources and guidelines to strengthen their defenses. Implementing these measures can significantly reduce their vulnerability to malicious cyber activities, ensuring the safety and reliability of their operations.
