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Published in: IT security

The Invisible t´Threat: Why Industrial IoT Security Needs a PKI

The Invisible Threat: Why Industrial IoT Security Needs a PKI

The Invisible Threat: Why Industrial IoT Security Needs a PKI

In industrial applications such as factories and production facilities, IoT devices play a central role in monitoring, controlling, and optimizing processes. However, inadequate IoT security poses significant risks, especially in critical infrastructures. Cyberattacks on IoT devices can lead to severe consequences, including data loss, financial damage, and even threats to employee safety.

What Risks arise from Inadequate IoT Security?

In a typical attack scenario, hackers gain access to operational technology (OT) systems via IT networks. Malware infiltrates and paralyzes production processes, often encrypting databases to demand a ransom. Such incidents result in costly production downtimes and require forensic experts to examine and restore the systems. Beyond financial losses, these attacks erode trust and cause substantial reputational damage.
To address these vulnerabilities, the industry standard IEC 62443 mandates the use of digital certificates. A Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) offers a secure solution for creating and managing these certificates, ensuring the security and trustworthiness of IoT devices.

What is a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)?

A PKI is a system comprising both software and hardware that generates, distributes, and verifies digital certificates. It establishes the technical and organizational infrastructure required to manage digital certificates throughout their lifecycle, ensuring their reliability and security. PKI is essential in a modern information society, supporting centralized trust services and advanced key management.

What are the Key Components of a PKI?

A robust PKI relies on several critical components:

Digital Certificates

These electronic files confirm the identity of a person, device, or organization, linking their public key to their identity. Certificates serve as digital attestations or electronic IDs.

Certificate Authority (CA)

A CA is a trusted entity responsible for issuing and managing digital certificates. It verifies the certificate holder's identity and binds it to the public key.

Supporting Elements

These include subordinate registration authorities, directory services for certificates, certificate revocation lists, and validation services.

How does a PKI work?

1. Key Generation
Each IoT device generates a key pair: a private key (kept secret) and a public key (shared).
2. Certificate Application
The subscriber applies for a digital certificate from a certification authority, providing identity information and the public key.
3. Verification
The CA authenticates the subscriber’s identity using secure methods.
4. Certificate Issuance
After successful verification, the CA signs the certificate with its private key, confirming its authenticity. The signed certificate is then sent to the subscriber.
5. Secure Communication
Subscribers use certificates to verify each other’s identities. Once verified, encrypted messages are exchanged using public keys to ensure confidentiality. Digital signatures ensure data integrity and confirm the sender’s authenticity.

What Advantages and Value does a PKI offer?

A PKI is indispensable in industrial automation, offering a range of benefits:

Authentication

Verifies the identities of users, devices, and organizations, ensuring trustworthiness through digital certificates.

Confidentiality

Protects data through encryption, ensuring only authorized parties can access sensitive information.

Integrity

Uses digital signatures to prevent unnoticed alterations to data during transmission or storage.

Scalability

Efficiently manages a vast number of users, devices, and organizations, making it suitable for complex networks and environments.

In the age of Industry 4.0, where IoT devices are integral to industrial processes, security cannot be an afterthought. A PKI provides the foundation for robust IoT security, ensuring authentication, confidentiality, and integrity while enabling scalable management. By adopting PKI-based solutions, industries can mitigate risks, safeguard operations, and build trust in an increasingly connected world.
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