The ongoing development of Industry 4.0 is causing a true transformation of business. Sensor technology, Internet of Things, automation, and Machine-to-Machine communication are being implemented in more and more so-called ‘Factories of the Future.’ With booming digitisation and connectivity, new opportunities are being created at a record pace. However, this trend undeniably increases the complexity of technological development and the need for cyber security measures.
Advanced manufacturing and digital transformation are a focal point for Sirris, the collective centre of the Belgian technological industry. “Our goal is to help companies realise their innovations and reap the benefits of technology. By building bridges between industrial players and technological innovations, we facilitate progress,” explains Tatiana Galibus, Cyber Security Ambassador at Sirris.
In reality, this support very often comes down to guidance around the development and implementation of cyber security in an OT environment. For example, Sirris organises several masterclasses for companies from all possible sectors and of all scales. These courses are deliberately hands-on and focus on the specific questions presented by the companies themselves.
“This helps participants to take steps forward quicker,” Galibus notices. Moreover, the results in the field prove that this approach pays off. “For example, one of the companies that we worked with this year discovered during the training programme that they were under attack. It’s hard to imagine a better proof of relevance.”
Increased maturity
For Tatiana Galibus, this illustrates the broader movement of increased maturity regarding cyber security in the Belgian industry. “As a result of increased awareness, companies have become smarter in dealing with the threats and resources present, so the trend is clearly positive. I would say that a year ago, it was still very different: you could feel a clear lack of maturity in the field. Thanks to the Cyber Security Coalition, more companies also find the way to Sirris for a masterclass or an innovation project.”
Contributing to over 1,300 innovation projects a year, Sirris is evolving with its partners in the field of cyber security as well. “By working closely with our industry partners, we better understand how they operate and what their issues are,” Galibus says. “I often work with engineers today, searching ways to further secure their machines and the operational technologies used. This knowledge sharing is very valuable and relevant.”
Consequently, Sirris expects a further acceleration of cyber security awareness and developments in the field of OT in the coming year. “2022 was the breakthrough year for us. As a result of the increased maturity level in cyber security, companies are looking more for support and are contacting us faster. This helps us to increase the level of cyber security in the industry even more. A clear example of this is the energy sector, with which we have been working closely to facilitate their gigantic transition movement,” Tatiana Galibus concludes.