Cybersecurity

Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things (IoT) are profoundly transforming the way industrial machines communicate and operate. CNC/PLC controllers, HMI interfaces, and engineering software are now interconnected through corporate networks and, increasingly, accessible remotely.

This connectivity brings major benefits in terms of efficiency, predictive maintenance, and production flexibility, but it also introduces new attack surfaces that machine manufacturers and system integrators must address with the appropriate expertise and tools.

The Cyber Resilience Act (EU Regulation 2024/2847) represents a major regulatory shift for all products with digital elements placed on the European market. It will become fully applicable in 2027 and imposes strict obligations on manufacturers and distributors.

What the CRA requires:

• Security by Design – security must be integrated from the product design phase, rather than added afterward.
• Vulnerability Management – manufacturers must identify, document, and promptly remediate security vulnerabilities.
• Transparency – users must be informed about known risks, available patches, and the expected support period.
• Compliance and CE Marking – products must demonstrate compliance with cybersecurity requirements in order to be marketed in Europe.

For manufacturers of industrial control systems, this means that CNC/PLC controllers, configuration software, and operator interfaces will need to be designed, tested, and maintained in accordance with recognized cybersecurity standards.

Cyberattacks targeting OT (Operational Technology) environments are increasing significantly. The main threats affecting industrial automation systems include:

Industrial Ransomware – Encryption of production data and disruption of systems combined with ransom demands, typically in cryptocurrency. Such attacks can stop entire production lines for days.

Unauthorized Access – Exploitation of open communication ports, weak credentials, or outdated firmware to gain control of PLC/CNC controllers.

Man-in-the-Middle Attacks – Interception and alteration of data packets on industrial networks such as EtherCAT, PROFINET, and Modbus TCP in order to disrupt or sabotage production.

Firmware Tampering – Installation of malicious firmware on controllers to alter machining cycles, speeds, or physical safety parameters.

Remote Sabotage – Compromise of engineering workstations used to upload machine code, allowing attackers to make hidden changes to machining or production parameters.

Effective protection of industrial automation systems requires a layered approach that combines hardware, software, and organizational measures:

• Network Segmentation – Isolate the OT network from the corporate IT network using industrial firewalls and dedicated VLANs to reduce the attack surface.
• Encrypted Communications – Use TLS for appropriate Ethernet-based communications and VPN tunnels for remote access, avoiding the transmission of credentials or sensitive parameters in plaintext.
• Strong Authentication – Use multi-factor authentication for remote access and, where appropriate, for access to HMI panels and controllers, together with centralized user and role management.
• Signed Firmware and Secure Boot – Ensure that only authenticated and digitally signed firmware can be installed on controllers, helping prevent unauthorized modification.
• Continuous Monitoring – Centrally log access events, parameter changes, and firmware updates to detect anomalies and suspicious activity.
• Patch Management – Establish a structured process for releasing and installing security updates, including testing in non-production environments before deployment.

Tex Automation recognizes that cybersecurity is not optional, but a fundamental requirement for modern industrial control systems. The company is actively working to:

• Align its hardware and software products with the requirements of the EU Cyber Resilience Act
• Adopt security-by-design processes throughout development and testing
• Provide customers with greater transparency regarding implemented security measures and available patches
• Train internal personnel on industrial cybersecurity best practices
• Work with specialized partners on security audits and periodic penetration testing