The rise of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is a double-edged sword: While technology is driving unparalleled efficiency and innovation, it also exposes industries to a new era of cyber threats with the capacity to cripple entire operations in minutes.

Millions of connected devices now form the backbone of critical infrastructure, making the security stakes higher than ever before. Without a comprehensive strategy, vulnerabilities can quickly lead to catastrophic breaches, costly downtime, and irreparable damage to your reputation.  

That’s why security in the IIoT is a non-negotiable. Here are six actionable ways to make it a reality.

1. Know every device

Proper visibility is the foundation of effective security. Without a complete inventory of all IIoT devices, your security efforts are compromised. Automated discovery tools can identify every device, classify them by risk level, and continuously monitor their status, allowing you to detect unauthorized or suspicious activity in real time.

Action items

• Deploy automated discovery tools to identify and classify all connected devices.

• Regularly update your device inventory and ensure continuous monitoring for new or unmanaged devices.

• Set up alerts for unauthorized or suspicious device activity.
   

2. Embed security from the ground up

Security should be embedded early in the design process. Integrating secure elements and crypto-agility during development ensures that devices are built to withstand evolving threats and compliance needs.

Action items

• Integrate cryptographic agility and secure elements TPMs during the design phase.

• Conduct regular reviews of design protocols to align with the latest industry standards (IEC 62443, NIST).

• Collaborate with security teams early in the product development cycle.
   

3.  Harden your software

Securing IIoT devices requires stringent software development practices. Secure coding, validated code signing, and regular updates are crucial to preventing unauthorized changes and protecting against malware. DigiCert’s Software Trust Manager ensures that software remains tamper-proof, managing code signing and security policies across the development pipeline.

Action items

• Implement secure coding practices and conduct regular vulnerability assessments.

• Use validated code signing to authenticate software before deployment.

• Leverage DigiCert Software Trust Manager to automate code signing and enforce security policies.
   

4. Secure your manufacturing

Manufacturing security is essential, but it's often overlooked. Using hardware-backed identities and secure certificate distribution helps authenticate devices and prevent counterfeit components from compromising your network.

Action items

• Use hardware-backed identities and secure certificate distribution during manufacturing.

• Conduct audits of supply chain security processes and only partner with trusted suppliers.

• Ensure that all devices are authenticated and authorized before deployment.
   

5. Deploy the right tools with confidence

Deployment is about more than connecting devices; it’s about ensuring secure and trusted operations. Zero-touch provisioning automates device authentication, while continuous monitoring detects threats in real time. DigiCert’s Software Trust Manager adds an extra layer of security by managing software integrity during critical updates.

Action items

• Automate device onboarding with zero-touch provisioning.

• Set up continuous threat monitoring and real-time alert systems for suspicious activity.

• Integrate DigiCert Device Trust Manager with Software Trust Manager to secure provisioning, updates, and ongoing software verification.
   

6. Implement continuous improvement operations

Continuous improvement and a commitment to ongoing refinement are crucial in IIoT security, ensuring your defenses evolve with emerging threats in a constantly changing landscape. Regular audits, protocol updates, and learning from incidents will keep your security posture resilient and proactive.

Action items

• Regularly review and update security measures as new threats emerge.

• Conduct post-deployment audits and assessments to identify areas for improvement.

• Maintain documentation of all security protocols and incidents for compliance and future reference.
   

A unified approach to IIoT security

Securing the IIoT isn’t a one-time effort. It’s a continuous process that requires vigilance at every stage of the device lifecycle. DigiCert solutions, including Device Trust Manager, Software Trust Manager, and TrustCore SDK, offer a unified approach to end-to-end security, protecting your industrial devices and software with comprehensive, adaptive measures. Connect with DigiCert today to learn how our solutions can help you build a secure, compliant, and resilient IIoT ecosystem.

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