Cybersecurity in Industrial Automation: Protecting Your Systems from Emerging Threats

Modern industrial systems are interconnected through IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things). IIoT involves the exchange of data between a wide range of devices, including machines, in industrial settings. However, this increased data transfer also introduces vulnerabilities. As industries advance their digital transformation efforts, the risk of cyberattacks targeting operational technology and factory automation systems grows. These cyberattacks are already a major concern for many companies in the industry. According to Dragos, in 2025, "The number of ransomware groups targeting industrial organizations jumped to 80, a 60% increase from the 50 groups observed in 2023." With these rising cyber threats, it is more crucial than ever to protect your systems against emerging risks.

Understanding Modern Cybersecurity Threats

To protect your systems, the first step is to understand the modern cybersecurity threats that industrial automation faces. Common threats in this industry include ransomware attacks targeting production systems, network intrusions, unauthorized remote access, and malware introduced through vendor connections or firewalls. Issues like these can significantly affect automation components, including automated line robots, that depend on consistent communication across devices. These cybersecurity threats can originate from various sources and gain access to systems through multiple sectors; however, their consequences are typically the same. Businesses may experience downtime, data theft, production loss, and damage to their reputation due to a cybersecurity threat. Many cyberattacks occur because companies lack the necessary knowledge or resources to strengthen their defenses against these risks.

Industrial Automation Needs Reliable Cybersecurity

Automation is rapidly becoming the norm in companies across multiple industries. This includes the widespread adoption of automated line robots and other automation components, which optimize production efficiency but dramatically increase cybersecurity exposure. This shift brings an increased need for dependable cybersecurity. Traditional IT security solutions are often inadequate for automation because operational technology (OT) systems have unique vulnerabilities that conventional security measures cannot address. Recognizing this, Mitsubishi Electric provides a variety of proactive industrial cybersecurity solutions. For example, we offer remote access monitoring tools, such as Dispel, a zero-trust Secure Remote Access (SRA) platform. This platform allows facility managers to manage facility access, monitor remote access network usage, set device permissions, and control session duration, all while enforcing advanced cybersecurity protections. Implementing remote access options is an excellent starting point for establishing a reliable cybersecurity framework within your organization.

Mitsubishi Electric's Built-in Security

It is crucial to implement strong security measures for PLCs and related systems to safeguard automation processes and all their components. PLCs are vulnerable to threats such as cyberattacks, ransomware, and data breaches, since they are closely tied to industrial control systems and often targeted by attackers. To address these risks, we provide a range of security solutions specifically designed for our PLCs. For example, our MELSEC MX Controller complies with IEC 62443-4-2 (an international security standard for protecting control devices from cyber attacks). This ensures comprehensive protection from design through deployment, so that every system utilizing this integration is fully secured.

Below, we outline our PLC security offerings and explain how each solution is intended to protect your systems:

Authentication Controls

Our PLCs feature secure username and password authentication, designed to prevent unauthorized access by individuals without proper authorization. While this may seem like a basic feature, it significantly enhances security. Without these authentication controls, cyberattacks, especially those involving compromised usernames and passwords, become much easier, exposing sensitive information to greater risk.

Network Level Defenses

Network security is essential for protecting all data and communications that pass through your system. This includes safeguarding automated line robots that exchange data with controllers and monitoring equipment. Our IP whitelisting and blacklisting features manage which devices are allowed to communicate with your PLCs, blocking unauthorized devices from accessing your network. These defenses also include encrypted communications to further safeguard your systems.

Mitsubishi Electric Cybersecurity Partnerships

We recognize the value of collaborating with leading cybersecurity partners to ensure our solutions are both effective and secure for every user. By working with a variety of companies, we achieve maximum security for all devices, from endpoint to network. Below are some of our key partnerships, chosen to deliver robust cybersecurity across our devices and systems:

• Dispel
  Dispel offers Zero-Trust remote access and moving target defense, which we recommend as a primary measure to enhance security. This approach prevents attackers from targeting static systems and transforms secure connectivity capabilities.
• Nozomi Networks
  Nozomi specializes in network discovery and real-time traffic monitoring, enabling early detection of anomalies before they escalate into breaches. This proactive monitoring helps you stay ahead of suspicious activities and potential security threats.
• TXOne Networks
  TXOne protects traffic flowing into and out of facilities with industrial-grade firewalls and endpoint protection. This solution safeguards your facility and monitors access, ensuring only authorized personnel can connect.

Protecting the Future of Automation with Mitsubishi Electric

At Mitsubishi Electric, we provide a wide range of cybersecurity solutions. Industrial automation is constantly changing, and so are the cyber threats that come with it, making it essential to strengthen our security measures. Using PLCs, IEC 62443 compliance, and trusted partnerships, we are transforming how factories safeguard their systems. With dependable networks, secure connections, and comprehensive protection from device to network, we aim to offer features that are both efficient and secure for your facility. We recognize the importance of security in every area, and we continually work to deliver solutions that meet modern requirements. If you're looking to protect your automation systems from the inside out, contact Mitsubishi Electric to discover how our cybersecurity partners and secure PLCs can help reduce risks and maximize uptime.

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