A digital twin is a computerized replica of something. Many industries use device shadows to improve monitoring and performance. While the technology opens the door to innovation and better accuracy, any type of digital asset also leads to potential hacking attempts. What are the cybersecurity risks of using digital twins in business practices, and how can companies prevent an attack?
Cybersecurity Risks With Digital Twins
The National Institute of Standards and Technology estimates the digital twins industry is worth an estimated $8.6 billion and forecasts it to hit $138 billion by 2030. The technology is used in industries such as manufacturing, health care, communications, energy, and city government.
The benefits of utilizing digital twins in any industry far outweigh security concerns, creating rapid future growth. However, awareness is the first step in prevention, so it’s crucial to understand why having device shadows can open the brand up to attacks.
1. Changed Data
Digital twins get their input from real-time monitoring devices tied to the original. A disgruntled former employee or competitor could hack into the system, change that information and create chaos that could impact anything from a patient’s treatment options to the performance of a jet plane engine.
Companies utilizing digital twins in their processes must be hypervigilant about any type of entry attempt. In addition to having the strongest security protections in place, they should have 24/7 monitoring for unusual activity. If the IT department detects any type of hacking attempt, steps must be taken immediately to shut them down.
2. More Entry Points
Many construction and manufacturing firms are turning to digital twin products over two-dimensional drawings to eliminate uncertainty and improve uptime. Around 82% of companies have experienced unexpected downtime, which results in delays. With more businesses utilizing digital replicas, hackers have more opportunities to wreak havoc.
Because the digital twin and the real-world original have to communicate with each other, there are more opportunities for bad actors to access the data. An almost constant movement of information requires vigilance. Some of the ways hackers can enter the system include sensors, the servers or individual data streams. Each component must have security installed and be monitored for hacking.
3. Exposed Sensitive Data
Digital twins may contain proprietary information or personalized factors that make them particularly attractive to identity thieves or those who would use the information for espionage. Some of these attacks come from social engineering attempts, such as voice phishing and malicious code insertion.
Companies can protect their clients’ personal information by using end-to-end encryption and collecting and storing only the data they need to conduct business. Companies should already have policies in place for how any information collected is used, stored and destroyed. Regulations and laws surrounding privacy may come into play, so brands should ensure they’re compliant, which will reduce the amount of data a hacker accesses if they get into the system.
4. AI-Driven Attacks
Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the big players in cybersecurity, as more companies tap into the power of automation. Unfortunately, the same technology is available to hackers, and they use AI to attempt access to the company’s systems. Cybercriminals’ skills are more sophisticated than ever before, meaning server security must also improve to keep them out.
The expanded attack surface from using new technology requires additional security services and the use of AI and machine learning to navigate weak areas and protect systems.
5. Takeovers
Leaders who have had to fire a worker may understand the potential security risks that can occur. Imagine a former employee who still has access to the system and takes the digital twin hostage. In manufacturing, they could impact productivity and quality. In a smart city, they could shut down services, such as public transportation or sewer monitoring.
While a complete takeover might be rare, it is still in the realm of possibilities. Companies must take steps to secure their systems. Change passwords regularly and immediately remove access from any employee who is terminated or leaves voluntarily. Business leaders should also regularly review processes to avoid predictability. Change the order, encryption language or file structure without compromising the stability of the system.
6. Third-Party Vulnerabilities
The people who have access to a company’s databases can impact their overall security. Anyone who logs in and interacts with the databases can create issues. If someone has malware on their system, it could infect the entire database.
Some of the ways to mitigate the risk include conducting audits and ensuring the company is in compliance with regulations. Anyone with access to the system should have to pass certain certification standards and participate in training.
Well Worth the Investment
Even though utilizing digital twin technology has some risks, the advantages are greater. Better security protections and automated monitoring systems reasonably navigate most cybersecurity concerns. Investing in added protections greatly increases the chances that data remains safe and computerized replicas stay uncompromised.
As the Features Editor at ReHack, Zac Amos writes about cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and other tech topics. He is a frequent contributor to Brilliance Security Magazine.
.
.
Follow Brilliance Security Magazine on Twitter and LinkedIn to ensure you receive alerts for the most up-to-date security and cybersecurity news and information.