Everyone's talking about IT and digitalization. But the functionality of "OT" (Operational  Technology), which  directly controls important systems, machines, and equipment in their physical environment – ​​including intralogistics – also plays a crucial role. This includes crane and lifting technology.

Because lifting technology, increasingly digitally controlled, must also be protected against cyberattacks. The  EU's so-called Cyber ​​Resilience Act covers everything from smart home devices to  electronically controlled operating systems, and obliges manufacturers  to fix security vulnerabilities, report serious incidents, and affix a CE marking  confirming conformity. Failure to comply can result in hefty fines.

Whitepaper on cyber risk

In a white paper entitled "Cyber ​​security in industrial radio remote control systems" , HBC-Radiomatic explains the requirements for industrial radio remote controls.

Operational technology (OT) encompasses the hardware and software used to network, control, monitor, manage, and secure industrial plants and machinery. Companies in industries such as manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, energy supply, and transportation rely heavily on their functionality. Robots, industrial control systems, SCADAsystems, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are examples.

Prevent real damage

OT devices control the physical world, while IT systems manage data and applications. They  can use similar elements, including wireless technologies, data interfaces, network protocols, and switches. OT devices are usually developed for specific applications and therefore include specialized software and protocols.

The Swiss team around U. Meier (left)

They are generally not as easy or frequent  to update as IT devices, as access at remote locations or in harsh environments  is often difficult. In all cases, changes to OT devices can  have far-reaching consequences for the industrial process.

Critical infrastructure

While the risks posed by vulnerable IT systems in companies are enormous, a security breach in  an OT device can have truly dangerous consequences in the real world of an industrial process.  Therefore, executives responsible for OT systems must  consider the risks to life and health in critical infrastructure and heavy machinery when making decisions,  according to the white paper. Even if an OT system is state-of-the-art, it can be vulnerable through its  connections to other devices or through the discovery of weaknesses during operation  .

The headquarters are in Crailsheim. All photos: HBC radiomatic

HBC customers in Switzerland receive expert advice from a team of ten people led by Urs  Meier in Othmarsingen, and since 2020 also from a second location in French-speaking Switzerland in Villars-Sainte-Croix on Lake Geneva.

the whitepaper here: Download

www.hbc-radiomatic.ch