ARTICLE
4 Steps to Shore Up Cybersecurity on the Plant Floor
By Scott Dowell | December 13, 2022
Read Time: 5 Minutes
Enhanced connectivity and increased digitization are introducing new plant floor vulnerabilities.
According to IDC, global spending on the digital transformation (DX) of business practices, products and organizations is forecast to reach $2.8 trillion in 2025. In particular, the discrete and process manufacturing industries will account for nearly 30 percent of worldwide DX spending this year.
While modernizing plant floor operations will increase efficiencies and make way for new opportunities—including updating antiquated systems and connecting legacy silos of automation—the risks associated with new and vulnerable entry points and devices expose manufacturers to increasingly sophisticated cyber criminals that present harmful cybersecurity threats.
This article was originally published in December 2022 by IMPO. Reprinted with permission of the publisher.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Scott Dowell, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the U.S. Industrial and CIG business, Wesco
Scott Dowell is Senior Vice President and General Manager of the U.S. Industrial and CIG business for Wesco. In his current role, Scott is responsible for leading the strategy, execution and growth of our industrial, automation, institutional and government end users across the U.S. Scott has over 25 years of experience in distribution and joined Wesco in 2007 to lead a strategic accounts team within the utility business. Since joining the company, he has held multiple sales and leadership roles, most recently leading Global Accounts for legacy Wesco before the acquisition of Anixter.