You’ve probably heard the phrase “Industry 4.0” tossed around like it’s some magic pill that turns your factory into Iron Man’s workshop. The reality? Most shop floors today are Frankenstein networks—old Windows 7 control systems duct-taped to brand-new sensors feeding data to a cloud portal nobody fully understands.
Welcome to the Insecure Revolution.
What’s Really Happening?
Manufacturers are adding sensors, smart tools, cameras, and data-logging devices faster than ever. And for good reason—efficiency, traceability, predictive maintenance, all the good stuff.
But every new IoT widget you connect is a new door into your network.
Here’s what we’re seeing in the wild:
- Temperature sensors connected directly to the production network—no firewall.
- Smart cameras with default admin credentials—still “admin123”.
- Engineers plugging in their personal laptops to program PLCs—straight into the OT backbone.
What You Can’t Ignore
- IoT ≠ Secure by Default: Most of this stuff was built for speed and affordability, not cybersecurity.
- Your OT Is Now Exposed: If you can access it from your phone, so can someone else—if you’re not locked down.
- Your Insurance Provider Is Watching: Cyber liability insurers are tightening requirements. Unsecured IoT is now a risk factor.
Bottom Line: IoT isn’t bad—it’s powerful. But without security, it’s like leaving the shop unlocked with a neon sign that says “Come take our IP.”
Not sure what’s actually connected to your network? We can run a passive scan and show you. Schedule some time with us here.
Hank “Hammer” Dalton
Manufacturing Storyteller | IT Translator | Defender of the Duct Tape Tired