AI models offer transformative potential in OT environments, but safety must come first.
26 October 2023- Increasingly, manufacturers are turning to digitalization to boost production efficiency and quality. However, integrating AI in OT systems brings unique cybersecurity risks that must be carefully managed. ML6 demonstrates how AI-powered inline quality inspection and process control can reduce waste and elevate product standards safely.
The key is balancing IT-OT separation and convergence. While IT systems face external cyber threats like ransomware, OT systems risk physical damage from security breaches. The classic Purdue model with an intermediary DMZ zone ensures communication between IT and OT is controlled and threats contained without halting production.
A naive cloud-based AI control system can jeopardize OT safety if the DMZ is bypassed. Instead, a secure setup uses the DMZ as a buffer, employing malware scanning and controlled FTP servers to protect critical infrastructure. This approach blends scalable cloud computing power for AI model training with industry-trusted frameworks like Purdue.
In short, with the right architecture and security measures, AI can safely revolutionize OT automation—boosting efficiency, reducing waste, and protecting critical systems from cyberattacks.
- Translation, original source: Dutch