For many, this is a critical investment to increase productivity, cut downtime and streamline operations for an unprecedented level of efficiency. Though these potential benefits sound tempting, they do come with a serious complication attached: cyber-security.

Creating the kind of wireless networks needed to link up personnel across the manufacturing platform creates new vulnerabilities to cyber-attacks, says Jacob Kitchel, senior manager of security and compliance for Industrial Defender. Far more than the data-interception attacks expected in an administrative setting, unprotected wireless networks in the factory can lead to loss of control of plant operations, which can result in serious staff injury and equipment damage.

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Keywords: RFID, Wireless, Bar Code & Voice, Technology, Supply Chain Security & Risk Mgmt, Business Strategy Alignment, Supply Chain Analytics & Consulting, Global Supply Chain Management, Unprotected Wireless Networks, Industrial Defender, Cyber-Security, Data Interception