In the digital age, cybersecurity has become a major challenge for automated systems industrialists. With the increasing integration of digital technologies in industrial processes, the automation engineers play a critical role in protecting critical infrastructures from cyber threats. This article explores the importance of cybersecurity In the automated systems, as well as the specific contributions of automation engineers in this respect.

I - The rise of cybersecurity in automated systems

Evolution of cybersecurity threats

Les automated systems industrials, such as programmable automatons And the special machines, are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks. Cybercriminals are targeting complex automated systems to cause major disturbances. For example, recent attacks have targeted production lines And industrial networks, highlighting the importance of a cybersecurity sturdy to protect critical infrastructures. Notable incidents like Stuxnet have shown that automatons can be used as attack vectors, making industrial systems particularly vulnerable. Attackers often exploit flaws in communication protocols suchlike Modbus or ethernet, which highlights the need for increased vigilance and rigorous security measures.

Impact of cyberattacks on critical infrastructures

The consequences of cyberattacks on automated systems can be devastating. They may cause interruptions in industrial production, damage automated equipment, and compromise the security And the trustworthiness Of control systems.

La traceability Incident detection is essential for understanding vulnerabilities and implementing effective remedial measures. For example, an attack on a production line can cause costly shutdowns and critical data loss. The industries pharmaceuticals, aeronautics and railways are particularly at risk, as they rely on systems that are highly dependent automated and interconnected. La energy management in these industries is another sensitive area where cyberattacks can have serious consequences on the stability and security of operations.

II - Automation engineers: roles and responsibilities

Secure system design and integration

Les automation engineers play a fundamental role in design and implementation of automated systems secured. They need to incorporate technical solutions of cybersecurity From the phase of system design. This includes the development of specs security and the implementation of protocols to protect the computer networks And the human-machine interfaces Against external threats. Les programmable automatons should be designed with controllers robust and actuators secured to prevent intrusions. La modelling And the sizing Of production systems should also take into account the requirements of cybersecurity. Les wardrobes electrical and subsets must be protected against unauthorised access and malicious manipulation.

Monitoring and detecting anomalies

La surveillance Continue automated systems is essential to identify anomalies and prevent cyberattacks. Les automation engineers use tools from supervision advanced to monitor in real time the industrial networks And the control systems. The implementation of intelligent systems, capable of detecting intrusions is an integral part of their role. Software like Tia Portal allow you to configure and monitor the programmable automatons and to make functional analyses to detect anomalous behavior. La cybersecurity Of automated systems is also based on the ability to interconnect human-machine interfaces secure, allowing a supervision effective and responsive.

Incident response and crisis management

In the event of a cyber attack, the automation engineers need to quickly implement response protocols to minimize damage. This includes the commissioning of protective measures temporary, the salvage Of data, and the reparation Of affected systems. Their ability to manage crises and to restore the services is essential to ensure business continuity. They must also collaborate with maintenance technicians to ensure the industrial maintenance And the troubleshooting Of automated equipment. La training in project management And in technical management is crucial to be effective in these situations. La technical documentation plays a key role in the preparation and response to incidents, making it possible to monitor a specifications accurate for each intervention.

III - Skills and training of automation engineers for cybersecurity

Technical skills required

To be effective, the automation engineers must have advanced technical skills in industrial electricity, computer automation, and cybersecurity. The mastery of languages programming for programmable automatons And communication protocols such as Modbus and ethernet is indispensable. They should also include embedded systems And the electronic cards. In-depth knowledge of production systems And machine tools is also necessary to incorporate appropriate security measures. Les engineers must be able to develop automations secured by using tools like the CAO For the mechanical design And the numerical control.

Continuing education and certifications

La continuing education is essential for automation engineers stay up to date with the latest threats and technologies in cybersecurity.

Les engineering schools And the universities offer programs of dual training, of BTS And professional licenses oriented towards electrical and computer engineering, as well as specialized certifications in cybersecurity. Institutions like Polytech and UPEC offer curricula in industrial automation And in engineering which include modules from cybersecurity.

Les engineering degrees And the professionalization contracts allow students to specialize in this crucial field.

Certifications like Certified Automation Cybersecurity Professional (CACP) are increasingly valued by employers.

Professional development and career

Les automation engineers specialized in cybersecurity have plenty of career opportunities. They can work as project manager, Business manager, or research engineer In industrial sectors varied.

Their expertise is also sought after by recruitment agencies specialized and large companies. La job search in this field is facilitated by dedicated platforms and Job forums that connect the engineers And the employers.

La industrial cybersecurity is a rapidly expanding field, offering Outlets interesting for automation engineers.

IV - Challenges and opportunities for automation engineers

Challenges

One of the main challenges facing automation engineers is the rapid evolution of technologies And threats. Integrate cybersecurity solutions In automated systems often complex and inherited requires a great deal of expertise. In addition, the management of industrial projects And the Realization of systems secure can be complex due to the diversity of equipments And process involved. La scientific training basic, coupled with a specialization in cybersecurity, is necessary to face these challenges. Les engineers must justify a significant experience and have a successful experience in similar projects to be effective.

opportunities

However, the opportunities for automation engineers in the field of cybersecurity are numerous. Business sectors such asaeronautical, the pharmacological, and the Railway offer project manager positions And of Business manager For those who have a successful experience in automation And in cybersecurity. Of recruitment agencies specialized and platforms of job search can help engineers to find opportunities in this fast-growing field.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the automation engineers play a fundamental role in industrial cybersecurity. Their expertise is essential to design, monitor and protect automated systems against cyberattacks. With a adequate training, a significant experience, and a Technology watch constant, they contribute to ensuring the safety and reliability of critical infrastructures. The challenges are numerous, but the opportunities to innovate and improve the cybersecurity in the field ofautomation are also vast. The future of automated systems is based on their ability to evolve and respond effectively to the challenges of cybersecurity.

Are you looking for a new challenge?

Discover our latest job offers on our Talents website.

To deepen your knowledge of this exciting profession, dive into the articles in our Blog.

Together, let's take your career to new heights!