Examining the Intersection of Cybersecurity and Automation in 5 Different Industries

Traditional cybersecurity solutions are constantly being supplemented and enhanced by new technology and practices. Industry leaders know that keeping up with digital security advancements is the best way to ensure the success of every company and that customers rely on them.

Understanding how experts merge cybersecurity and automation in different industries is an excellent way to embrace this expanding movement.

1. Aviation Industry

Artificial intelligence is the primary driver merging cybersecurity and automation. It makes systems self-reliant while leaning on security measures to ensure they can function safely. Airline companies use it to streamline operations, save fuel, and reduce maintenance costs. It ultimately improves flying experiences for customers and potentially reduces ticket prices.

Automating these workflows with AI that continuously collects and reads data means the airline industry can become more efficient. It also means carriers are responsible for securing their data and keeping it private. Understanding the difference limits unwarranted surveillance while providing stability for everyone interacting with airlines as employees or customers.

Automation also means that any potential cybercrime could ground entire airlines. Cybersecurity measures protecting these uses ensure the industry functions as needed around the clock.

2. Agriculture Industry

Agriculture industry leaders utilize automated machinery in numerous ways. Self-driving tractors and sprayers make things like spraying, harvesting, and planting less costly and more efficient. It’s why every use of autonomous equipment in farming will continue to rise through 2027.

The agricultural industry is among the least likely to open phishing links, but that doesn’t mean it’s impervious to cybercrimes. A virtual attack could prevent companies from meeting the rising demand for food globally by locking autonomous equipment in place. The slightest delay in farming and food production affects everyone, so industry leaders must balance automation advances with robust cybersecurity measures.

3. Auto Industry

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are two key ways for any industry to modernize, especially for auto manufacturers. The automotive sector uses the most robots in any industry, adding 1 million robotic units to their facilities in 2021. That represents one-third of all robots supporting global industries in every sector.

Robots rely on internet connections to send data to cloud storage and authorized users. That information is at risk without robust security measures that automatically update themselves. It’s an innovative way of keeping up with supply and demand and is a vital tool manufacturers use to stay in touch with automated vehicles.

Automated cars are another aspect of the industry that requires the latest cybersecurity. Their internet connection keeps software up to date but also creates room for the possibility of vehicle-focused cybercrimes.

Vehicles with autonomous software have long been a goal for numerous industries. Car manufacturers first began making automated car experiments in the mid-1920s, which focused on radio-controlled vehicles. Although that didn’t work, it inspired future generations of engineers to continue innovating.

Today’s internet-connected software is more advanced and requires continual security patches to prevent potential cybercrimes or malfunctions. As technology advances, so will the cybersecurity efforts keeping people safe in vehicles without manual controls.

4. Healthcare Industry

Cybersecurity is foundational for the healthcare industry. People provide their most sensitive data to hospitals, clinics and pharmacies every day. It’s a valuable source of information used to get payments from ransomware attack victims, but that doesn’t have to be a concern if the industry upgrades its virtual security measures.

Automation makes so many aspects of the healthcare industry easier. It streamlines charts, speeds up medication production, and reduces staff burnout by minimizing employee workloads. Cybersecurity and automation should be a package deal for any industry seeking future advancements. Losing the productivity gained by automated programs and robotics would be one loss, but potentially losing the private data of patients is more catastrophic.

Even more advanced technology requires constant supervision by cybersecurity professionals. Healthcare tech can use patient-specific and broad data to better diagnose diseases early and recommend the most effective surgical procedures. People rely on it for life-saving services. Without cybersecurity protections, they could lose their information and the most accurate medical recommendations available with modern technology.

5. Supply Chain Industry

Every global industry relies on supply chain teams to process orders and communicate that information with customers. The smallest changes can cause worldwide disruptions. Although automated AI software can’t do anything about influential supply chain factors like the rising cost of living, it can track data to potentially predict future shifts in supply chains.

AI monitoring warehouses and ports may alert authorized users when ships face delays, worker shortages grow, or factory shutdowns occur. Getting instantaneous data helps experts make tough calls to adjust their workflow and minimize the damage caused by disruptions.

Without strong cybersecurity measures keeping those AI programs operational, any supply chain industry would become more at risk of global delays.

Prepare for the Future of Cybersecurity and Automation

Industry experts should watch the intersection of cybersecurity and automation to better fortify their teams in the modern workforce. Connecting automation benefits with potential security gaps makes it easier to prevent cybercrimes. It’s an ongoing effort leaders should maintain as the world continues to rely on automated software and robotics well into the future.

About the Author:

Dylan Berger has several years of experience writing about cybercrime, cybersecurity, and similar topics. He’s passionate about fraud prevention and cybersecurity’s relationship with the supply chain. He’s a prolific blogger and regularly contributes to other tech, cybersecurity, and supply chain blogs across the web.

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in this guest author article are solely those of the contributor and do not necessarily reflect those of Tripwire.