Cyberattacks and Human Health
The recent surge in cyberattacks have focused on critical supply chains. Ransomware attacks on oil pipelines and meat processing are two of the most recent incidents, but there are smaller issues happening all the time.
One area that is not going overlooked by cybersecurity experts is healthcare, which increasingly is dependent on sensors and connected software to monitor patient health, and the COVID-19 pandemic brought this issue into further focus. Ellen Boehm, senior director of IoT product management at Keyfactor, a provider of secure digital identity management solutions, said in a recent Machine Design interview that the proliferation of connected devices increases the gateways for attacks, and sharpens the importance of a robust cybersecurity system in health care.
“Any new connected device expands IoT attack vectors; cyber-attackers are exploiting the global crisis, and hardening device security is critical,” said Boehm. “In the case of connected medical devices, security risks can be life-impacting. Devices that relay regulated signals, like pacemakers or insulin pumps, can be intercepted. Attackers can change the data or alter the device’s firmware and software.”
Four Myths Around AI
The value of artificial intelligence goes to the heart of manufacturing—a productive and safe workplace. No manufacturer wants to be a dinosaur when it comes to embracing the AI revolution. Despite the fact that an estimated 80% of enterprises claim to already be using AI in some form, they “sense” the challenge. In fact, research shows that 91% of companies foresee significant barriers to AI adoption due to a lack of IT infrastructure and a shortage of AI experts.
A recent Machine Design article looked at four myths around the adoption of AI, starting with an understanding that it’s not just about the quantity of data, but also the quality—and the ability to find that quality.