I’ve written about other companies working on the rather local problem of cybersecurity vulnerabilities of the ubiquitous USB sticks. This news comes from yet another company working on the problem.
Apricorn, the leading manufacturer of software-free, 256-bit AES XTS hardware-encrypted USB drives, announced manufacturing-specific findings from global research of IT security decision-makers. The survey revealed that U.S.-based manufacturing respondents are focused on the adoption of encryption as they prioritize data protection strategies in an increasingly interconnected environment.
Apricorn’s research found that manufacturers are aware of the threat to their industry and have turned to encryption to help fortify their data. Key findings include:
- Mandating Encryption: An overwhelming 87% of organizations now enforce encryption for all data held on removable media. This underscores the growing recognition that hardware encryption is vital for securing portable devices often used in manufacturing environments, where data is regularly transferred between facilities, partners, and remote workers.
- Securing the Supply Chain: With increased reliance on interconnected systems and data sharing across supply chains, 45% of respondents exclusively permit the use of hardware-encrypted, organization-approved removable media. This reflects a proactive approach to mitigating risks associated with data breaches that could disrupt operations and compromise intellectual property.
- Protecting Sensitive Data: Manufacturing organizations handle sensitive data, including designs, blueprints, and proprietary processes. Over 93% of U.S. IT security decision-makers in the manufacturing industry reported encrypting data on laptops and desktops, while a significant number also encrypt mobile phones (87%) and USB sticks (84%). This comprehensive approach to data protection is crucial for maintaining competitiveness and complying with industry regulations.
In addition to securing industrial control systems, manufacturers must meet a host of compliance and industry regulations ranging from privacy standards like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), which controls the import/export of defense articles and services. They must also be conscientious about protecting their own intellectual property to keep their competitive advantage. Putting a focus on encrypting data both at rest and on the move is a critical step in meeting compliance standards and safeguarding designs, formulas or other sensitive data.
