USB devices pose a serious cyber security threat to industrial facilities

Hydrocarben Engineering is reporting that new Honeywell cybersecurity research reveals that USB devices pose a significant threat to industrial facilities.

Data derived from Honeywell technology used to scan and control USB devices at 50 customer locations showed that nearly half (44%) detected and blocked at least one file with a security issue. It also revealed that 26% of the detected threats were capable of significant disruption by causing operators to lose visibility or control of their operations…

“The data showed much more serious threats than we expected, and taken together, the results indicate that a number of these threats were targeted and intentional,” said Eric Knapp, director of strategic innovation, Honeywell Industrial Cyber Security. “This research confirms what we have suspected for years – USB threats are real for industrial operators. What is surprising is the scope and severity of the threats, many of which can lead to serious and dangerous situations at sites that handle industrial processes.”…

Read more at Hydrocarben Engineering: New Honeywell cybersecurity research reveals that USB devices pose a significant threat to industrial facilities