As the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) rapidly drives up the number of connected devices in facilities, everything – from the plant floor, to oil rigs, to substations – is transforming. This transformation includes an increase in the use of industrial wireless for a number of applications.

Recently a previously identified malware, named Duqu, re-emerged in a very surprising way. It was detected attacking the systems of Kaspersky Lab, one of the leading cyber security firms in the world. And, it wasn’t just that it went after the experts’ systems that is amazing, what is also amazing is how it did it.

“Engineers not specializing in cyber security often throw their hands up at security, it’s not what they do,” says Pat Differ, Director of Sales at Securicon LLC, a consulting firm specializing in cyber security services and solutions for critical infrastructure industries. “The result is they may end up relying heavily on IT-oriented or recommended solutions that are not meant for industrial applications.”

Are you tired of hearing about the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) already…. but are unsure how it is going to impact your job or what you should be doing about it? Join the crowd! While the IIoT is an important trend that is occurring rapidly and right now, understanding it, taking action on it and benefitting from it does not have to be difficult.

Remember the good old days when the control network stood on its own and no one but engineering could touch it? There were no connections to the enterprise network or the Internet. Cyber attackers were happy focusing on financial institutions, and the operations staff was free to just get on with making products.