Because component suppliers are playing an increasingly important role in Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) networks, it is useful to understand the security requirements they must meet when designing devices for deployment on them. Susan Lan reports.

Phil Burge discusses the importance of using the right lubrication in the right application, and looks at technological advancements designed to reduce bearing wear and corrosion.

Lee Ray highlights the importance of regular inspection and testing of electro-sensitive protective equipment.

To drive operational efficiencies, improve performance or to gain a competitive edge, digital transformation is being adopted in almost in every operational technology (OT) environment. This means that, to safely connect plants and sites –irrespective of whether it an on-premise or off-premise solution – cybersecurity is not optional, says Arun Veeramani.

David Emm, principal security researcher at Kaspersky answers questions about industrial cyber threats and vulnerabilities.

Alvis Chen shares some best practice advice to help enhance industrial network security.

In recent years, large-scale professional cyberattacks and chip hardware vulnerabilities affecting industrial plants around the globe have clearly shown the need for the process industry to take segregation and cybersecurity more seriously says Rehan Ahmad and Shafeekh Rahiman.

The goal of enterprise mobility solutions is to network people, plants and systems, using data as efficiently as possible. The use of intrinsically safe smart devices can help improve productivity and the safety of employees, says Dietmaer Deppisch.

Suzanne Gill finds out more about the cyber security issues that face industry today and gets advice on the steps that should be taken to ensure greater plant level security.

Today components and systems frequently become available which are too technologically advanced for current standard requirements and cannot support the assessment of device functional safety appropriately. Suitable approaches are therefore required to protect systems against unauthorised access and safety-relevant manipulation of the safety functions embedded within hardware and software, argues Stewart Robinson MIET MInstMC.

Phillip J Corner discusses some shortcomings of the NIS directive, arguing that, while it focuses on technology, good governance is equally vital to manage security.

Maintenance and inspection of flameproof motors is critical to ensure safe operation. Pedro Maia offers advice on keeping them in good working order.

To prevent dangerous process incidents from occurring, facilities should employ effective communication, provide workers with appropriate training, and have strong and up-to-date policies and procedures in place. Gregory Hale highlights 11 key principles.

Howard Forryan argues the case for the use of Ex connectors, in place of hard-wired solutions, in hazardous areas.

Derek Lane, automation manager at WAGO, explains how IT and OT convergence can help protect against cyber threats.

Dr Martin Kidman looks at safety laser scanner technologies which are a vital component of AGVs.

Arguably, information is the most powerful tool in manufacturing today, with data being made available from the component to enterprise level and converted into information-enabled management tools. But, what effect is this having on machine safety?

Increasing connectivity of machines and equipment is offering manufacturers competitive advantage by producing goods more efficiently. However, the only way that Industry 4.0 can succeed is when IT and OT collaborate on an overarching security approach, argues Anja Dienelt.

Factory and process automation are now reaching new levels of integration which opens the way to considerably higher degrees of efficiency, process control and flexibility. However, it also calls for increased security to protect the whole factory from malware and unauthorised intrusion, says Maximillian Korff.

Connectivity is often seen as a significant challenge to plant security, and in the new era of IIoT it is vital that security considerations are prioritised. Suzanne Gill reports.