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TRENDING
REPORT REVEALS THE
POTENTIAL CYBERTHREATS
FACING RF CONTROLLERS
Industrial manufacturers have come to rely a great
deal on radio frequency (RF) protocols in their day-to-
day functioning. A report from Trend Micro reveals the
potential cyberthreats facing RF controllers.
F
rom simple operations such as turning
on a motor to more intricate functions
like manoeuvring a heavy-duty vehicle,
RF forms an integral part of the smooth
running of industry.
Signals are sent over the air, which provides an
opportunity for cybercriminals and attackers
who are equipped with the right RF tools to
possibly intercept or commandeer industrial
machines and systems. This is a particularly
frightening thought when considering that
among others, radio frequencies can be used
to control cranes, drills and even help miners
navigate where they are.
“Trend Micro has done some extensive
research into the threats that could
www.intelligentcio.com
compromise RF remote controllers and
compiled a research report titled A Security
Analysis of Radio Remote Controllers for
Industrial Applications, explained Indi
Sirinwasa, Vice President of Trend Micro,
Sub-Saharan Africa.
“The research has found that it is quite
possible to launch a cyberattack both
within and out of RF range. Considering
the extensive use of machinery using RF
remote controllers, the consequences of such
breaches are horrifying.”
RF devices are not generally designed with
cybersecurity in mind, which is precisely what
makes them fair game for malicious actors
if they are not properly patched. Industrial
“
THE RESEARCH
HAS FOUND
THAT IT IS
QUITE POSSIBLE
TO LAUNCH A
CYBERATTACK
BOTH WITHIN AND
OUT OF RF RANGE.
INTELLIGENTCIO
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