Modern manufacturing environments rely on interconnected operational technology, industrial control systems, engineering workstations, HMIs, and industrial communication networks to support production and operational visibility. While these technologies improve efficiency and flexibility, they also create dependencies on digital systems that may be disrupted during cyber security incidents.
This episode examines a ransomware incident affecting a smart-manufacturing robot cell. Although the attack does not directly alter robot motion or safety systems, it creates uncertainty regarding the trustworthiness of operational information and engineering systems. Students explore how production pressure and recovery decisions can introduce safety risks, and why effective coordination between cyber security, operations, engineering, maintenance, and safety personnel is essential during recovery.
Key Security-Informed Safety Lesson:
It is not always safe to restart a system that has recovered from a cyber incident.