A recent report by Kaspersky indicated that the human factor, despite automation, still endangers industrial processes, explaining that employees’ mistakes or unintended actions were behind 52% of the accidents that affected operational techniques and industrial control systems networks last year.

The report entitled “Industrial Electronic Security Situation 2019” confirmed that the increasing complexity of industrial infrastructure requires more protection and skills. However, companies suffer from a shortage of professionals dealing with new threats, and a decrease in awareness among employees.

Many industrial companies are keen to develop their networks and adopt industry standards 4.0, as four out of five industrial companies (81%) believe that the developing of operational networks is “important” or “very important” this year. However, the risks related to cybersecurity, despite all the benefits of corporate-related infrastructure, still existing.

The Director of Industrial Electronic Security at Kaspersky said: “This year’s survey shows that companies are seeking to improve the protection of industrial networks”. However, he clarified that this matter can not be achieved unless companies deal with the dangers related to the issues of shortage of qualified employees and employees’ mistakes.

Kaspersky has a dedicated range of solutions and services to meet the challenges facing industrial companies. Kaspersky Industrial CyberSecurity combines endpoint and industrial networking protection by dealing with operator and network threats in industrial control systems environments, in addition to providing advanced threat intelligence and incident response services.

The company also offers specialized training and education programs designed for cybersecurity experts, operational technology managers and industrial control system operators.