Is Your Motor Protected from Industrial Hacking?
The Internet connects our world. With more connected devices, we have an increased need for cyber security. Companies and organizations from the smallest levels to the biggest are targets of industrial hacking.
One type of industrial hacking is motor hacking. While rare, the effects of motor hacking could be devastating. One type of motor hacking involves hackers gaining access to a motor through remote monitoring systems. Once they have access, they can change a motor’s operating speed or disable the motor completely. With more devices now utilizing the Internet of things, motor operators should take steps to make sure their equipment is safe.
Connected Devices Present a Risk to Motors
One point of vulnerability are network-connected drives such as Variable Frequency Drives. VFDs are digital devices used to control the speed of a motor through frequency variation. Using one can improve a motor’s life and reduce maintenance. VFDs often control motors that operate fans and pumps in water plants, mining operations, and in heating and air conditioning systems.
The VFD defines a safe speed at which the motor can operate and works to ensure it does not exceed that speed. This predetermined speed for the motor is known as the critical speed. The critical speed is the protection setting that halts the motor from running at a speed it considers dangerous.
If a motor exceeds its critical speed, it will cause the motor’s shaft to vibrate. While a small level of vibration is normal for motors, excessive vibration caused by higher speeds can damage the motor shaft, bearings and other internal components.
Why Do Hackers Target Variable Frequency Drives?
Researchers say VFDS are vulnerable because they contain read and write capabilities. Often, access to these capabilities does not require authentication. Without additional authentication protocols, unauthorized parties could gain access to the settings of the motor and alter those settings.
By knowing your motor’s critical speed and having the ability to access your VFD settings, hackers can easily communicate with the device and change the speed of the motor. If they increase the speed beyond its critical speed, physical destruction and long periods of downtime for your business can occur.
Protect Your Equipment From Industrial Hacking
If you want to protect your equipment from industrial hacking, there are several steps you can take.
Make Sure Your Variable Frequency Drive Has Extra Authentication
Install a LEESON® Variable Frequency Drive.
It’s easy for hackers to reach and modify a VFD’s settings if there is no additional authentication required for access. LEESON offers a number of password-protected AC controls and drives. The SM2 Vector, SM4 Vector, and Platinum e™ VSD Industrial AC controls offer that extra security with their password protected settings. This prevents anyone without the password from editing the device’s settings.
Use Proactive Monitoring Tools To Protect Your Equipment
Monitoring software can provide another layer of security. Perceptiv™ monitoring technology from Regal Rexnord uses cloud-based technology to track, report, communicate and share machinery health and performance data and gives users unprecedented access to their equipment.
With Perceptiv intelligence, the ability to view diagnostics and real-time remote monitoring can be crucial in preventing damage caused by hacking. With monitoring tools, you can be alerted if your motor’s settings are not what they should be.
While industrial hacking is rare, it’s important to recognize that all online devices are at some level of risk. It is always a good idea to be proactive and take the appropriate precautions to ensure your equipment is protected.