With all the WiFi hacking going on these days and the
widespread use of
wireless systems, is it wise for Factories
to run al
their robotic equipment off WiFi
systems? Sure encryption would prevent
most problems, but materials and parts are expensive and one robotic
mess up is a real problem. You have a complete assembly line shut down,
because of some two-bit hacker.Did you know that there are some
WiFi
security analysts, which purposely “war drive” to find holes in
systems in corporations and then use this knowledge to go to the
company and sell them Wireless Computer Security Services? Can you
imagine if you did this type of sales technique you might find your
self explaining what you are doing to the police when the company
called them for fear you were a hacker rather than a IT Security
Solutions Provider.In a Robotic Manufacturing Plant it is of
concern that such people are out there, even if semi-good intentions.
It might be smart to scramble signals leaving the building and watch
out for insiders with hand helds. Indeed, even with a WEP setup, you
might find yourself in a problematic situation from a hacker or
electronics guy who is getting laid off and losing their job in the
factory to a robot and completely disgruntled. (see movie; iRobot, A.I.
and read Issac Asimov).Human nature, revenge is a powerful
motivation of humans, watch out on that one, Unions can do some pretty
criminally irresponsible things. A factory of this type could use a
scrambler system between walls, and windows or double paned with air or
music running thru them. Still there are many pointer type units you
can buy for direction sound attainment and you know the hackers have
those too, if they do not make them just to test the range like they
did recently at Defcon Hacker Convention in Las Vegas. This is
something to think of too and a robotic factory electronic computer IT
engineer must be thinking here. Are you? WiFi security is not a luxury
it is a necessity, think on this.