Operations Security: Lesson 2 – Visibility
In discussions with stakeholders across security, manufacturing, facilities, and other domains, one question repeatedly arises: Where do we start?
Our answer is unequivocal - start with Visibility!Before embarking on AI/ML projects, especially for components outside the data center, enterprises need visibility across these 5 critical dimensions:
Operational Health
Begin with understanding asset utilization, service impact, and potential failures through predictive insights.
Example: A smart factory identifies high CPU usage in a device controlling robots, flagging it as a failure precursor. Predictive analytics enables timely intervention, avoiding costly production halts.
Key: Begin with basic asset discovery and attribute mapping.
Geospatial Context
Mapping edge devices’ physical locations enhances security and operational efficiency.
Example: An oil and gas company detects vibrations along a pipeline, cross-referencing geospatial data with seismic activity to mitigate risks proactively.
Key: Choose platforms that tie devices to latitude/longitude or space mapping systems.
Lifecycle Management
Track devices from deployment to decommissioning. Ensure upgrades and replacements are planned to minimize costs and risks.
Example: A corporation uses visibility tools to highlight devices nearing end-of-life and coordinates phased replacements to avoid disruptions.
Key: Use consistent tools for discovery and management across diverse vendors.
Security Posture (Risk)
Protect edge ecosystems with real-time threat detection, patch management, zero-trust enforcement, and encryption.
Example: A retail chain’s dashboard flags POS systems with outdated firmware vulnerable to exploits. Admins prioritize patching, reducing breach risks.
Key: Ensure visibility across all subnets, organizations, and devices for risk management.
Compliance
Maintain adherence to standards like GDPR and HIPAA with continuous monitoring and automated reporting.
Example: A hospital uses tools to enforce HIPAA compliance, ensuring encryption and secure data storage while generating automated audit reports.
Key: Visibility into compliance is now a board-level priority, easing audits and filings.
Why Visibility Matters
Visibility is the foundation of success for edge AI projects. It spans operational health, geospatial context, lifecycle management, security posture, and compliance. Without it, risks grow, operations falter, and costs escalate.
