Date of Conferral
2021
Degree
Doctor of Information Technology (D.I.T.)
School
Information Systems and Technology
Advisor
Steven Case
Abstract
The Internet of Things (IoT) has been exploited as a threat vector for cyberattacks in manufacturing environments. Manufacturing industry leaders are concerned with cyberattacks because of the associated costs of damages and lost production for their organizations. Grounded in the general systems theory, the purpose of this multiple case study was to explore strategies electrical controls engineers use to implement secure IoT devices in manufacturing environments. The study participants were eight electrical controls engineers working in three separate manufacturing facilities located in the Midwest region of the United States. The data were collected by semistructured interviews and 15 organizational documents. Data were analyzed using methodological triangulation to identify codes and themes. Four themes emerged: (a) a collaborative work environment, (b) employ existing cybersecurity practices, (c) adequate resources must exist to maintain security, and (d) learning and education. One recommendation for controls engineers is to embrace life-long learning, as technology is ever-changing. The implications for positive social change include the potential to improve manufacturing efficiencies and profits, thereby enhancing community support by manufacturing companies and increased wages and benefits for their employees.
Recommended Citation
Hernandez, Todd Efrain, "Strategies for Implementing Internet of Things Devices in Manufacturing Environments" (2021). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 10500.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/10500
