What is a primary goal of isolating a manufacturing network from external communication?

The primary goal of isolating a manufacturing network from external communication is to prevent unauthorized access and vulnerabilities. This practice involves segmenting the network to protect sensitive systems from external threats and potential attacks. By isolating the manufacturing environment, organizations can control the data flow, limit exposure to malicious entities, and create a more secure operational landscape.

Manufacturing networks often manage critical processes and proprietary information, making them attractive targets for cyber threats. If these networks are connected to the internet or unsecured external networks, they become vulnerable to various forms of attack, including malware, ransomware, and data breaches. Isolation thus serves as a protective measure, reducing the attack surface and enhancing the overall security posture.

In contrast, the other choices do not align with the primary objectives of network isolation. Increasing internet connection capacity, ensuring system complexity, or focusing solely on the speed of data transmission does not contribute to the security goals that isolation intends to achieve. The primary focus remains on safeguarding sensitive operations and preventing unauthorized access, making isolation a fundamental strategy in secure architecture for manufacturing networks.