The mindset shift: from reaction to strategic redundancy
Remote access and update channels are valuable for maintenance, but they also create potential shutdown paths. The task is not to remove connectivity altogether but to build systems that remain functional if remote control is lost.
Strategic redundancy means recognising that certificates, compliance marks and normal assurance processes offer limited protection when it comes to kill switches. It means preparing for the possibility that some devices may fail or be disabled through deliberate kill-switch activation by the manufacturer or other adversary, connectivity loss or manufacturer-controlled commands. It means investing in proactive design based on these assumptions to strengthen resilience without limiting functionality.
Practical steps for leaders: your resilience plan