A network of distributed manufacturing facilities struggled with a patchwork of legacy security systems and siloed security efforts across departments. This fragmented approach jeopardized the overall security posture and made them susceptible to cyberattacks.
Careful Security implemented a cloud-first security strategy:
- Security assessment and modernization: Conducted a comprehensive assessment to identify vulnerabilities in existing legacy systems and recommended modernization efforts.
- Centralized security architecture: Established a centralized, cloud-based security platform to unify security controls and provide real-time visibility across the entire network.
- Network segmentation: Segmented the network to limit the potential impact of a breach, preventing a single point of failure from compromising the entire system.
- Industrial IoT (IIoT) security: Implemented robust security measures to protect Industrial IoT devices from unauthorized access and manipulation.
The manufacturing network achieved a unified and scalable security posture. The cloud-based architecture facilitated centralized management and offered real-time threat intelligence to proactively address security risks. Upgraded legacy systems and network segmentation minimized the attack surface and prevented lateral movement within the network in case of a breach.
Manufacturing clients face these challenges:
- Legacy systems: Many manufacturing facilities rely on outdated systems with known security vulnerabilities. These systems are often difficult and expensive to patch or replace, making them prime targets for cyberattacks.
- Supply chain attacks: Cybercriminals may target a manufacturer’s suppliers or partners to gain access to their systems and ultimately infiltrate the manufacturer’s network.
- Operational technology (OT) attacks: Manufacturing operations increasingly rely on internet-connected OT systems to control and monitor industrial processes. These systems are vulnerable to cyberattacks that can disrupt production, cause physical damage, or even endanger worker safety.
According to a recent report by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), OT attacks on critical infrastructure, including manufacturing, have increased significantly in 2023 and 2024 (you can update this number if you find a recent statistic).
Some of the regulatory requirements considered for this case were:
NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF): Provides voluntary guidelines for improving cybersecurity posture.
Sector-specific regulations: Certain manufacturing sectors may have additional cybersecurity requirements depending on the industry and the type of data handled (e.g., defense contractors, and healthcare device manufacturers).