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A Guide To Managed Security Services For Manufacturing Companies
A Guide To Managed Security Services For Manufacturing Companies

A Guide To Managed Security Services For Manufacturing Companies

  • Updated on October 9, 2024
  • /
  • 4 min read

IT is now crucial to the manufacturing sector. This means that manufacturing security has now become a key niche in IT. In particular, it has prompted the growth of managed security services that specialize in the manufacturing sector. Here is a quick guide to what you need to know about them.

Understanding manufacturing security

Here are the five key features that characterize manufacturing security.

Industrial control systems (ICS) vulnerability: Manufacturing environments rely heavily on ICS and operational technology (OT), which often lack robust security features. These systems require specialized security measures to protect against targeted attacks.

Legacy systems integration: Many manufacturing facilities operate with legacy systems that are incompatible with modern security tools. Securing these environments involves creating customized solutions that bridge the gap between old and new technologies without disrupting operations.

High-value intellectual property: Manufacturing companies often hold valuable intellectual property, making them prime targets for industrial espionage. Security measures must focus on safeguarding sensitive designs, trade secrets, and proprietary processes.

Physical and cyber convergence: Manufacturing security involves securing both physical assets (e.g., machinery, production lines) and digital networks. A breach in one can compromise the other, necessitating an integrated approach to security.

Threat landscape: Manufacturing is increasingly targeted by ransomware, supply chain attacks, and insider threats. Security solutions must address these specific risks with advanced threat detection and response capabilities.

Understanding managed security services

Managed security services (MSS) are outsourced cybersecurity solutions provided by specialized firms. Here are the 7 key service elements they generally offer.

24/7 monitoring: Continuous surveillance of networks and systems to detect and respond to threats in real-time, ensuring rapid identification and mitigation of security incidents.

Management of cybersecurity tools: Offers configuration, monitoring, and management of firewalls to protect the network perimeter from unauthorized access and malicious traffic. Deploys technologies like intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) and endpoint detection and response (EDR) to protect against sophisticated cyber threats.

Incident response: Provides structured processes and expert teams to respond quickly to security breaches, minimizing damage and ensuring swift recovery of operations.

Threat intelligence and analysis: Utilizes global threat databases and advanced analytics to identify emerging threats and vulnerabilities, allowing proactive defense strategies against potential attacks.

Vulnerability management: Regular scanning and assessment of systems to identify security weaknesses, followed by patch management and remediation to prevent exploitation.

Security information and event management (SIEM): Aggregates and analyzes security event data from across the organization to detect anomalies, ensure compliance, and facilitate incident investigations.

Compliance management: Ensures adherence to industry-specific regulations and standards through continuous monitoring, reporting, and audit support, reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties.

Benefits of managed security services in manufacturing security

Here are the five key benefits of managed security services in manufacturing security.

Enhanced protection of industrial control systems (ICS)

Managed security services provide specialized protection for ICS and operational technology (OT), which are crucial in manufacturing environments. These systems often run on very old software, making them vulnerable to attacks.

MSS providers implement tailored security measures like network segmentation, intrusion detection, and patch management to safeguard these critical systems from both external threats and insider risks.

Real-time threat detection and response

Manufacturing operations require uninterrupted uptime, making rapid detection and response to threats essential. Managed security services offer 24/7 monitoring that allows for real-time detection of cyber threats such as ransomware or unauthorized access attempts.

This minimizes the risk of downtime or production halts caused by security incidents. Incident response teams provided by MSS can quickly contain and remediate threats, ensuring minimal impact on manufacturing processes.

Compliance with industry regulations

Manufacturing companies must comply with stringent industry-specific regulations and standards, such as NIST SP 800-82 for ICS security. Managed security services help manufacturers maintain compliance by providing continuous monitoring, regular audits, and detailed reporting.

MSS providers also keep systems updated with the latest security patches and ensure that security practices align with regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties.

Scalability and flexibility

Manufacturing environments often include a mix of legacy and modern systems, each with unique security needs. Managed security services offer scalable solutions that can adapt to the complex and evolving needs of manufacturing facilities.

MSS providers can integrate with existing security infrastructures, enhance protection as new technologies are adopted, and adjust services to match the growth or changes in the manufacturing environment, ensuring consistent security coverage.

Cost efficiency

Implementing and maintaining an in-house security team with the expertise to manage the diverse and evolving threats in manufacturing can be expensive. Managed security services provide cost-effective access to advanced security technologies and expert teams without the need for significant capital investment.

This allows manufacturers to allocate resources more effectively. Their in-house staff can focus on core production activities while the MSS ensures robust security measures are in place to protect against cyber threats.

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