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> Cybersecurity for Manufacturing
Cipher is a trusted partner to companies that manufacture goods for both the public and government.
Manufacturers are a key component of the global economy and supply chain. They take raw material and inputs and make finished goods for the market. In the United States alone, there are over 200,000 manufacturing firms. Multinational manufacturers employ thousands and have complex systems to run. Small manufacturers might employ just a few and produce very niche items. Regardless of how large a company is, cybersecurity should be a part of the organization.
Downtime in manufacturing equals lost money. As such, keeping machines up and running is paramount. Ransomware is often the cause of manufacturing outages.
Data breaches often go hand-in-hand with ransomware, as the criminals threaten to leak data if money is not paid.
According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the average cost of a data breach was $3.92 million in 2019. A breach often can lead to shutting the doors for smaller manufacturers.
Proactive monitoring, patching and testing of all digital systems within a manufacturer is the solution to the threat. Monitoring by analysts is possible 24×7 by using a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) like Cipher. Making sure employees are aware of cybersecurity best practices is also important. Humans can be the weak link in a cyberattack.
Cipher helps manufacturing companies:
Secure IoT Devices
Cipher helps manufacturing companies secure all devices that are connected to the Internet.
Machines today often incorporate devices that are connected to the Internet, known as IoT (Internet of Things) devices. These can range from tiny sensors to track movement to sophisticated computers powering 3D printers. The devices can even support life-supporting equipment or components that keep hazards at bay. These IoT devices have characteristics that make them vulnerable to falling victim of a malicious attack. Updating and patching them is more complex than with PCs. The devices might even be using default credentials. Securing these devices and ensuring their data is accurate is possible with Cipher services and knowledge.
Maintain Compliance with DoD CMMC
Cipher helps companies that produce parts for the government with cybersecurity.
The US Department of Defense Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) has requirements for companies to follow if they want to do business. Companies are subject to different controls based on their size. The requirements range from basic cyber hygiene to having advanced protection in place. The regulation adds to the guidance from DFARS 7012. Manufacturers who want to work with the US Government need to take these requirements seriously and get certified when required. In the future, other government agencies might require CMMC certification as well. We recently recorded a podcast on the topic.
Manage Supply Chain Cybersecurity Risk
Cipher helps manufacturing companies detect and mitigate risks from suppliers and partners.
Manufacturers rely on partners and other companies to produce their products. This relationship could involve both physical devices being incorporated into the products, and the corresponding digital connections to track delivery of products or other reasons. These connections to the outside present what is called a supply chain cybersecurity risk. A connection into your environment represents a risk for exploitation. If a component of an overall part is compromised, then the whole device can be attacked. For manufacturers, this means that partners must be vetted for their security practices. In addition, security systems like firewalls can be used to ensure safety.
