24/7 Managed Security Services for a Metropolitan Bus Transportation Company

Needs And Requirements:

This transportation company required a robust cybersecurity solution to ensure the safety and integrity of its electronic transactions processed through fare vending machines and recharging terminals. With a primary goal to meet PCI DSS compliance requirements, the company sought a Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) to implement a comprehensive monitoring system. This system was required to provide real-time visibility into cybersecurity threats, ensuring timely detection and remediation. Additionally, the company needed support in handling file integrity monitoring, a non-core competency, to enhance their cybersecurity posture and maintain compliance.

Main Challenges:

1. Secure Corporate IT Assets: The company needed to protect its IT infrastructure from vulnerabilities and intrusions that could compromise sensitive data and disrupt operations.
2. Meet PCI DSS Compliance: Ensuring annual compliance with PCI DSS standards was critical to maintaining the security of monetary transactions and avoiding penalties.
3. Executive Reporting: The company required detailed and accurate reports on cybersecurity findings to keep the executive team informed and support decision-making.
4. 24/7 Infrastructure Monitoring: Continuous monitoring was essential to promptly detect and respond to threats, relieving the in-house IT security team and allowing them to focus on strategic initiatives.

Solution:

1. 24/7 Managed Security Services (MSS): The transportation company issued a Request for Proposal and selected Hitachi Cyber to provide comprehensive 24/7 Managed Detection and Response services. Hitachi Cyber continuously monitored and managed internal and external threats. Tailored workflows were created to meet the company’s specific threat management requirements. Hitachi Cyber’s certified Information Security Analysts, operating from advanced Security Operations Centers, identified, validated, and escalated threats to the company’s IT staff for corrective actions. Monthly executive reports and regular onsite visits were conducted to ensure consistent monitoring and improvement of the company’s security posture.
2. Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC): Hitachi Cyber assisted in managing PCI DSS compliance requirements, ensuring that the company met all necessary standards. Regular risk assessments were conducted to identify potential vulnerabilities, with strategies implemented to mitigate these risks. Hitachi Cyber helped develop and implement comprehensive security policies and procedures aligned with industry standards. Ongoing training and awareness programs were provided to ensure that all employees understood their roles in maintaining compliance and security.

Outcomes:

With Hitachi Cyber’s managed services, the transportation company achieved significant improvements in their cybersecurity measures. The 24/7 MSS team facilitated quicker reaction times to security incidents, enhancing the overall security posture. The implementation of a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system made PCI DSS annual audits more manageable through detailed audit trails. Furthermore, by increasing the signal-to-noise ratio, the company’s IT staff could focus on critical issues, thus optimizing resource allocation. The continuous monitoring and tailored reporting provided valuable insights, helping the company exceed industry security standards and achieve operational efficiencies.

Next Steps:

Looking ahead, the transportation company plans to expand its monitoring capabilities by integrating additional tools to cover a broader range of potential threats. They will enhance employee training by conducting regular cybersecurity sessions for in-house staff to improve internal threat detection capabilities. Regular system updates will be ensured to keep cybersecurity protocols current and effective against new and emerging threats. The company will continue its collaboration with Hitachi Cyber to fine-tune security processes and maintain compliance with evolving PCI DSS standards. This ongoing partnership will help the company stay ahead of cybersecurity challenges and maintain a strong security posture.