Elevating Cybersecurity in a Manufacturing Company: A Strategic Approach to Unified Security Practices

Needs And Requirements:

As the company expanded globally and diversified its operations, it faced the challenge of standardizing disparate data security practices. The increased connectivity between manufacturing sites and operations has significantly expanded both the Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) cyber threat landscapes. Recognizing a rise in sophisticated cyberattacks targeting the manufacturing sector, the company identified a critical need for robust cybersecurity measures. Vulnerabilities in IT and OT interfaces could lead to severe disruptions, impacting business continuity. To mitigate these risks, the company sought a specialized service provider to continuously monitor its IT and OT environments, detect cyber threats, and strengthen overall cybersecurity resilience.

Main Challenges:

• Standardization of Security Practices: With company growth through acquisitions, varying approaches to data security across different regions needed to be unified.
• Evolving Cyber Threat Landscape: Increased internet connectivity in manufacturing heightened the risks of cyberattacks, requiring advanced security measures to protect both IT and OT systems.
• Operational and Financial Risks: Potential exploits in IT interfaces could lead to significant operational disruptions and financial losses, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring and rapid threat response.

Solution:

• Governance, Risk & Compliance: Hitachi Cyber established data governance frameworks that guided businesses towards achieving ISO27001 certification. These frameworks also ensured GDPR compliance, thereby securing critical data across all operations.
• Virtual CISO & Advisory Services: Hitachi Cyber offered expert advice and strategic guidance tailored to meet business objectives. This included ensuring compliance with industry standards and enhancing security protocols.
• 24/7 Managed Security Services: Hitachi Cyber provided comprehensive 24/7 threat monitoring through their Security Operations Centers (SOC). These SOCs are staffed with dedicated, certified experts who promptly detect and respond to cyber threats. In the event of a security breach, these experts intervened promptly to isolate and contain the threat, minimizing the impact on business operations and ensuring a rapid recovery. The SOC service was swiftly implemented across multiple sites, offering extensive coverage at a significantly lower cost than developing an equivalent internal security operation, enhancing both operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Outcomes:

The implementation of 24/7 Managed Security Services has significantly improved the company’s security posture. By integrating advanced monitoring and proactive threat detection, the organization has strengthened its defenses against the evolving cyber threat landscape. This strategic approach has not only helped in segregating IT and OT systems to ensure continuity of operations but also in understanding and mitigating risk exposure effectively.

Next Steps:

To maintain robust security measures, Hitachi Cyber will continue to provide 24/7 monitoring of the client’s systems, ensuring immediate response to any potential threats. As the client’s business expands, Hitachi Cyber will also increase the scope of surveillance and protection to cover new areas of operation, aligning cybersecurity efforts with business growth. Furthermore, the ongoing pursuit of ISO 27001 certifications will be a priority, reinforcing our commitment to upholding international standards in information security management.